Three Ways To Treat Your Toenail Fungus Naturally
Toenail fungus can leave your toenails looking yellow, flaky and generally unsightly. While there are prescription treatments for toenail fungus, they are not ideal for everyone, and side effects include liver damage and skin rashes. If you would rather forego prescription treatments, you can try some natural remedies to get rid of your fungus more safely. You'll have to be patient because these remedies don't work overnight, but if you stick with it, your toenails should start to look more clear.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a plant extract that is known for its anti-fungal properties. You can readily find it at many health food stores and even grocery stores. An easy way to treat your toenails is to simply rub a drop of tea tree oil into each toenail every day. Do this after you shower when your nails are the softest and most porous. If you find that the oil is too strong and is irritating the skin around your nails, you can try scrubbing your nails with a tea tree oil wash instead. These are usually made for fighting acne, so you may find them in the face care aisle at you pharmacy. Simply lather up some of the wash, scrub your nails with it, and then rinse them clean.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is also known for its anti-fungal properties, and its acidic nature makes it pretty good at penetrating your nails. You can use this remedy alone or use it in conjunction with another treatment like tea tree oil. Consider working it into your routine on the weekends when you have more time to sit around. Fill a basin with a mixture of half water and half apple cider vinegar, and dip your feet in. Let them soak for up to an hour, and then let them air dry.
Orange Oil
Orange oil can help fight the fungus while also soothing the tissue around your toenails. Find orange essential oil at a health food store. Make sure it's pure orange oil and not another oil scented with orange oil. Rub a drop into each nail after you shower. As an added bonus, your feet will smell like oranges after this treatment.
Stick with one or more of these treatments for a few months, and you should see an improvement. If your toenails do not seem to be improving, visit a podiatrist, such as Klein Stanley Jay DPM, for more assistance.