Our nails are a living part of our body. As such, they are prone to infections just like any other part of our body. Nail fungus can be treated by a local nail salon with excellent sterile and hygiene techniques. There are also home strategies that can be used to deal with and treat this fungus. You can tell if you have a nail fungus if your nail is discolored with a white or yellow color. The entire nail could discolor with more advanced fungal infections. Nail fungus is officially called onychomycosis. People are more susceptible to nail fungal infections with advanced age or immune disorders.
Step 1. Prevent a Fungal Infection
Fungus is more likely to infiltrate nails that are dry. Try to keep your nails moisturized and do not cut nails too deeply. If you use acrylic nails, make sure that the nail bed is as healthy as possible and consider spending some time without the acrylic.
Step 2. Use VapoRub Vaseline Ointment
Most people use this for a cold. However, the active ingredients that are in VapoRub act as an effective antifungal as well.
Step 3. Apply Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has many therapeutic benefits. It can prove to be helpful for treating and resolving mild cases of nail fungus. Consider using oregano oil at the same time that you use tea tree oil.
Step 4. Soak Feet in Vinegar
Create a mixture that is one part vinegar and two parts warm water. Soak your nails in this mixture for about five minutes.
Step 5. Use Listerine
Listerine has many ingredients that are considered to be effective against fungi. Pour Listerine into a bowl and soak your nails in it for around 30 minutes a day.
Step 6. Apply Baking Soda
Baking soda has antifungal properties. Make a paste with baking soda and water and apply it to all of the affected nails.
Step 7. Use Snakeroot Extract
This might sound like a funny or far-fetched treatment. However, there is a plant that is commonly known as snakeroot. It has strong antifungal properties and is an effective treatment.
Step 8. Take Care of Toenails
When you have a fungal infection, it is important to keep your nails as short and healthy as possible. This helps to allow the treatments to work and also will relieve any pressure or pain that the fungus is causing.
Our fingernails and especially our toenails consistently take a lot of wear and tear. Our toenails are often kept in restrictive footwear and may get wet or sweaty. This increases the odds of getting a fungal infection. However, if you get one do not despair. While you might find that you need to visit a podiatrist or dermatologist to get a prescription treatment, many times home remedies are equally as effective. Preventing fungal infections in the first place is often the easiest approach to take when it comes to managing them. However, even the best cared for nails can sustain a fungal infection.
