Toe Nail Fungus

What Is Toe Nail Fungus

An infection of nail fungus occurs when fungi infect one or more of your nails. A nail fungal infection may start as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As the nail fungus spreads deeper into your nail, it can cause your nail to discolor, thicken and develop crumbling edges an unsightly and potentially aching problem.

An infection with nail fungus can be difficult to treat, and infections may return. But medications are offered to help clear up nail fungus.

Symptoms for Toenail fungus

Symptoms of toenail fungus are quite obvious. The affected nail will get yellow or brown in colour. It may perhaps become so thick and overgrown that it can be painful to wear shoes. Foul-smelling debris can get accumulated under the nail. The nail can crumble and eventually fall off. Sneaks or spots can be seen down the side of the nails of the affected person.

Causes for Toe nail fungus

Fungi are microscopic organisms that don’t need sunlight to survive. Some fungi have beneficial uses, while others cause illness and infection.

Nail fungal infections are typically caused by a fungus that belongs to a group of fungi called dermatophytes. But yeasts and molds also can be responsible for nail fungal infections.

All of these microscopic organisms live in warm, moist environments, including swimming pools and showers. They can invade your skin through tiny invisible cuts or through a small separation between your nail and nail bed. They cause problems only if your nails are continually exposed to warmth and moisture — conditions perfect for the growth and spread of fungi.

Infection with nail fungus occurs more in toenails than in fingernails because toenails are often confined in a dark, warm, moist environment inside your shoes — where fungi can thrive. Another reason may be the diminished blood circulation to the toes as compared with the fingers, which makes it harder for your body’s immune system to detect and eliminate the infection.

Remedies for Toenail fungus

Toe nail fungus remedy using tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is a potent natural antiseptic and fungicide that will help fight your fungus. Apply undiluted tea tree oil with olive oil to the affected toe nail. Alternatively you can put few drops of tea tree oil on toenails and rub it thoroughly every day.

Using Listerine mouthwash

Soak your toes in Listerine mouthwash. The powerful antiseptic leaves your toe nails looking healthy.

Curing toe nail fungus using warm water and natural apple cider vinegar

Soak your toenails for 15 – 20 minutes in basin full of warm water and natural apple cider vinegar mixed in equal proportion. When done, dry your toenails thoroughly. Use a hair dryer on warm setting to absorb all the moisture in and around the toes.

Tea tree oil and Lavender oil

Put equal amount of tea tree oil and lavender oil on a cotton ball or swab. Dab it under the top edge of the toe nail and surrounding area 2 or 3 times a day. Tea tree oil is natural antibiotic and lavender will help fight the infection and prevent skin irritation.

Using Oregano and Olive oil

Blend 2 drops of Oregano essential oil with a tsp of olive oil. Apply this mixture on the affected area daily for NOT more than three weeks. Oregano essential oil has antiseptic, antibacterial, antiparasitical, antiviral, analgesic and antifungal properties.

AHA creams

Lather AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) creams on to your feet before going to bed. This will flush the rough scaly skin from your feet that is more prone to growing fungus.

Tips for Toenail fungus

Wash your feet after visiting public places like swimming pools

The fungus thrives in warm moist areas like spas, swimming pools, showers or locker rooms. If you step on a warm puddle or floor, you can pick up the infection. After using such public places, it is ideal to wash your feet thoroughly and dry them well.

Wear cotton socks

Wear cotton socks to absorb moisture from the feet that happens from sweating

Dry your feet

If your socks are damp, take them off and dry your feet before wearing a fresh pair of dry socks.

Do not share linen with affected people

Avoid sharing towels, washcloths, shoes or any other personal items of those people who have already contracted this disease.

Trim nails and avoid nailpolish

Keep your nails cut short, and don’t use nail polish. Trim your toenails regularly. Trim them into a straight line and then smooth the edges with a nail file.