Two Ingredients That Can Inhibit Nail Fungus Growth and Spreading
Yellowing nails, cracking and itching between the toes… These are some of the telltale signs of a fungal infection. This condition, which affects 1 out of 5 people on average, is known in the medical field as onychomycosis. It’s caused by a fungal infection of the skin, but it is possible to inhibit nail fungus using natural ingredients.
This issue affects men more than women, although it also occurs in a significant portion of the female population. Both genders search for ways to inhibit nail fungus and its growth.
Its appearance is commonly linked to a lowered immune response, excessive sweating, and using inappropriate footwear. Other factors that foster the growth of these microorganisms make an appearance as well.
There are literally dozens of remedies out there on the market today to treat the infections and inhibit nail fungus. However, many of these aren’t just expensive, but they might not get you the best results, even if applied diligently.
Luckily, there are natural solutions out there that you can prepare with basic ingredients. These could give you effective results without costing too much.
Here we’ll show you how to combine two ingredients with anti-fungal properties to inhibit nail fungus and heal your feet.
Want to know more?
Inhibit nail fungus with just two ingredients
It’s difficult to completely eliminate fungus even if you pile several natural products onto your skin. Complete elimination is usually the result of improvements in hygiene and disciplined use of anti-fungal remedies, which might need to be prescribed by a dermatologist.
Baking soda and apple cider vinegar are two products that you can find in most home kitchens. We’ll be using these two ingredients in our natural remedy which might at least control the growth of this ugly problem.
Both are known in alternative medicine for their active compounds and the benefits they provide the body with.
Also read: 7 Natural Ways to Strengthen Brittle Nails
Properties of baking soda
Sodium bicarbonate is a white powder people often use in cooking and eco-friendly cleaning. Its alkaline, antiseptic and antioxidant properties make it useful for treating a variety of ailments.
It can be applied topically to exfoliate and clear the skin, as well as to fight infections. Its active compounds may limit the growth of fungi and lessen damage to the nail surface.
We would also like to point out that it’s a powerful natural deodorizer. It’s ideal for neutralizing bad odors caused by bacteria.
Properties of apple cider vinegar
People often use apple cider vinegar to dress salads or for other recipes. Manufacturers obtain it by fermenting nutritious apples. The process of fermentation uses beneficial bacteria and yeasts to produce the vinegar.
It contains malic and acetic acids. These acids have alkalizing properties that effectively inhibit many types of infections. The vinegar alters the environmental conditions that the fungus needs to grow. If you apply it consistently, you can keep the fungus from spreading, or at least slow it down.
It also provides significant quantities of bioflavanoids, vitamins, minerals and pectin.
Take a look at this article: Tips for Preventing Foot Fungus
How do I prepare this remedy to inhibit nail fungus?
This anti-fungal remedy takes advantage of the beneficial properties of both ingredients to help inhibit nail fungus.
First, we’ll use the vinegar. You can either apply it directly to the affected area or use a foot bath. Then, we’ll apply the baking soda to boost the effects of the vinegar.
Ingredients
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- 6 cups hot water
- 3 tablespoons baking soda
Directions
- Combine the vinegar with three cups of hot water in a foot bath.
- Submerge your feet in the solution and let them soak for 20 minutes.
- Dry your feet well.
- Now prepare a bath with three cups of hot water and the baking soda and soak your feet for another 15 minutes before drying them thoroughly.
- Gently massage with an exfoliating product.
- To completely eliminate the fungal infection, repeat this procedure every night until you notice total improvement.
- You can also prepare a paste with the baking soda and vinegar to apply directly to the affected nail. Just cover with a bandage and let work overnight.
With this remedy, you’ll create an acidic environment that the fungus will hate. It’s using it to see if you notice an improvement in your nails.
Try it at home today!
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Ballesté, R., Mousqués, N., & Gezuele, E. (2003). Onicomicosis: revisión del tema. Rev. Méd. Urug, 93–106.
- López-Jodra, O., & Torres-Rodríguez, J. (1999). Especies fúngicas poco comunes responsables de onicomicosis. Rev Iberoam Micol.
- Arrese, J. E., Valverde, J. C., & Pierard, G. E. (2005). Un nuevo enfoque sobre la epidemiología de las onicomicosis. Rev Iberoam Micol.
