Toenail fungus, known as onychomycosis, is an infection that affects the nails. It usually gets through the nail’s cracks and on the cracks of the skin. Usually, a foot that is infected with toenail fungus changes in color and became visibly thicker. The discoloration of nails could vary from brown, white, or yellow. Also, this fungal infection could spread, causing the nails to crack and thicken. If left untreated, the infection could affect other toenails, your skin, and even your fingernails.
Some of the traditional prescriptions for toenail fungus are oral antifungals like fluconazole and terbinafine. Although these treatments were effective, they may also cause some severe side-effects like dizziness, stomachache, skin problems, and jaundice.
According to the study, men are most likely to have toenail fungus than women. Also, the higher chance of acquiring this infection depends on the person’s age. As one gets older, the higher chance that a person could develop toenail fungus. Aside from that, people that smoke, has diabetes, have a weak immune system, and an athlete’s foot also tends to have a high risk of getting this infection. Moreover, if one spends a lot of time in the water or has an injured toenail, the odds of getting the fungal infection is also high.
Since this infection has the possibility to look like other conditions like psoriasis, one should go to the doctor to properly diagnose the condition. The process of removing this infection may include scraping the affected part to assess what has been causing the infection.
However, there are some popular and effective home remedies you could try if you have a toenail fungus.
Oregano Oil
Study shows that the oregano oil contains thymol, a natural monoterpenoid. This thymol has anti-bacterial and antifungal properties that could help to treat the toenail fungal infection. In treating the foot, one could apply the oregano oil in the affected area at least twice a day using a cotton swab. Most people also use tea tree oil along with oregano oil. However, both could also have allergens that could cause irritations.
Vicks VapoRub
Vicks is a topical ointment that has camphor and eucalyptus oil that may help in treating toenail fungus. In fact, a recent study shows that Vicks is a clinically effective treatment for this type of fungal infection. You may apply Vick VapoRub in the affected area once a day.
Listerine
Listerine has ingredients like thymol, eucalyptus, and menthol. These three also have an anti-bacterial property that could be a remedy for toenail fungus. According to the supporters of this claim, it is recommended to soaked the foot with infections on a basin of Listerine, thirty minutes a day.
Garlic
Garlic has been proven to contain anti-microbial and antifungal properties. In treating the infection using garlic, crushed or chop the garlic cloves and apply them to the affected area. Do this for about 30 minutes daily.
Vinegar
Although no medical proof could attest to the effectiveness of vinegar as a treatment for such infection, it is one of the reasonable home remedies one could try to treat toenail fungal infection. To do this, soak the affected area in one part of vinegar concentrated with two parts of water. Do this for about twenty minutes a day.
The home remedies suggested above may be considered effective than the prescriptive medications, but the scientific evidence supporting these claims are also few. One important thing to note is that it is still more important to see your doctor in order to treat such cases. Also, if you have diabetes or a weak immune system, you must not try these home remedies and go straight to the doctor for appropriate action. As well as that, if you have diabetes, this fungal infection could lead to other severe foot problems if left untreated.
Severe cases of toenail fungal infection could also cause pain. With that, if you have tried home remedies and have caused side-effects, you must consult your doctor. On the other hand, once the home treatment has been effective, keep your toenails clean and well-trimmed to avoid the infection from recurring.