11 Natural Remedies to Get Rid of Nail Fungus
In order to effectively get rid of nail fungus, it’s important to understand that n ot all fungal nail infections are usually caused by Candida bacteria. Onychomycosis, for example, is caused by the dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum.
The factors that put you at risk for fungal nail infections are cuts, overexposure to moisture, and bad hygiene. When you combine these three factors, the condition will be more bothersome.
What do fungal infections do to your nails?
When Candida yeast proliferates in your nails, it can cause several different problems. First of all, it can increase nail thickness and deformity, which causes pain even if you aren’t wearing shoes. If left untreated, the fungal infection can lead to total loss of the nail.
Furthermore, fungal infections can also cause your nails to change color. They can look yellow, green, blue, even black. The color depends on each individual case.
Eleven remedies to get rid of nail fungus
In addition to doctor-prescribed treatment, you can try some home remedies to get rid of your infection. Most of these remedies use simple ingredients that you probably have at home. However, remember that these remedies aren’t a substitute for pharmacological treatment under any circumstances.
Furthermore, keep in mind that you shouldn’t use these remedies simultaneously, or apply them only once. For a natural remedy to work, you have to use it for a while and wait for the problem to get better.
You can use one of the following remedies to get rid of nail fungus with the authorization of your physician.
1. Apple cider vinegar and hydrogen peroxide
Many people believe that the combination of apple cider vinegar and hydrogen peroxide is a powerful remedy to get rid of nail fungus on the hands and feet alike.
A recent study published in the journal Natural Products Research showed that apple cider vinegar has anti-fungal properties. However, its effectiveness against fungi of the genus Candida is usually much lower than its antibacterial activity at a concentration of 25%.
You can enhance its properties if you combine it with 90% rubbing alcohol, which is an antibiotic and antiseptic agent that fights thousands of different types of germs. To make it, follow these directions:
Ingredients
- ¼ c. of apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp. of 90% rubbing alcohol
- ¼ c. of hydrogen peroxide
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a glass container, cover, and shake vigorously.
- Let sit for a few hours until the solution is concentrated.
- After that time, soak a cotton ball in the solution and apply it to your nails.
- Repeat this treatment daily and you’ll see results in no time.
- Do this many times a day and don’t reuse the cotton ball or dip it into the solution more than once.
2. Garlic
It’s important to note that there’s no scientific evidence that suggests that garlic is a 100% effective remedy. However, there are many who choose to use it among their remedies for eliminating nail fungus. That’s because several studies point to the antimicrobial power of garlic.
However, an article in Foods magazine states that garlic also possesses anti-fungal properties. Although its effectiveness against yeasts and dermatophytes needs further research, this remedy can help get rid of nail fungus. To prepare it, you only need a couple of ingredients, which are listed below.
Ingredients
- 10 garlic cloves
- 2 c. of water
Instructions
- Crush the 10 garlic cloves and combine them with the water in a pot.
- Bring to a boil and let brew for 3 to 5 minutes and then, remove from heat.
- When the water cools down to a comfortable temperature, soak your feet for 20 minutes.
- Repeat this treatment 3 times a week.
- Remember to dry the area completely afterward.
3. Natural yogurt
Again, concrete evidence is also lacking regarding the effectiveness of yogurt in treating fungi and other infectious agents. However, there are many who use it on infected areas as a natural remedy. This is because natural yogurt is a probiotic, so its consumption helps regulate the intestinal microbiota and favors the healing of gastrointestinal infections.
Ingredients
- 1 paintbrush
- ½ c. of natural yogurt
Instructions
- Using a clean paintbrush, apply a generous amount of natural yogurt to the affected nails.
- Let dry and wipe clean with a moist cloth.
- Finally, dry the area well with a clean, dry towel.
We think you may also like reading this article: How to Prevent Candida Infections
4. Tea tree essential oil
Tea tree essential oil is widely used in the treatment of external fungal infections. Its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties slow the growth of fungi and also eliminate infections.
In fact, a study published in the journal Molecules showed that tea tree essential oil has the ability to inhibit the growth of yeasts of the Candida genus. As if that weren’t enough, it also has effective activity against very common bacteria and viruses.
Ingredients
- 3 drops of tea tree essential oil
- 1 cotton ball
Instructions
- Apply the tea tree essential oil to the affected nail and spread evenly with the help of the cotton ball.
- Apply it every day, after every shower or bath, until the nail is fully healed.
- Dry the affected area well when you’re finished leaving behind no moisture.
5. Vicks VapoRub to get rid of nail fungus
Vicks VapoRub is an ointment that’s used to treat the symptoms of respiratory ailments. However, there are also many who use it to boost the recovery of fingernails that have fungal infections.
One of the main components of this ointment is menthol, which is a substance present in multiple plants that possess anti-fungal properties. This was demonstrated in a study published in the journal Phytochemistry, although more research is needed to determine the effectiveness of this compound in fungal infections.
Ingredients
- 1 bandage
- Vicks VapoRub (as much as needed)
Instructions
- Apply the Vicks VapoRub to the affected nail and cover it with a bandage.
- Every few hours, clean the area, apply fresh VapoRub, and cover again.
- Repeat until the area is completely healed.
Like this article? You may also like to read: Ten Amazing Uses for Vicks VapoRub
6. Salt
In addition to its culinary uses, there are many who claim that salt can help treat nail fungus because it has anti-fungal properties that you can take advantage of.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp. of salt
- 5 drops of lemon juice
Instructions
- Moisten the salt with a few drops of lemon juice and apply directly to the affected nail.
- Let sit for 30 minutes, then rinse.
- Repeat daily until the nail heals.
7. Oregano essential oil
Oregano is a plant widely used in culinary recipes due to its great flavor. In addition, it has multiple beneficial properties for your body. Furthermore, traditional medicine uses it in the treatment of multiple conditions, including fungal infections.
In fact, a recent study showed that oregano has the ability to inhibit the growth of Candida yeasts. This is because it possesses a substance called carvacrol. In this sense, the properties of oregano essential oil can be used in the following way:
Ingredients
- Oregano essential oil
- Cotton ball or q-tip
Instructions
- Moisten the cotton ball or q-tip with a few drops of the oil.
- Apply directly on the affected nail and spread well.
- Repeat the procedure at least 2 times a day.
8. Baking soda to get rid of nail fungus
Baking soda is a very useful ingredient in household cleaning, however, it’s also useful in getting rid of nail fungus. A study in the journal Mycopathology showed that this compound has properties to eliminate dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds from the skin and nails. In fact, a concentration of 2 teaspoons per quart is enough to get rid of this bacteria.
To take advantage of the properties of baking soda you only need to prepare the following remedy:
Ingredients
- 1 qt. water
- 2 tsp. of baking soda
- Cotton ball
Instructions
- Mix the baking soda and water until you get a smooth mixture.
- Apply it on the affected nail with the cotton ball.
- Repeat the procedure several times a day until the fungus disappears.
- You can also put baking soda in shoes or socks to absorb moisture.
9. Olive leaf extract to get rid of nail fungus
Many people claim that olive leaves possess antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties. In fact, a study published in the journal Current Medical Mycology showed that olive leaf extract has properties against fungi of the genus Candida. It can eradicate the fungus at a concentration of 48 milligrams per milliliter.
Ingredients
- Olive leaf extract capsules or ointments
Instructions
- You should take the capsules at least twice a day.
- On the other hand, you should apply the ointment three times a day on the affected nail.
- Remember to clean and dry the nail well before using the topical remedy.
10. Ageratina extract
Ageratina is a plant used in Mexican medicine as a remedy to treat fungal skin infections and eliminate nail fungus. In fact, a study published in the journal Planta Medica showed that the extract has a similar effectiveness to ciclopirox. In addition, it doesn’t have very many side effects.
Taking advantage of the benefits of Ageratina extract is very simple and you just have to follow these instructions:
Ingredients
- A few drops of Ageratina extract
- Cotton ball
Instructions
- Wash and dry feet thoroughly before each application.
- Place a small amount of the extract on the affected nail 3 times a week for a month.
- After that, continue to apply it twice a week for another month.
- Finally, use it once a week for an additional month.
11. Ozonated oils to get rid of nail fungus
These are natural oils with added ozone gas to their composition. Olive oil and sunflower oil are some of the most common ones. The latter is very effective as a natural remedy for nail fungus. In fact, one study showed that people can completely get rid of nail fungus with as little as 1 month of use.
Due to the fact that exposure to ozone at low concentrations is capable of inhibiting the proliferation of multiple microorganisms, it can work against fungal infections. To take advantage of the benefits of ozonated oils follow these instructions:
Ingredients
- A few drops of ozonated sunflower oil
- 1 cotton ball
Instructions
- Clean and dry your feet very well before starting this remedy.
- Apply the oil on the affected nail and spread it around with the cotton ball.
- Use the remedy twice a day for at least a month.
- If you wish, you can apply this remedy on healthy nails as a preventive method.
Remember these remedies don’t offer immediate results
If your doctor authorizes the use of any of these home remedies, be sure to carefully follow their instructions. On the other hand, it’s extremely important to keep in mind that, in general, home remedies don’t provide immediate results, so we recommended being patient.
Consistent treatment and good hygiene at every step will make all the difference, so it’s important to be meticulous and follow your doctor’s recommendations.
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.
