Alternative Therapies and Health News

Toenail fungus or onychomycosis is an infection caused by fungi that grow in a moist environment. The fungus eats up the protein on the surface of the toenails, especially the big toe and the little toe. Many of those who wear shoes in warm climates are attacked by this infection. It will destroy your nails, cause discoloration, nails become thick, feel an stinging pain and smell starts emanating from under the toenails.

There are certain popular home remedies that can be very effective in emanating this fungal infection.

1. Use a medicated nail polish containing either amorolfine (Loceryl) or ciclopirox (Loprox).
2. Mix apple cider vinegar in water in equal proportions and soak the infected feet in that solution. Instead of vinegar you can also use Hydrogen Peroxide. You could either soak your feet in the solution or else, apply hydrogen peroxide in the affected area using a cotton ball.
3. Soak the affected toenails in rubbing alcohol (available in any pharmacy) for about 20 minutes twice daily.
4. You could also soak the toenails in Listerine mouthwash (diluted in water) for around 20 minutes daily to stop fungal growth.
5. To prevent fungal nail infection,

• Clean your feet regularly and keep them dry.
• Change your shoes and socks regularly.
• Reduce the intake of sugar and carbohydrates in your diet.
• Use candidate drops to control fungal infection.
• Try to avoid public showers and bathrooms which are popular places from where you can get infected by the fungus.
• Trim your nails regularly. If you are getting your nails clipped from a salon, then see to it that the clipper is disinfected.