Onychomycosis is the medical term for fungal infections of the toenails and hands, a condition that can weaken, peel, and discolor them. This fungal infection is the most common in the world for the environment in which it develops, affecting between 3% and 4% of people, with men being more likely to be affected. Due to the proliferation of these fungi being aided by shoes, socks, and exposure to hot, humid environments, nail fungal infections are more common on the feet than the hands. However, regardless of the part of the body that is affected, this condition is quite bothersome and unsightly due to the symptoms it causes and the way it weakens the nail.
Treatment to remove this problem can be tedious and almost always requires some time to take effect. Are you suffering from this infection? Let not consider any of these home remedies.
1. Apple cider vinegar
The acid containing apple cider vinegar is an active compound that helps to eradicate fungi both fingernails and feet. Their alkaline properties regulate skin pH, altering the conditions that need fungi to propagate.
How to use it?
Prepare equal parts of apple cider vinegar with water and dip hands or feet for 15 or 20 minutes.
After treatment, dry well the parts treated and apply your moisturizer.
2. Garlic
This popular ingredient has an important antibiotic and antimicrobial action that helps eliminate germs and fungi to prevent infections .
How to use it?
10 cloves crushed garlic into a paste, pour it into a bowl of warm water, let stand a few minutes and immersed for 15 minutes the affected area.
Another good option is to mix garlic paste with olive oil and appliques on fungal nails, leaving it on for 30 minutes.
3. Natural Yogurt
Cultivating active bacteria, also known as probiotics, it has a very effective action in the treatment of fungal infections triggered.
How to use it?
Have some yogurt, apply on the affected nails and wait for it to dry to remove with warm water.
In addition to this, incorporating this ingredient in your diet, both morning and evening.
4. Tea Tree Oil
For its strong antiseptic action naturally it enhances foot health and hands, while removes all types of microorganisms . The topical use of tea tree oil in a concentration of 10% could be as effective as Tolnaftate creams to relieve athlete’s foot. In concentrations of 25% to 50% might be enough to alleviate and cure the infection. Applying oil pure tea tree (100%) twice a day, it helps improve the appearance of fungal nails by 56% after three months and up to 60% after six months.
How to use it?
Apply a small drop of oil on the affected area by the fungus, two or three times daily maximum.
This ingredient should not be consumed orally because it can cause side effects such as confusion, rash, coma, instability and inability to walk.
5. Vicks VapoRub
The popular ointment used to reduce symptoms of colds and flu also has properties that may be useful in treating fungal nail.
How to use it?
Wash and dry the area you are going to try and then aplícales a small amount of ointment is making sure it penetrates well.
Repeat the treatment 2 times a day, the last preferably before going to bed to act overnight.
6. Baking soda
This alkaline ingredient also fights fungi and other microorganisms that affect the health of nails.
How to use it?
Prepare a paste of baking soda and lemon juice, and apply directly to affected areas.
You can also have this white powder and sprinkle inside your shoes to combat microorganisms that are housed there.
7. Lemon juice
His qualities antibiotic and antifungal make it a good ally to effectively eliminate this problem.
How to use it?
Extract the juice of several lemons and then enter the affected areas in the liquid.
Another simpler option is to rub lemon directly on the nail.