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Toenail fungus or Onychomycosis is fungal infection in the nail that is caused by micro-organisms. These micro-organisms are the fungi that hide in moist and warm dark places. This infection shows up under the nails.
The fungi that infects the toenails are the fungus that causes the same infection in the fingernails. The infected nail becomes discolored, flaked, brittle and hard. This causes a tremendous amount of pain in the nails but cannot be felt while it is still in its developing stage. Pain is usually felt at the latter part when it is fully developed, that is why it is rarely being cured in its earlier stage.
People who have this infection feel embarrassed as it emits bad odor and thus giving an impression of having a poor hygiene. Areas below and surrounding the nails are the best place for this fungus to mutate. It also thrives in damp places like pools and gyms. The common victims of this fungus are those who do not have a good feet hygiene, constant wear of tight footwear that causes the nail to be susceptible to breakage, abnormal skin pH level, leaving the feet wet after taking a bath or exercising, open wounds or cracks in the nail that will provide a good entry to the fungus and low immune system. It is highly advised not to wear the same shoes everyday and to let the shoes fully dry out before wearing them again.
Since this infection causes no pain in its early stage, it is hard to detect that the fungus is already starting to damage the nails. Common symptoms are having nails that are chipped, brittle, flaky, discolored with dark spots starting from yellow to black, thickening of the nails, misshapen nails, bad smell, rough nail edges, pain that is felt usually when wearing tight closed shoes and when walking and nails starting to fall off. You for sure want to get anything like the above handled right away or else you will run into a lot of problems.
There are benefits to toenail fungus remedies. Also, this infection can be cured with the doctor’s expertise or by using toenail fungal home remedies, which is more comfortable and of course less expensive. Here are some of the most effective toenail fungus home remedies that can be tried as soon as the signs are beginning to show:
* Vinegar
In a basin or bucket, put an equal amount of water and apple cider vinegar. Any vinegar can be used if apple cider is not available. Soak feet in it and make sure that the infected toenails are fully covered by the solution. Let them stay in that way for 20 to 30 minutes. Then, wipe feet thoroughly with a clean towel and let it air dry to make sure there are no areas with moisture left. Repeat this procedure twice a day until the infection has totally vanished.
* Onion
Get one head of onion. Peel it and cut into small to medium slices. Rub the onion slices all over the infected toenails. Do this at once in a day to kill the fungus.
* Alcohol
Soak the infected toenails in grain alcohol at least two times daily for 20 to 30 minutes per session. Wipe feet using a clean and dry towel until feet are completely dried.
* Tea Tree Oil
Dip a ball of cotton in tea tree oil. Rub a cotton ball into the infected nails. Do this 2 to 3 times daily. Tea tree oil has an antiseptic and anti fungal property.
* Turmeric Powder
Create a paste that is a mixture of water and turmeric powder. Apply the paste on to the infected nails and make sure that they are fully covered. Let the paste dry before rinsing. Rinse it thoroughly and wipe feet with a clean and dry towel until no moisture is felt. Be careful of staining.
These home remedies for toenail fungus are worth trying. Most homes have all of the above ingredients. If one doesn’t work you can always use the next one. Also the price of these nail fungus cures is minimal. You can’t even buy a cream for less than $5. Also, you can use these above as home remedy for nail fungus.
The best toenail fungus home remedies are to treat infection by keeping away from its causes. If using public gyms, shower, pools and bathroom cannot be avoided, make sure that you properly clean your feet after using these facilities. The other thing you may want to do if you have to go in these places is to not go barefoot. Make sure you invest in shower shoes. That is another way to protect your self. But still, having good hygiene habits is the best defense in keeping the nails healthy.
