Nail Fungus Home Remedy - Effective Natural Solutions

Fungal infection of nails is one unpleasant site to see, and can be painful as well. It can also have a psychological effect because of the unattractive appearance, and also in advance cases, it can give out a repulsive smell especially when the toenails are involved. This type of infection, also called as Onychomyosis, occurs when dermatophytes, a group of fungus, infests the skin surrounding the nails. It can either affect the nails on the hands or on the feet, and in some cases, both.  If left unattended, infection can spread deeper into nail beds, which gives of its classic appearance of a yellowish-colored, crumbled, hardened and brittle nails. The Candida families of fungus, as well as, nondermatophytic molds, are the causative agents mostly responsible for nail fungal infections in hot and humid countries. However, a nail fungus home remedy is not hard to find and you can use ordinary household items at your very own home as excellent home remedies.

Prevention is easy though. All it needs is some proper personal hygiene practices. Fungus strive well  on a moist and humid environment. Toenail infection is more prevalent because moisture is mostly retained on the feet due to improper footwear and contact with the floor. It is always important to remember to keep your feet clean and dry. Trim your nails straight and short. Wear cotton stocks that absorb moisture from sweat and perspiration. Do not wear shoes that are too tight or have poor ventilation. It is recommended to use sandals or any footwear that allows the feet to be dry all the time. Onychomyosis has a very high communicability rate. It can spread easily from person to person. Thus, sharing of personal stuffs like towels, socks and sandals are highly discourage. Public baths like swimming pools and showers are suitable places for the spread of the infection. If these situations cannot be avoided, always remember to clean the nails thoroughly with antiseptic soap and water, and pat it dry right after.

Oral medications can be prescribed but often they come with side effects and can cost a lot of money. As an alternative, ordinary household items at home can also be used to treat nail fungal infection.

Soak your feet or fingernails in a basin full of warm water mixed with equal parts of Apple Cider  Vinegar for 30 minutes, for twice a day, preferably in the morning and one at night. Once done, pat it clean and dry.

If you prefer distilled vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar, then it is fine. Before drenching your feet, make sure that you use the same proportion of distilled vinegar and warm water. Soak your feet for about 10 minutes, twice a day. If you wish to make it longer, you can do so for about 30 minutes. Remember to keep your feet clean and dry always.

Natural plant oils like lavender oil, oregano oil (thyme oil) and tea tree oil have strong antiseptic attributes. They are very useful against bacteria and a known nail fungus home remedy. Before going to bed, apply in full strength with  olive oil or combine them together with olive oil. Leave the mixture overnight. Oregano oil should be use only for 3 weeks.

Listerine and Vicks Vapor Rub contain a potent antiseptic substance called Thymol as one their ingredients. Soak the nails with Listerine in a pan for at least 20 minutes, two times daily. You can even use it with apple cider vinegar. Apply Vicks Vapor Rub on the nails, leave it for 30 minutes, and then clean it dry.

Remember that treating nail fungus at home with these ordinary household items do not work with a magical snap of a finger. It takes least 3 months to see maximum results, since fungus is embedded deep with the nails. It takes time for new and fully rejuvenated nails to grown out. But with patience and persistence, your nail fungus home remedy will show you steady improvements in appearance and texture in just a few weeks, until new and sleek nails will gradually start to appear.