Is It Possible To Eliminate Nail Fungus With Natural Remedies?

Nail fungus is unsightly and very annoying. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent them through the practice of good life habits, among which the implementation of hygiene and personal care measures stand out. For example, drying your feet thoroughly after bathing is a simple habit that goes a long way toward preventing foot infections.

The appearance of nail fungus or onychomycosis is a contagious infection of the nail surface. It is usually painless, but nails are abnormal in texture, thickness, and color. Thus, the nails take a yellowish or whitish color. They also become thicker and more brittle than normal. This condition can occur in both the toenails and the fingernails.

Although they are not dangerous, fungi do generate many discomforts and can even affect a person’s self-esteem, for aesthetic reasons.

Although it is true that the best remedy is always prevention, once the infection occurs it is convenient to know what can be done and at what point it is advisable to consult with the doctor.

Natural remedies to eliminate nail fungus

Nail fungus is a problem that should not be treated with natural remedies in the first instance, as this can backfire. Especially when they cause pain, thickening and deformity in the nails.

When the infection is mild and does not cause discomfort, treatment is usually not necessary. On the other hand, when it is painful and causes other symptoms, you have to go to the doctor for a check-up, diagnosis and proper treatment.

In addition to prescribing a specific treatment, it is possible that the professional authorizes the use of a natural remedy, as a complement, however, he will emphasize the importance of maintaining good hygiene over the application of the remedy.

The following natural remedies are some of the most talked about options. However, this does not mean that they are 100% effective or foolproof.

1. Tea tree oil

Despite the lack of evidence on its good results on the infected nail, it is not dangerous. As long as we do not ingest it, its antibacterial use seems to be good for alleviating problems such as acne or excess dandruff, as pointed out by Mayo Clinic experts.

To apply it, you must first wash your feet before applying the oil, keeping them in warm water for 20 minutes. Dry them well, then cut and file the nail to eliminate the damaged part. Next, soak a sterile cotton ball soaked in tea tree oil and apply it to the nail bed and around the edges of the nail.

Place a clean gauze over the soaked cotton. In this way the contact of the oil with the affected nail is maintained. It should be applied for at least an hour and the process repeated twice a day. This treatment will continue until the fungi have disappeared.

2. Oil of oregano

Oregano oil is said to have antibacterial and antifungal properties due to its thymol content. For this reason, it has been considered as an option to treat foot fungus.

It is said that you have to rub a few drops of oregano oil on the affected nail two or three times a day. This is a strong product, which is why it is advisable to consult your doctor before proceeding with its application, especially if you have a skin disorder (dermatitis, psoriasis, etc.).

3. Vinegar

Many people believe that soaking your feet in vinegar can eliminate toenail fungus. However, a study published in 2015 indicates that the use of vinegar has not been shown to have any effect in cases of onychomycosis. Therefore, it does not endorse the antibacterial capacity of vinegar.

To prepare it, you would mix one part vinegar and two parts water. Your feet should be soaked in the mixture for a few minutes a day. In case of irritation, we should consult a specialist, as it could be due to an allergic reaction.

4. Infusion Pau d’Arco

You should prepare an infusion with a Pau d’Arco tea bag and let it rest for about 10 minutes. Afterwards, the wet tea bag should be applied directly to the affected nail. We will let it act for a few minutes and then we will dry the feet very well with a towel.

To consider

If the doctor authorizes it, it is possible to use the remedies mentioned above as part of the care routine to eliminate nail fungus. Remember that in some cases, they may be necessary, but not in others. Everything will depend on the cause and severity of the problem.