Nail fungus: home remedies and their application

nail-fungus-home-remedies-and-their-application

Nail fungus can spread quickly and must be treated. Here we explain you which home remedies can help against nail fungus.

Nail Fungus: What is it?

Toenail fungus (onychomycosis) is a fungal disease that can spread to toenails or fingernails. If nothing is done against the fungal infection, fitting nails or even the skin can become infected. Who has nail fungus, also runs the risk of getting athlete’s foot, while conversely foot fungus promotes the development of nail fungus. This is due to the fact that both diseases are caused by the same pathogens (dermatophytes = filamentous fungi). A quick treatment is therefore the A & O!

Nail fungus: symptoms

That’s what you recognize nail fungus:

  • Nails are brittle, lackluster and dull
  • Nail plate is thickened
  • The nails show white, yellow or brownish spots
  • Nail edges are covered with white or yellow spots

Nail fungus: treatment

In the treatment of nail fungus, a distinction between an external and internal treatment and between medical and home remedies .

Nail fungus: medical means

  • Medical Lacquers: These agents are only applicable if the nail growth zone is not affected. The varnish is applied to the nail and acts as an antifungal agent (against fungal diseases) directly in place. The anti-fungal varnishes are available in a water-soluble and waterproof version in the pharmacy.
  • Tablets: The combined treatment with tablets and paints is necessary when the nail growth zone is affected. The tablets act on the bloodstream and kill the nail fungus pathogens from the inside, while the paint works from the outside.

Nail fungus: home remedies

Against nail fungus are some home remedies known. Often, however, the home remedies do not come close enough to the origin of the fungus, as they can not penetrate sufficiently into the nail plate. Therefore, their effect can develop only conditionally.

If mistreated, the fungus can spread rapidly, so medical treatment should be your first choice. Nevertheless, home remedies can be an accompanying and supportive therapy for nail fungus. To date, however, scientific studies are lacking in their effectiveness.

  • Vinegar: Due to its acidity (at least 5 percent), vinegar works against nail fungus because the fungus needs a basic or neutral environment to grow. The home remedy can be used in a foot bath or as a solution for spotting against nail fungus. For the foot bath water (warm) and vinegar are mixed in the ratio 1: 1 and the feet are bathed in it for 10 to 15 minutes. If a foot bath is not possible, the nail can also be dabbed directly with a cotton pad or clean cloth. Also, apple cider vinegar has proven itself in the fight against nail fungus. It can be applied directly or applied in foot bath with water (ratio 1: 4).
  • Essigessenz:  You must be careful with the essence, as it can lead to skin irritation due to its high acidity. For a footbath we recommend a ratio of 1:10 with water.
  • Baking soda: Baking soda can be used in various fields of application and should also show effect against nail fungus. For the powder comes after showering either directly on the affected area or is diluted with a little water applied. 
  • Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil has an antifungal effect and therefore can be used as a remedy for nail fungus. Apply a few drops three to four times a day on a cotton ball and dab the nail. Caution: Tea tree oil can also lead to contact eczema!
  • Lemon: Even lemon is to help as a home remedy for nail fungus. Apply the fresh lemon juice with a cotton swab in the morning and in the evening and keep the procedure for several weeks. 
  • Medicinal plants: In phytotherapy (herbal medicine) herbal teas or foot baths from calendula flowers, sage leaves, turmeric root, cinnamon and rosemary leaves are recommended for the treatment of nail fungus.
  • Garlic: Garlic should also be effective against nail fungus. The affected area is rubbed several times a day with it.
  • Toothpaste: Toothpaste is also a cheap remedy that is already present in every household. The toothpaste is applied regularly to the affected area and should be antifungal by the contained fluorine.