Home Remedy For Nail Fungus

As you might already know, nail fungus is almost always a result of fungus growing underneath the nail. The most commonly effected digits are the big toe and the little toe. This is because these are the most likely to have moisture remaining underneath the nail because of size and placement on the foot. Nail fungus is typically acquired at public places such as pools, locker rooms, public bathrooms and such.

The best way to prevent the fungus from taking root is by making sure that you thoroughly wash your feet after being in such places and make sure that you keep them dry and clean.

Once the infection takes root, the nail turns a shade of yellow and starts drying out. Since the fungus feeds on the natural moisture and keratin (that makes the nails), the nail slowly starts drying out and begins to crumble and fall over a longer period of time if left untreated.

Temporary treatments such as over the counter ointments generally remove the fungus for a short time, but the fungus can return very quickly in many cases.

Prescription drugs and ointments are not only of questionable effectiveness, but are also expensive and useless at preventing the condition from returning in the long run.
As such, home remedies for nail fungus have risen in popularity in the last few years. Some of the most commonly mentioned home remedies are listed below. However, just like the prescription drugs and over the counter medication, many of these remedies have downsides to them as well.

Application of undiluted tea tree oil directly onto the effected nail has been shown to be fairly effective at treating the nail fungus. It is best to mix in some olive oil as well since it helps eliminate fungus as well. Tea tree oil is a natural fungicide and anti-septic in nature and is a great help to many who are suffering from nail fungus.

DOWNSIDES : Takes as much as 3 weeks to make a significant difference. Requires consistent rubbing onto the feet and use multiple times a day.

Apple Cider Vinegar can be used in an equal-parts solution with water to treat the nail fungus naturally and quickly. Mix equal portions of warm water and apple cider vinegar in a tub or pail, then dip the affected foot into the ACV mix. This is one of the faster ways to treat nail fungus naturally.

Downsides : Still a little slow, the fumes from ACV are not very pleasant and most people don't like the smell. Additionally, it may cause a little drying of the feet.

While this has been shown to be helpful since more bacteria helps fight the fungus, it is still a very minute help, and as such, just on its own, this method isn't very effective. It is recommended that you use this in conjunction with some other treatment to make it more effective.