Toenail Fungus Home Remedy Options

Toenail fungus is a fungal infection of the toes; it generally affects the big toe, but can attack any of the toes. In rare instances, this fungus can attack the fingers. Once the fungus gets into the bed of the toenail it then feeds on the keratin in the nail itself. This can then cause the toenail to become discolored and disfigured. Most of the time the affected toenail will become thick and tough. This is an unsightly problem that makes many people embarrassed to go to the doctor or have anyone see their feet. Fortunately, a toenail fungus home remedy can help kill the fungus. The most popular toenail fungus remedy is to soak your feet in either bleach or peroxide. Many people have had great success treating this condition with bleach or peroxide. These home products will kill the fungus and stop it from doing more damage to your toenail or nail bed. You should soak your feet nightly and continue to do this until you are sure you have killed the fungus. Do not become discouraged if you do not see immediate results as even with prescription medications it can take months to kill severe cases of toenail fungus. Bleach is not the only toenail fungus home remedy that you can try; there are others that have proven effective. Some people will apply tea tree oil to their toenails; this is a potent natural antiseptic that can eliminate the fungus. Mix tea tree oil and olive oil, then apply it to the affected digit. Leave the mixture on the toe for ten to twenty minutes before removing, this will ensure that the treatment has gotten into the nail bed. The key to all home remedies is to get as much of the product under the nail and into the nail bed as possible. The nail bed is where the fungus lives. This is what makes toenail fungus so difficult to treat. As with bleach or peroxide, it could take some time to see results with tea tree oil. Another toenail fungus home remedy is to mix Listerine with either vinegar or straight lemon juice. The antiseptics in the Listerine will kill the fungus and the natural acids in the vinegar or lemon juice will work away at the fungus making it easier for the Listerine to kill the fungus. As with other remedies, this could take some time to work. You should use this treatment each day until you are sure the fungus is destroyed. Many people have had success treating toenail fungus with Vicks vapor rub. Apply the Vicks to the distressed toe, cover gauze, and leave it on overnight. Do this each night until the fungus is cleared out of the toe. If you are looking for a toenail fungus home remedy these are a few you can try. These are the ones that many people have had success using. Remember the key to treating toenail fungus is to get the treatment you choose under the nail as much as possible, and to use the treatments daily. You also want to use the treatments until the fungus has been eliminated. Once your condition has been effectively treated you may want to continue using the treatments weekly, this will ensure that they fungus does not return. This is especially useful if your family has a history of toenail fungus.