Most effective natural remedies for nail fungus

Your nails will tell the story of your personal hygiene.  Is it right?  Of Course...Yes.

Having nail infection is an embarrassing situation.  What is nail fungal infection and how it is infected?  Let us have an outlook on this and treat them naturally with home remedies.

The condition of nail infection is known as onychomycosis.  This is the most common type of fungal infection.  Nail fungus usually develops in a moist, damp and unhygienic condition.  It usually begins as a yellow or brown spot somewhere in and around the nail, which later on spreads rapidly and deeper throughout the nail.  It can cause discoloration of nail and makes the nail brittle and crumbling.  The fungus infected nail becomes thickened and nail becomes so brittle that it breaks.  When infection is deeper, it causes severe pain also.  Moreover, it is contagious.

Few home remedies that can take care of your fungus infected nails

Baking soda for foot and hand can calm down this infection to some extent.  Baking soda is known to have antifungal properties.  Make a paste of baking soda with water and apply on to the infected nail.  You can also soak your infected foot or hand in warm water mixed with one tablespoon of baking soda.  This will have soothing effect on the infected nail and may remove debris if any in the nail.

Rub a drop of tea tree oil on the fungal nail.  It has both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.  Do this twice a day for better results.  Lavender and jasmine oil can also be used.  Before using the essential oil for nails, do not forget to mix it with the carrier oil.

Coconut oil also has powerful antifungal agent.  Apply pure coconut oil directly on to the infected nail daily for better results. 

Vinegar is a common household cooking product.  You can also use this to heal your nail infection.  Mix one part of vinegar with two parts of water (i.e. in 1:2 ratio).  Apply this mixture on the infected nail.

 Epsom salt soak also does wonder on the fungus infected nail.  Add quarter cup of Epsom salt in warm water and soak your infected foot or hand in this for 20-25 minutes.  This will calm down the inflammation as well as infection.

Garlic can be used for nail fungus as it has antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.  Place chopped or crushed garlic pods on the infected nail for 20-30 minutes daily.

“Prevention is always better than cure.”  So apart from the home remedies, the following things have to be followed to prevent recurrent fungal nail infections.

Hygiene

1.  To reduce the risk of infection, practice good feet and hand hygiene.

2.  Avoid sharing manicure and pedicure instruments with other people.

3.  Use footwear which gives adequate air flow.

4.  Clip your nails regularly.

5.  Avoid sharing shoes and socks.

6.  Change your footwear often.

7.  Proper cleaning of hands and feet is must.

Diet also plays a vital role in preventing this type of fungal infections.  Apart from normal diet, it should also be rich in,

1.  Calcium

2.  Vitamin D

3.  Fatty acids

4.  Yoghurt

5.  Lean proteins

6.  Iron rich foods

Causes for Fungal Toenail Infection and Prevention Tips !!!