5 Tricks to Eliminate Nail Fungus & Strengthen Nails
Nail fungus, a condition known as onychomycosis, is one of the main causes of weak nails and their breakage. In this condition, a small white or yellow mark forms underneath the tip of the nail . The mark grows bigger as the fungal infection progresses.
Along with the mark, the nail might also thicken and change in texture. Lastly, once the nail breaks, it can be painful.
Currently, there are many pharmacological solutions available for nail fungus. However, there are also 100% natural solutions that make for effective treatments.
In this post, we’d like to share the main causes of nail fungus and several tricks to try at home to help treat them effectively.
Read on!
What are the causes of nail fungus?
Nail fungus grows as a result of excessive growth of fungal organisms such as dermatophytes, yeast and mold. They can appear on the nails of both the hands and feet, especially if the conditions are favorable for infections.
While people of all ages can experience nail fungus, the condition is most common in the elderly. The reason behind it is that as nails grow older, they become drier and more fragile, which makes it easier for fungus to attack.
Other factors that increase the risk of nail fungus include the following:
- Poor blood circulation
- Weakened immune system
- Humid and public spaces, such as pools, gyms or showers
- Improper footwear
- Excessive sweating
- Diabetes mellitus
- Abnormally shaped nail
- Skin injuries
- Synthetic-material socks
Also read: What Your Feet Say About You
How can you know if it’s nail fungus?
Nail fungus is most common on toenails due to the conditions that using certain footwear creates. However, it can also form on fingernails as well.
The symptoms are the following:
- Thickened nails
- Color changes in nail
- Fragile nails, irregular or peeling
- Unpleasant nail odor
- Breaking or cracks in the nail
Tricks to try at home for eliminating fungus and strengthening nails
Using some home remedies can help strengthen nails to counteract the weakening affect of the fungus.
At the same time, their antifungal compounds fight against microorganisms to keep the fungus from growing.
1. Apple cider vinegar
Traditional apple cider vinegar is one of the best allies for facing the fungus that produces these types of infections.
Its organic acids change the conditions that the fungus requires for growth, thus, stopping the damages it can cause on the nail’s surface.
What should you do?
- Dip a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and apply it to the affected nail.
- Secure it with a bandage and leave it on for the entire night.
- Repeat the treatment everyday until you see an improvement.
2. Essential tea tree oil
Known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, essential tea tree oil makes for a great solution for the fungi that form on fingernails and toenails alike.
Tea tree oil is just as effective as many other fungal products available in the market given that it improves the appearance of infected nails in just a matter of days.
What should you do?
- Apply 2 or 3 drops of oil over the affected nail and rub it in until completely absorbed.
- Repeat use 2 times a day until the infection disappears.
3. Garlic
Using garlic on nails is one our helpful tricks for treating the symptoms of this infection. The compounds in garlic clear up the yellowish or spotted appearance, leaving behind a healthier nail.
What should you do?
- Mince a clove of raw garlic and apply it to the fungus-affected nail.
- Keep the garlic secure by using a bandage and leave it on for at least 45 minutes.
- Wash off with warm water and repeat use every day.
4. Lemon juice
The nutrients and acids that lemon juice boasts allows for stronger nails to keep them from weakening from the effects of fungus.
What should you do?
- Juice a fresh lemon and apply the juice onto the affected nails.
- Leave it on for the nails to absorb and repeat use 2 times a day.
Visit this article: 7 Things You Need to Know about Toenail Fungus
5. Oregano oil
The extracts that are found in essential oregano oil have antifungal properties that stop onychomycosis. Using the oil leaves nails with a renewed and healthy appearance.
What should you do?
- Apply 3 drops of oregano oil onto the nail.
- Massage it in so that the nail absorbs it completely and leave to dry.
- Use it 2 times a day.
Are your nails cracking and looking yellow? If you have any signs of nail fungus, don’t think twice about trying any of the tricks from today’s post.
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.
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