Nail Fungus Home Remedies

Nail fungus is a condition that affects many millions worldwide and can be difficult to treat. Prescription oral medications like terbinafine, fluconazole, and itraconazole can have harsh and serious side effects, and over the counter products tend to be ineffective except in the mildest cases. Fortunately, because so many people suffer from nail fungal infections, over the centuries resourceful nail fungal sufferers have concocted dozens of home remedies that are safe, often effective and have been used to treat for many years. Of course, as with most home remedies, not every treatment will work for everyone, and there is certainly no one universal cure for nail fungal infections. However, many people swear by them, and these traditional remedies are often inexpensive and easy to produce at home. Here are some of the most common home remedies for nail fungal infections:

Tea tree oil:

All Australians will be familiar with this product, and it is by far the most popular home remedy for nail fungal infections. It originates from Australia, where indigenous tribes have used it for hundreds of years for many purposes, including soothing scrapes, cuts, and to treat acne. Now, it has also gained popularity as a fungicide. Tea tree oil naturally possesses an anti-fungal property in its chemical make up, making it the natural choice to treat nail fungus.

For best results, just use a few drops of undiluted tea tree oil on the affected area. Don't use more than a few drops at once because tea tree oil is very strong. Place a few drops on the affected nail and rub it in with a clean tissue, q-tip, or cotton ball. You can also mix a few drops of tea tree oil with olive oil for easier application and a moisturizing effect.

Apple Cider Vinegar with water:

Apple cider vinegar (and even ordinary household vinegar) has long been known as a well-known cure-all, and is reputed to cure nail fungus. Pour equal parts apple cider vinegar and warm water into a basin. Soak your nails (either toenails, fingernails, or



both) in the basin for about 15 minutes. When you are done soaking, make sure to dry your hands and feet completely.

Oregano and olive oil:

Oregano oil has been put forward as a very effective essential oil that can be used to treat nail fungal infections. Simply combine two or three drops of Oregano oil with a teaspoon of olive oil. Use this mixture on the affected areas.

Listerine mouthwash:

It may sound strange, but try dunking your fingers or toes in mouthwash to treat or athlete's foot! Many people swear by the ability of Listerine mouthwash to cure their nail fungal infections. Simply soak your fingernails or toenails in it for a few minutes. Listerine is a strong antiseptic, and it makes sense that it would help get rid of bacteria and fungi.

Lavender oil: Another well-known cure-all. Dab a few drops of lavender oil on your nails to soothe your skin and fight infections. More effective if you put a few drops of tea tree oil into the mix.

Other remedies:

Another home remedy that originated in a doctor's recommendation is the use of a Clorox solution to treat nail fungus. You can also take garlic in your food daily to prevent nail fungus. Vick's Vaporub is a modern product that is rumoured can be used to treat nail fungus.

Alpha Hydroxyl Acid creams:

Not really a remedy, but a preventative. These creams are as a rule used to exfoliate dry, aging skin or to treat acne. But AHA creams can also be used to strip away the dry and rough skin around your toenails. This dry scaly skin is unhealthy as well as unsightly and can make you more prone to a fungal infection. Keeping your skin healthy and smooth can go a long way towards protecting you against nail fungus.

Here are some more nail fungus articles...