Nail Fungus Help

Nail fungus affects approximately 12 percent of all Americans, according to some statistics.  It can be an inherited condition, and it is more common in men than women.  Persons over the age of 60 are more prone to the disease.  There are many types of toenail fungus cures; some are by prescription and some are home remedies that have worked for other people.  Below is a sampling of a few home remedies.

NATURAL HOME REMEDIES

Tea tree oil is often recommended because of its properties as a fungicide and ability to act as an antiseptic.  It fights fungus using natural methods.  Among the recommended ways to use tea tree oil is to include olive oil and apply it to the toenail (or fingernail) that is infected.  Another usage suggests putting a few drops of tea tree oil directly on the toenail and rubbing it in.

Lavender oil and tea tree oil offers a blend from the lavender oil that will help fight off infection and also soothe the skin area to ease any irritation.  Use a cotton swab or cotton ball and put like amounts of both substances on the swab or ball.  Touch the affected toenail and surrounding edges of the toe with the oiled cotton instrument approximately two or three times per day until you see improvement. Between the nail fungus cures of lavender oil and the tea tree oil, the mixture will provide an antibiotic and an infection fighter.

Apple cider vinegar, along with warm water, is another option that many believe has merit.  You simply combine the natural apple cider vinegar with warm water in a basin or tub and soak your nails for approximately 15 to 20 minutes.  After soaking, ensure you dry your feet and toenails completely.  You can even use a warm hair dryer to make sure all the moisture has been removed from the site.

Listerine mouthwash is an antiseptic that can be used as a cure to fight nail infections as well as bad breath germs.  Pour some Listerine in a tub or basin and soak your toes in it.  Listerine is a strong antiseptic and should bring an appearance of glowing health to your toenails, along with fighting the fungal infection.

Oregano and olive oil is another herbal combination of nail fungus cures that can work wonders to rid your nails of a fungal infection.  The suggested use is to take two drops of Oregano oil, mix it with a teaspoon of olive oil, and apply to the affected area with a cotton ball or cotton swab.  The essential oil of Oregano has properties that are related to antiseptic and antibacterial virtues.  Do not practice this remedy for more than three weeks as the Oregano has strong properties.

The Right Diet Can Help
Eating the right foods and giving your body the proper nutrition it requires is important in the healing aspects of treatment for nearly all ailments.  Since nail fungus is basically a form of bad bacteria, you can counteract that by eating more good bacteria, or probiotics.  Yogurt and kefir are examples of foods containing good bacteria.  Extract of olive leaf also works well within your body’s system to promote anti-fungal properties.  Besides the good bacteria that you should try to take in, you should try to reduce your intake of dairy products, vinegar, and refined sugar.

Whether you choose to try a home remedy or seek professional help, conscientious knowledge of the condition of your toenails and fingernails can lead to more discriminate care of these vital parts of your body.