Do you have toenail fungus but don’t want to go through the expensive and risky drug treatment for it? You don’t have to – here are things you can do right now!
Shoes: As well as treating the toenails themselves, you need to change some shoe and sock wear habits. When your shoes are too short or narrow for your foot, the shoes and feet heat up and trap more moisture and bacteria than if they are the correct length and width. It is estimated that up to 75% wear shoes that are too short and don’t know it because the fit feels natural to them.
Another shoe culprit is shallowness at the toe. Depth at the toe promotes air flow even if to the naked eye it doesn’t look significant.
Socks: Wearing socks that wick moisture away and have natural anti-fungal, virus and bacterial properties keep the problem from escalating and aid in healing.
Natural antiseptics: The first line of treatment of toenail fungus is to use natural antiseptics. They won’t hurt you and along with a change in how you handle your shoes and socks, you will not have this issue to deal with! Remember, however, that it takes up to a year for a completely new nail to grow out so don’t give up. Keep applying the antiseptic. You can see new growth at the base of the nail within a few weeks so use that as your encouragement.
- Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil is a potent natural antiseptic and fungicide. Apply undiluted tea tree oil with olive oil to the affected toenail. Alternatively you can put few drops of tea tree oil on toenails and rub it thoroughly every day.
- Listerine mouthwash: Soak your toes in Listerine mouthwash. The powerful antiseptic leaves your toenails looking healthy.
- 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.
- Vicks VapoRub, rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide: Moisten a cotton ball or swab with rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. You can place Vicks VapoRub directly on the nail. Apply under the top edge of the toenail and surrounding area 2 or 3 times a day.
Text: Carole Romig Copyright 2011 Image: Toenailfungustreatment.com