Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Options for Home Remedies for Toenail Fungus

By Rashel Dan

Several people resort to home remedies for toenail fungus. Having toenail fungus can be very embarrassing. You can't display your toes in public. You can't go barefoot or even wear sandals and open-toed shoes without being stared at. Not only is it embarrassing, but it can also bring future pain and discomfort if not properly treated right away. And because prescription medication for toenail fungus is very expensive and may produce negative side effects, many people turn to home remedies to treat toenail fungus.

The good thing about home remedies is that you make use of ingredients you can find at home. Because of its accessibility and low cost, many people turn to home remedies to treat toenail fungus. Below is a list of more home remedies for nail fungus.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Having an abnormal pH level of the skin can be a cause for toenail fungus. Vinegar is said to change the pH or acid content of the new nail that grows, making it more acidic and inhabitable for fungi. Apple cider vinegar is good at fighting toenail fungus. Soak your toenails in a basin full of a fifty-fifty mixture of natural apple cider vinegar and warm water. Fully soak your toenails for 15-20 minutes. When done, make sure that you dry your toenails thoroughly, especially the space in between your toes where moisture is more likely to be retained.

Using Vinegar, Hydrogen Peroxide, Bleach and Water

Another more effective way of curing toenail fungus in its early stage is a variety involves the use of hydrogen peroxide. Use the vinegar solution and mix in three percent of hydrogen peroxide. Apply to infected toenails with a medicine dropper. Don't be alarmed if you feel a slight sting afterwards. Then, soak your toes into bleach. For mild infections, one cap for a half glass of water would suffice. Leave the infected toes for about a minute. For sever fungal infections, one cup of bleach mixed with four caps of water would do. Leave your infected toenails for about a minute.

Others vouch for the effectiveness of plant oils and extracts in curing toenail fungus. Common ones include using tea tree essential oil and grapeseed extracts. However, keep in mind that these home remedies are generally ineffective. Its rate of efficiency is even lower than 10 percent. Also, using bleach could cause skin irritation.

Your best choice would be to use a topical solution. It is less expensive, safe, and highly effective. You also would have no need for mixing and preparing solutions since it can be bought without a prescription. It even comes with an easy to use, topical applicator brush that makes treatment very easy to do. Its ingredients are all natural, combining the power of essential oils found in plants that are known to have antifungal properties and plants that improve skin condition. Because it is natural, it is safe and yields no known side effects.

If you're after the treatment's efficiency and safety, go for a topical choice. Home remedies for toenail fungus are only advisable if the condition is in its early stages. - 15437

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