Toenail Fungus Home Remedies Could Be The Answer

A shoe is the perfect environment for fungus to thrive, it is dark, damp and has very little ventilation. 11% of the humans in North America are infected with a severe infection and many more have a minor infection. Treatment for this infection can become very expensive, trying these toenail fungus home remedies could save you a lot of money.

Preparing the infected nail properly is the vital first step to curing the infection. Cut all of the toenails as short as possible to remove as many hiding spaces for the infection you can. Then thin the nail with a file as much as you possibly can. By decreasing the surface area and thickness the treatment goes through it increases the chances of it working where the true issue is, the nail bed.

The challenge in treating an infection under the nail is getting to it. Decolorized iodine is ideal for this because it is thin enough to absorb into the nail itself. Bleach, peroxide and chlorhexidine gluconate are all way too thick to get under the nail and be an effective treatment.

When looking for a toenail fungus cure don’t go to the medicine cabinet, instead reach for the bottle of mouthwash. Mouthwash mixed 50/50 with vinegar has been proven to kill the infection within three months with daily application. And since vinegar is a natural odor killer and mouthwash has a minty scent your feet will smell great.

Tree oil can also help cure the infection. Simply paint the oil on the toes with a q-tip or small paint brush. To prevent it from spreading to other toes paint those too. Do not cover your feet until they are completely dry. The new nail growing in will be fungus free.

Another treasure in the medicine cabinet for curing fungus is vapor rub combined with hydrogen peroxide. When applied to the feet every night before bedtime the mixture will cure the infection in one year. There is a lot of debate over this treatment because of its thickness.

For those who feel like they are at their last resort there is always urine. Many have claimed that pouring their fresh urine on the infection cured it in a matter of months. Make sure you are using fresh urine, older urine grows bacteria that can cause even worse infections. On the positive side the treatment is free and in abundant supply.

Prevention is the most effective way not to get infected again once you have cured the issue. It will also keep the infection from spreading to other toes. Always wear shoes that allow air to circulate freely, wear only natural fiber socks (they pull moisture from the feet) and remove damp articles as soon as possible. There is also scientific evidence that eating a low sugar diet inhibits fungal growth.

There is no instant cure for a fungal infection, they can take up to a year to be fully effective. For best results practice good foot care and apply the solutions daily. Continue the treatment until the infection is entirely gone to keep it from spreading.

Marie is a foot health professional devoted to toenail fungus remedies. Click here to learn more.