It’s not just your skin that may end up with a fungal infection, but your nails too. Between your fingernails and toenails, the latter are the ones that are highly susceptible to the problem. That’s because they provide the dark, warm and moist environment fungi really love. If you have athlete’s foot — an itchy and smelly problem also caused by fungi — it may spread to your toenails and leave them infected too.
A seemingly harmless white or yellowish spot on the tip of a toenail — this is what a toenail fungal infection looks like at the onset. As the infection progresses, that’s when things begin to look ugly. The affected toenail becomes thicker and darker in color. The shape of your nail may change and it’s not unlikely for it to crack. There are instances wherein the nail may actually get detached from the bed. Needless to say, this can cause a lot of discomfort
Do nothing to the infected nail and the problem will surely spread to your other toenails. Until you carry out the necessary action to put a stop to this malady, those fungi will continue to multiply and damage your toenails. A full-blown toenail fungal infection will certainly keep you from being able to wear slippers and open-toed footwear with confidence and pride.
Taking the necessary steps to manage the problem as soon as you notice its presence can save you from putting up with an embarrassing and oftentimes painful crisis. The following are some of the most effective all-natural solutions to such kind of fungal infection. Read on to know 3 of the best.
Coconut Oil
One of the simplest ways to fight off a toenail fungal infection is by rubbing coconut oil on the problem areas. This healthy and deliciously flavored healthy oil can be easily purchased at most supermarkets and health food stores.
All you have to do is apply coconut oil on the affected toenails about a couple of times daily. Do not wash it off in order to allow the oil’s potent antifungal capabilities to work wonders. In case you are also bugged by athlete’s foot, go ahead and massage coconut oil on parts of your feet where the characteristic signs of fungal infection are present, such as peeling and cracked skin, blisters and dry patches.
Tea Tree Oil
A very powerful antifungal agent nature has to offer is tea tree oil. Actually, it can deal with all sorts of problems caused by fungi such as dandruff, ringworm and jock itch. Because toenail fungal infections and other skin conditions involving the multiplication of fungi tend to recur, it’s a good idea to always have a bottle of tea tree oil at home.
Because tea tree oil is so potent, it has to be diluted prior to being applied topically. A teaspoon of it should be mixed with 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil and another 1/2 teaspoon of orange oil. Once thoroughly mixed, you may apply the powerful antifungal solution on the affected nails using a cotton swab. Allow it to stay and dry there.
Alternately, you may fill a small basin with lukewarm water and place 4 to 5 drops of tea tree oil in it. Soak your feet in it for about 15 to 20 minutes.
Vinegar
Fungi cannot stand the acidity of vinegar, and this is the reason why this sour liquid is an effective an all-natural zapper of a nasty toenail fungal infection. Adding some baking soda to vinegar allows for the creation of a foot soak so powerful that it can put an end to that fungal infection in no time.
To get started, fill a small basin with lukewarm water. Add a cup of vinegar in it and immerse your feet there for about 15 minutes. Remove your feet and dump 5 tablespoons of baking soda into the water. Mix and soak your feet in it once more. After 15 minutes, remove and dry your feet completely.
