Nail fungus, or ringworm, is a problem that must be treated in advance. Fortunately, there are many home remedy options for toenails.
Nail fungus, the popular name for nail fungus, is an infection caused by fungi that feed on the keratin in the nails. The problem causes the nails to become yellow, deformed and thick. It is common for this to happen to both feet and hands. Known scientifically as onychomycosis, it has the most diverse treatments. In general, antifungals are used, whether oral or in the form of creams, ointments and nail polishes. The various home remedy options for nail pain, however, are just as effective.
First of all, it is essential to consult a dermatologist. This way, you can find out which option is most suitable for your case, as more serious conditions require different care. If your nails are very ugly, for example, you may need fast-acting remedies. When the problem is not treated in advance, it is possible to generate infections such as paronychia, caused by bacteria, which attacks the region around the nail. People with a weak immune system and diabetics may also be more at risk.
Check out everything you need to know about ringworm below, as well as the best home remedy options for toenails. In this sense, when understanding more about the treatment, it is important to keep in mind that the effectiveness of any option will depend on the frequency. This means that the medicine needs frequent application, be it a pharmacy ointment or homemade garlic oil.
nail treatment
To avoid contamination, there are some key tips. For example: not walking barefoot in public bathrooms or swimming pools, taking off socks after practicing physical activity or intense sweating, as well as avoiding very tight shoes. In the case of fingernail fungus, always try to avoid sharing manicure materials. Additionally, avoid sharing towels and always dry yourself well after a shower. Pay special attention to areas such as the space between your fingers and the groin.
Normally, nail treatment can take up to 12 months in the case of a foot problem, and 6 months in the case of a hand problem. It all depends on the frame. Often, the wound may even appear to be healed, but there may still be fungi in the region, so medical follow-up is essential.
Home remedy options for toenails
One of the best home solutions for ringworm is to use garlic oil, or clove oil. There are many options for home remedies for nail pain, but most make good use of essential oils for this purpose. This happens because certain oils have antifungal properties, something studied and proven.
1 – Garlic oil
Garlic is a real savior for most cases of nail disease. It has antibiotic and microbial properties, which makes eliminating fungi and other microorganisms simpler. To use it, just crush 10 cloves of garlic until it forms a paste. Then, place it in a container with warm water, and after a few minutes, soak the parts affected by ringworm. Leave to soak for 15 minutes.
Additionally, another option is to cut a clove of garlic into slices and apply directly to the nail for 30 minutes. This must be done every day, always washing the affected area well before and after application. The ideal is to repeat the process up to 4 weeks after the nail regains its normal appearance, which takes between 4 and 6 months. In any case, always try to keep the garlic just on top of the nail, as the skin that comes into contact with it can be sensitive to the effect of the ingredient.
2 – Apple cider vinegar
Likewise, apple cider vinegar is responsible for making many people’s lives easier, not only in cooking, but also in cleaning and health. The skeptic acid present in vinegar helps fight the fungi that cause ringworm, as its alkaline properties neutralize the skin’s pH.
Using it is very easy: just soak the affected nails in a basin with half a glass of apple cider vinegar and half a glass of water for 15 to 20 minutes. Then, dry the area well and apply a little coconut oil.
3 – Lemon for nails
In the case of lemon, the fruit contains limonide, which is a terpene with bactericidal and antifungal action. Just like vinegar, the acidic nature of lemon helps neutralize the skin’s pH, which makes it hostile to the fungi that cause ringworm.
Lemon can act against nails in the following way: squeeze a lemon into a container and leave the affected area to soak for about 5 minutes. You can also try squeezing the juice directly onto the affected area. Remember to repeat the procedure 3 times a day for a week.
4 – Tea tree essential oil
Melaleuca, or tea tree, also has a lot of microbial and antifungal activity. Its main mechanism is to act on cell membrane damage, which is perfect for restoring nails after mycosis.
To use it, add 2 or 3 drops of essential oil to a carrier oil, that is, a vegetable oil. Apply to the affected area at least once a day, and a maximum of 3 times. If you prefer, drip the pure oil directly onto the area, or into a basin of warm water, leaving your hands or feet to rest for around 20 minutes. This must be done until the ringworm disappears for good. Never consume tea tree oil orally, as it causes side effects such as confusion, difficulty walking, rash and coma.
5 – Almond and linseed oils
Both almond and flaxseed oil are rich in fatty acids and vitamin E. This way, the substances prevent any invading organism from attaching to the skin. To use them, simply apply one or both of the products to the affected area with a cotton pad, leaving it to act for around 10 minutes. You won’t need to remove it.
6 – Garlic and olive oil
Mixing garlic paste with a spoonful of olive oil is very useful for treating nail pain. This home remedy must be stored in a closed container, and applied daily to the affected region. Leave it to act for about 30 minutes, for at least 6 months on the hands and 12 months on the feet.
7 – Baking soda for nails
On the other hand, baking soda is excellent for alkalinizing shoes, thus preventing the proliferation of fungi. Just sprinkle the ingredient inside your shoes, eventually killing the fungi that are there, normally responsible for foot odor.
8 – Oregano essential oil
Have you ever heard of oregano essential oil? Like tea tree, it has excellent action against fungi. In this sense, mix a spoonful of olive oil with 3 drops of oregano essential oil, and apply the mixture every day to the affected nails for 3 weeks in a row.
9 – Peppermint to combat nail pain
Peppermint, in this case in tea format, acts as a great home remedy for nail disease. To take advantage of its effect, make a foot bath with 30g of peppermint leaves, and remember to wait for it to cool down a bit so you don’t burn yourself. Then, leave the affected area to soak for about 20 minutes, drying well afterwards. If you prefer, dilute 15 drops of peppermint oil in a bowl of water and repeat the procedure.
10 – Clove
Like tea tree, clove is an excellent antibiotic and antifungal, and also has healing properties. You can choose between the whole clove or the essential oil. In the case of whole cloves, mix a tablespoon of cloves with a little olive oil. Place the cloves in a glass container that can be heated, add a little olive oil and heat in a bain-marie for a few minutes, without covering the lid. Then remove from the heat, cover the container and let it cool. After straining, apply directly to the affected area every day.
In the case of essential oil, just apply 2 to 3 drops to the affected nails, using at least twice a day, until the nail is healed for good.
11 – Thyme as a home remedy for nail pain
Thyme is a very powerful antiseptic herb. Therefore, to use it as a home remedy for nail pain, boil 2 cups of water with 3 tablespoons of thyme for 5 minutes. Finally, turn off the heat and cover the pan, letting it cool. Apply the medicine with a cotton ball directly to the nail.
12 – Copaiba oil
Likewise, copaiba is a medicinal plant with antifungal, anti-inflammatory, healing and emollient properties. I.e; its use is perfect for cases of ringworm. Just mix a little copaiba oil with vegetable oil, such as coconut, or a moisturizer, applying it to the affected area at least 3 times a day.
13 – Calendula for nails
Furthermore, calendula has many benefits. It is soothing, antibacterial, disinfectant, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and healing. In the case of treating ringworm, the plant is used through a foot bath with vinegar. You must boil 500ml of water, adding 4 tablespoons of dried marigold flowers. Then cover and leave to infuse until warm. Finally, strain, place in a basin and add 60ml of cider vinegar, soaking your feet or hands. This remedy should be used for 20 minutes, twice a day.
If you are interested in this article about home remedies for toenails, take the opportunity to check out Nail fungus – How it occurs and treatments for mycosis
Images: Dr. César Bimbi, MCG, Tua Saúde, Tua Saúde, Tua Saúde, Tua Saúde, Istoé, Oficina de Ervas, Tudo Ela, Família Avôvó, Casa Vogue, Ekko Green, G1, Vitat
