Toenail Fungus Home Remedies, Causes, Symptoms, Natural Treatment
Are there any Natural cures for Toe nail fungus, what are the symptoms, causes of toenail fungus infection? Can toe nail fungus be cured using any home remedies?
A: Toenail fungus is caused by a fungus called dermatophytes. Toenail fungus can affect your big toe and small toe. Sometimes even your fingers may be affected by this fungus.
The fungus feeds on this keratin and hence there is a likelihood of the fungus spreading. Toenail discoloration and disfigurement your toenails may be caused due to this skin fungus.
symptoms of Toenail Fungus
Q: What are the typical symptoms of toenail fungus? How do I know if my nail is affected by the fungus and is not any other toenail problem? Also, is toe nail fungus contagious?
A: If your nail has become yellow or brown in color and is beginning to hurt, you may be affected by toe nail fungus.
Causes of Toenail Fungus
Q: How does one get toenail fungus? What are the causes of this fungal infection?
A: if your nails are exposed to warmth and moisture for an extended period of time, you may get infected by this fungus. Dermatophytes that cause toenail fungus, reside in areas that are warm, damp and moist for a long time. They thrive under such conditions. They grow and spread fast in such conditions. Sometimes your body’s immune system may be a cause: you may not be getting enough blood circulation in your body that reaches your toes and this may make your toenails more vulnerable to the fungal infection. Its also very contagious so there is a good chance that you catch it from other people you get in contact with, maybe at the swimming pool or other public places.
Toenail fungus risk factors
Q: What are the complications of toe nail fungus? Can it cause any serious harm to our body?
A: In advanced cases, if the fungus is not controlled, it may spread beyond your feet to other parts of the body. If you have a weak immune system, the fungus may spread very fast. If you have diabetes or are under some other medication, your blood circulation may be limited and may cause a problem to your feet.
Prevention of toe nail fungus infection
Q: How can I prevent this dreadful fungal infection?
A: You can certainly do a few basic things to keep the fungus away from your feet (and nails):
- Do not keep your finger nails and toe nails wet.
- Always dry your nails after bath and wash. Wipe between your toes and ensure your feet are dry.
- Keep your nails short and trimmed at all times. If you have a think nail growth, file it and keep it trim.
- Avoid socks made of material that will make your feet sweat and keep them moist. Change your socks regularly if your feet sweat excessively.
- Use anti fungal spray inside your shoes when possible
- Wear shoes in public places – avoid going barefoot
- If you happen to touch an infected nail, wash your hands thoroughly so you do not spread the toenail fungus to other areas of your body.
Home Remedies for Toenail fungus
Q: Are there any home remedies or natural cures for toenail fungus that I can try at home by myself?
A: There are a few widely used home remedies used to cure this toe nail infection:
- Vinegar and warm water soak: Some people have found that soaking their feet in a mixture of vinegar and warm water in the proportion if 1:2 helped them prevent the fungus from spreading. Soak for about 10-15 minutes, 2-3 times a day. After you are done, wipe your feet absolutely dry and throw away the used mixture. Use a new fresh mixture next time to dip your feet
- Using tea tree oil, rub it on the affected area. Tea tree oil has anti fungal properties and may cure toenail fungus (toenail fungus tea tree oil)
- Try soaking your toes in Listerine antiseptic.
- Some people have tried VaporRub and found that is worked. But again, there is no clinical evidence that this cures toe nail fungus. So try with caution after consulting your doctor.
- A mixture of 2 drops of oregano essential oil and a tablespoon of olive oil should be applied to the affected area.
Try these for not more than a couple of days. In fact you must check with your physician before you try these remedies. Some people have claimed they could cure or control toenail fungus using these home remedies – but results may vary from person to person. Good Luck.
Q: What is Onychomycosis? Is this the same as toenail fungus?
A: Onychomycosis is caused by dermatophytes, and is also a fungal infection. Onychomycosis affects the finger nails and toenails most often. Onychomycosis is also known as “Tinea unguium” or Tinea of the nails.
Q: Thanks this was very comprehensive!
I hope to get rid of my toenail fungal infection soon!
5 Responses to “Toenail Fungus Home Remedies, Causes, Symptoms, Natural Treatment”
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66 year old male, doctor says fungus. Could it turn into gangrene.
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Toenail Fungus Treatment Tips
There are a number of toenail problems. I have had this fungal infection about a year ago. Toenail fungus is contagious. I think I caught this fungus from friend of mine who had this infection – I borrowed his socks for a few days. I know he had a this toenail fungus problem. I then had this tea tree oil treatment for my fungus. I had this thick toenail, which really looked pretty ugly. I tried some medicines – but the best home remedies that work worked for my toe nail fungus infection was tea tree oil. I also made sure my feet were never left wet, kept my mails dry. I also keep my nails clipped so there is not much scope for dirt to accumulate under my toe nails. Some other natural ways to control toenail fungus include using olive oil, vapor rub and also spraying shoes with anti fungal sprays before you wear them. Keeping your shoes dry and wearing fresh dry pair of socks each time also help you prevent toenail fungal infection.
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Toenail Fungus is Contagious
I am looking for some home remedies for toenail fungus. I have been infected with this deadly fungus for the last 2 weeks. Earlier I thought it was just my thick toenail and will get fixed. But the nail if beginning to look uglier with each passing day. It’s got that yellowish tinge on the nail and has grown. It’s also a little damp and smelling a bit. Are there are natural ways to treat toenail infection? Is this fungal infection contagious? What should I do to prevent spreading the infection to my family members? Toenail discoloration has also started. Has anyone found a good natural treatment for the toenail problem?
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Greg Montessaro Reply:
May 19th, 2009 at 10:54 pm
Hi Eric:
Toenail fungus causes
Toenail fungus is caused due to contact with other toenails infected with the fungus and also in damp areas like swimming pools, Gymnasiums, and wearing tight unclean socks that may be damp or get damp. You can also catch this if you are wear socks worn by people affected with toe nail infection. It’s very contagious. When you can its best to prevent it. Yo can prevent toe nail fungus infection by making sure you wear aerated socks, clean and dry. Avoid using other people socks. Keep your feet and nail dry and clean. After showers make sure you wipe your nails clean. You must not keep any moisture in your nails area before you wear your socks and shoes. Keep your nails short by trimming them regularly.
Home Remedies for Toenail Fungus
Some home remedies for toenail fungus are:
1. Mix Apple Cider Vinegar and water and heat it up just till it gets warm. Soak your affected feet into this mixture for about 10-15 minutes. Dry your feet clean – you may want to use your hair drier for this purpose. The affected nails must be completely dry. do this for about 3-4 days and see if this has cured your nail infection – or ha it even reduced to a certain extent. If you nail starts looking and felling better you may want to continue with this for some more days till its completely cured. One thing about toenail fungus is that it has to “completely heal” otherwise it will surely make a comeback and affect your toenails again.
2. Mix tea tree oil and lavender oil in equal proportions. Dip cotton swab in this mixture and apply in and around the toenail affected by the fungus. You can do this 2-4 times a day for 3-4 days. Has the toenail infection reduced? If this treatment shows some positive signs of curing the fungus, keep applying this to your affected toenail for a few more days till your fungal infection is completely healed.
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Vicks for toenail fungus treatment
Vick for toenail fungus treatment is the best therapy I have heard of. Just apply vicks vapor rub on the toenail fungus infected area. The toenail starts changing color and haling at the same time. This remedy for toenail fungus with vicks is not only effective in removing the fungus but also cheaper than going to the doctor.
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