Toenail fungus is a condition that features the yellowing, crumbling, thickening, swelling, and inflammation of the toenail. While it is not that painful, leaving it untreated may cause the infection to spread, and when it does, it may lead to splitting, cracking or worst, complete loss of the nail.
Lucky for you, there are plenty of toenail fungus treatments that can help you prevent that from happening. And the best thing about these treatments? You do not have to shell out thousands of dollars for them. With that in mind, here are some effective and affordable ways on how to get rid of toenail fungus.
1. Tea Tree Oil Mixture
This type of oil has antifungal and antiseptic properties, both of which are highly useful in treating nail fungus.
Mix few drops of tea tree oil with a few drops of olive oil. Use a cotton ball to apply it on the affected part. Allow it to stand for 10 minutes then scrub the nail using a toothbrush. Perform this routine 2 to 3 times a day.
2. Oil Of Oregano
This type of oil contains all the properties that you would need in a nail fungus treatment—antiseptic, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral.
Mix 2 drops of the oil in 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Use cotton to apply the mixture to the affected nail. Let it be for 30 minutes. Rinse off and properly dry your toes. Repeat the procedure 2 to 3 times a week.
3. Mouthwash
Mouthwashes are known for killing bacteria and germs in our mouth. However, some of the toothpaste brands contain alcohol along with some compounds that can keep fungi and bacteria at bay from your nails.
Fill a small basin with equal parts mouthwash and white vinegar. Soak the affected foot in the solution and allow it to stay for 30 minutes. Gently scrub the affected nail. Rinse off and dry. Carry this out for 2 times a day.
4. Laser Treatment
If you have already tried the natural and simple ways on how to get rid of nail fungus, then you have to take the medications to a whole new level. When you consult a dermatologist, one of the treatments that he is most likely to suggest is fungus laser treatment.
Before, this type of treatment is expensive and only available in the clinics. But today, you can use at-home laser treatments. These are small laser devices that you can clip into your toe and can quickly solve your fungus problems.
5. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is antifungal and antiseptic. In addition to that, it contains citric acid that can inhibit the growth and spread of fungi.
You can simply apply lemon juice directly to the affected part. Let it be for 30 minutes then rinse with warm water afterwards.
6. Oral Antifungal Drugs
There are plenty of oral antifungal drugs out there, but studies show that the most effective ones are Itraconazole and Lamisil. These drugs work by growing a nail that is infection-free. The drug is usually taken for 6 to 12 week, and the results can be seen for as long as 4 months.
7. Medicated Cream
This cream works in conjunction with a lotion that contains urea. The lotion is used to thin out the nails first before the cream is applied. In this way, the medicinal substance in the cream can reach the fungus that lies underneath the hard nail.
8. Medicated Nail Polish
There is one nail polish that has antifungal properties, and it has the generic name of Ciclopirox. This is used to paint the nails and the skin surrounding it only once a day. You will continue doing that for 7 days until the layers pile up. After that, you can use alcohol to wipe off the layers then you will need to re-apply again for 7 days.
9. Garlic
Garlic has various compounds that have antifungal properties. For this treatment to work, you need to use fresh garlic.
Peel the garlic and slice clove in half. Rub the garlic up and down the affected nail.
10. Bleach
As we all know, bleach products have antiseptic properties that are useful in fighting off fungus.
Mix 1 part of bleach and 10 parts of water. Dip a cotton ball into it and apply it to the affected nail.
The treatments mentioned above are already tried and tested nail fungus treatments. But please bear in mind that these are not miracle workers and may not get rid of fungus right away. You may have to wait for a few weeks or few months before you can see the desired effect.