Fungal Nail Infections: 7 Remedies

Fungal infections of the nails of the hands and feet, known by the medical term of onychomycosis, cause discoloration, exfoliation and weakening of the resistance of the nail.

Due to the ease with which they develop, fungal infections of the nails are widespread, affecting about 3-4% of the world’s population (especially men).

You are more likely to develop a fungal infection of your toenails than your toenails, due to the fact that you wear socks and shoes or that you live in a very warm and humid place that creates an environment conducive to the development of the fungus.

Whether it is located on the hands or feet, this problem is very troublesome and unpleasant and weakens the resistance of the affected nail.

Treatments for fungal nail infections are complicated and have a very difficult effect. If you currently suffer from onychomycosis, you can instead resort to a number of natural remedies.

Natural remedies for fungal nail infections

1. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is an active compound that helps remove nail fungus from the hands and feet.

Apple cider vinegar regulates the pH level of the skin, changing the conditions conducive to the multiplication of the fungus.

How is it used?

• Mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water and soak your fingers in this liquid for 15 or 20 minutes.
• Dry the area well and apply a moisturizer.

2. Garlic

It is a popular ingredient for many treatments, including fungal nail infections, as it has antibiotic and antimicrobial properties that help eliminate germs and fungi that lead to infection.

How is it used?

• Grind 10 cloves of garlic and form a paste, add it to a bowl of warm water and let the mixture sit for a few minutes, then soak your hands or feet in it for 15 minutes.
• Another option is to mix the garlic paste with olive oil and apply the remedy on the nails, leaving it to act for 30 minutes.

3. Simple yogurt

Active cultures of bacteria present in yogurt, also called probiotics, help treat fungal infections.

How is it used?

• Apply a little plain yogurt on the affected nails and let it harden, then rinse the place with warm water.

• In addition, it is good to add yogurt to your diet and consume it both in the morning and in the evening.

4. Tea tree oil

Due to its antiseptic properties, tea tree oil improves the health of the hands and feet, eliminating various types of microorganisms.

Local application of an oil with a concentration of 10% is a remedy for fungal nail infections as effective as any cream for treating athlete’s foot.

Concentrations of 25-50% also help fight infections.

If you apply 100% pure oil twice a day on the fungus, it can improve the appearance of the nail by up to 56% after three months of regular use and up to 60% after six months.

How is it used?

• Apply a small drop of tea tree oil on each affected nail, two or three times a day.

• This product should not be taken orally, as it can cause side effects: confusion, rash, instability, inability to walk and even coma.

5. Wick VapoRub

This popular ointment often used to reduce the symptoms of colds and flu is also effective in treating nail fungus.

How is it used?

• Wash and dry the affected area, then apply a small amount of Wick VapoRub ointment on the nail.
• Repeat the treatment twice a day, preferably at bedtime.

6. Baking soda

Baking soda is acidic and helps fight fungus and other microorganisms that affect nail health.

How is it used?

• Make a paste of baking soda and a little lemon juice and apply it directly on the affected areas.
• You can also sprinkle a little baking soda on the shoes to kill the bacteria that live there.

7. Lemon juice

The antibiotic and antifungal properties of lemon help to eliminate this problem once and for all.

How is it used?

• Squeeze the juice from a few lemons, then apply the liquid on the affected areas.
• You can also rub a slice of lemon directly on your nails.