33 Home Remedies for Foot and Toenail Fungus

Onychomycosis, best known as toenail fungus, is a condition caused by an abnormal pH level of the skin. It can also result from the build-up of sweat in shoes, bad foot hygiene, wearing synthetic socks, and a weak immune system. The condition is characterized by inflammation, yellowing of the toenail, abnormal pains of the toe and toenail, swelling, thickening, and crumbling.

On the other hand, foot fungus or athlete’s foot results from the growing of tinea fungus on the feet. You can contract the condition directly from an affected person or when you come into contact with already affected items. Athlete’s fungus usually develops in moist and warm environments and the fungus is common in locker room floors, around swimming pools, and showers.

 

Home Remedies for Foot and Toenail Fungus

Though there are medical procedures to address these conditions, there are equally very potent natural remedies for it. Also, these natural remedies, unlike the medical process, come with no side effects, unless you are allergic to them. Below are some effective natural remedies to treat your foot fungus and toenail fungus.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has proven itself as one of the effective remedies for foot and toenail fungus. It contains acidic properties, which can prevent the spreading and further kill the fungus.

The ingredients you need are apple cider vinegar, Epsom salt, and warm water. Take equal amount of apple cider vinegar and water and add the Epsom salt to it. Soak your feet in it for thirty minutes to thwart the spread of the fungus.

Another method is to make an exfoliating scrub with rice flour and apple cider vinegar. Mix the two ingredients well to form a paste. Apply the paste to the affected areas and scrub gently. This will remove all the dead skin cells around the area.

Apple cider vinegar can also be added to warm water and honey. Drink this thrice daily to enhance the healing process. You can also mix it with rice flour to form a paste and apply on the affected foot.

 

2. Orange Oil

Orange oil is another effective natural remedy for foot and toenail fungus. The oil contains antifungal properties to stop the spread and kill the fungus. All you need is to apply the orange oil between your toes and the foot using a dropper. Allow it to soak for an hour before you wash off.

It is important to note that orange oil can cause allergic and other side effects. So before you use it, first try at a small spot for some time. The oil can also be too strong for people with sensitive skin. If you are that type, you can dilute it with olive oil and apply on the affected area. Use this remedy three times daily and consistently until the condition improves.

 

3. Neem Oil

Neem oil is an effective skin care product. It contains pesticide agents that can eliminate toxins from the body. The neem plant contains quercetin that has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal agents. All you need is to apply neem oil to the affected areas using a cotton ball. Allow it to penetrate deeply and wash it off after thirty minutes.

4. Olive Leaf Extract

Olive leaf extract is one of the best remedies for treating foot and toenail fungus. It contains antibacterial and anti-viral properties and can even reduce cholesterol levels in the body. You can rely on a dose of olive leaf extract daily to cure you of the infection. However, it can be very strong for some people. When this happens, you can reduce the dosage for your body to adapt to it. Once this happens, you can later increase it to the recommended dosage.

 

5. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a great skin care product and promotes healthy skin. It contains caprylic acid, which is able to penetrate into the strong walls of fungi to destroy them. When these walls are destroyed, the fungi are weakened and infections eradicated. All you need to do is to apply a thin layer of coconut oil on the affected area. Leave it for about thirty minutes to penetrate deep into the skin. You can apply this home remedy as often as you like.

 

6. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil, with its great antiseptic and antifungal properties, remains one of the great remedies for toenail fungus. It is also a perfect remedy for many other skin disorders. You can apply tea tree oil solely on the affected area or mix it with olive or coconut oil. You first need to clean the area well with rubbing alcohol or warm water and clean dry. Then, apply the oil on the affected area for fifteen minutes. Use this remedy as many times as you can daily and continue with it until the condition is fixed.

 

7. Lavender Oil

Lavender oil contains antifungal properties, which makes it very potent in treating mild cases of toenail fungus. All you need is to apply the oil to the affected area and leave it for thirty minutes to penetrate. You have to continue with this remedy for at least a week after the condition is treated to prevent it from reappearing.

 

8. Cornmeal

Cornmeal contains its own fungus, which is not harmful to the human body but can destroy the fungus that causes infection. All you need is to add enough water to the cornmeal in a bowl to make a paste and mix well. Allow it to sit for an hour. You can now submerge the affected or both legs in it for thirty minutes. You can repeat this process once daily until the condition is dealt with. Continue with it for one more week after the condition is treated to prevent reappearing.

9. Oregano Oil

Oregano possesses antifungal, antiparasitic, antiseptic, antiviral, and analgesic properties that can treat toenail fungus. You can apply oregano oil solely to the affected area or mix it with an olive oil. Leave it for thirty minutes, rinse, and pat dry. Use this remedy twice daily for best results.

 

10. Baking Soda

Baking soda contains alkaline agents that prevent acidic environment thriving fungus from spreading and causing more damages. This is because it creates an unfavorable environment for the fungus. Mix the baking soda with just enough water to make a paste. Apply the paste on the affected area and leave to dry. You can now wash it off and pat dry. Use this remedy twice each day.

 

11. Probiotics

Toenail fungus can also result from limited healthy microflora in the body and that caused fungal overgrowth. With this, you can rely on probiotics to resolve the situation. Consuming probiotics will suppress the growth and spread of the parasitic fungus by reducing the space they thrive. You can rely on probiotics, including yogurt, to salvage the situation.

 

12. White Vinegar

White vinegar is an effective remedy for treating toenail fungus because of its ability to fight the infection. This type of vinegar is able to restore the natural PH level of the skin. All you need is to add equal parts of white vinegar and warm water. Soak the affected foot in the solution for fifteen minutes. When you are done, rinse it off and pat dry. Repeat this for twice every day until the toenail fungus is treated. You must make sure you continue the process for a week after the healing to avoid recurrence. Also, white vinegar can cause irritation, so you can dilute it well to suit your skin preference.

 

13. Garlic

Garlic contains antifungal properties, due to the active compounds allicin and ajoene, which can help treat toenail fungus. All you need is to crush some cloves of garlic smoothly and add a little white vinegar to it. Apply it to the affected foot and cover it with a bandage so it does not fall off.

You can alternatively use garlic oil and white vinegar and follow the same process. Use this remedy twice daily until you achieve results.

14. Mouthwash

Since mouthwash can kill bacteria and germs in the mouth, it makes potent in treating toenail fungus. Mouthwash contains several effective compounds and the alcohol content in it is an antiseptic. This is able to flush out fungi and bacteria.

All you need to do is add equal parts of mouthwash and water in a footbath. Place the affected foot in it for about thirty minutes and scrub gently. Rinse the foot with fresh water and pat dry. Use the remedy twice a day until the condition is resolved. You can continue to use it for one more week after toenail fungus is treated.

 

15. Pau d’arco Tea

The inner bark of pau d’arco tree contains antifungal properties and according to research, it is just as potent as other antifungal medicines. All you need is to first soak some Pau d’arco bark inadequate water for about thirty minutes. Then soak the affected foot in it for twenty to thirty minutes. Repeat this twice a day until the foot/toenail fungus is treated.

 

16. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is a strong antiseptic and antifungal agent. It contains citric acid, which makes it effective in preventing the spread of foot and toenail fungus. Get yourself fresh lemon and squeeze the juice. Apply the juice on the affected foot and leave it for thirty minutes. Wash it off with lukewarm water and pat dry.

Alternatively, add equal parts of lemon juice and olive oil. Mix it well and apply on the affected foot. After one hour, wash it off and pat dry. Use this remedy twice every day and consistently after the problem is resolved.

 

17. Colloidal Silver

Colloidal silver contains antifungal properties, making it an effective remedy for treating foot fungus. You just need to apply it on the affected area and wait until it dries.

Alternatively, you can apply on the affected feet while retiring to bed and leave it overnight. It is always important to purchase quality colloidal silver as there are several fake ones on the market.

 

18. Snakeroot Extract

Snakeroot extract is an effective antifungal produced from some plants in the sunflower family. This makes it an effective remedy for treating toenail fungus. Just apply the extract on the affected foot and leave it for thirty minutes. Repeat this at least once daily for effective results. You can achieve results after using this remedy for about a month.

 

19. Ginger

Ginger contains active compounds, like gingerols, that reduces inflammation. It also contains antifungal properties, making it an effective remedy for treating foot fungus. All you need is to chop some fresh ginger and add it to boiling water. Allow it to simmer for twenty minutes and put off the fire. Let the juice sit until it cools. Apply it on the affected area and leave for thirty minutes. Wash with fresh water and pat dry. Repeat this twice each day for effective results.

 

20. Mustard Powder

Mustard has numerous health benefits due to its anti-inflammatory properties and its selenium and magnesium contents. It also has some acidic properties able to kill fungus and heal you of your toenail fungus. All you need is to add two teaspoons of mustard powder in a shallow basin with warm water. Let it mix well and soak the affected foot in them for thirty minutes. You need to repeat this twice daily, once in the morning and before going to bed at night. Always rinse with fresh water when done. A continued use of this remedy will cure the condition.

 

21. Turmeric Powder

Turmeric’s antioxidant components can remove all free radicals from the feet. All you need is to form a paste with turmeric powder and water. Apply this paste to the affected foot or toenail and allow to dry. Wash it off with fresh water and pat very dry.

22. Sea Salt

Using sea salt is another potent and easy way to treat your toenail fungus. Sea salt is rich in calcium, potassium, magnesium, copper, chloride, bromide, iron, and zinc, making it very effective for skin care. Just add some sea salt to water and soak your feet in it for three minutes. Make sure the affected area touches the salt. Do this twice daily until the condition is cured.

 

23. Chamomile

Chamomile is not only effective in treating brain disorders but also treats toenail fungus. This is because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. All you need is to boil hot water and add a chamomile tea bag. Allow steeping for ten minutes. Add the tea to the same quality of water in a shallow basin. Soak the affected feet in it for twenty minutes and pat dry. You can also use the used tea bag as a poultice on the affected toenail. For each of the methods, repeat twice daily until the condition is treated.

 

24. Vitamin E Oil

Vitamin E oil is an effective remedy for skin care and has the potential to combat fungus. All you need is to extract enough oil from vitamin E capsules. Apply this to the affected feet gently and massage until it is well absorbed. Apply this twice every day for effective results.

 

25. Onion

Onion has astringent properties and contains compounds like sulfur and quercetin, which can treat foot and toenail fungus and reduce infection. All you need to do is cut fresh onion and crush it a bit. Apply the juice on the affected area. Leave it for thirty minutes, wash off, and pat dry. Use it until the condition improves.  

 

26. Alcohol

You can also use alcohol to kill the fungus related to foot and toenail fungus due to its astringent properties. Using alcohol is also the preferred choice of people suffering from the condition since it is less harsh than apple cider vinegar. All you need is to add the same quantity of 70% alcohol content and water. Apply this to the affected feet/toenail twice daily. This will prevent further spread of the infection and cure it. Continue to use it until the conditioned is cured.

 

27. Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide can also help cure toenail and foot fungus. To use this, add the same quantity of water and 3% hydrogen peroxide in a shower basin. Soak your feet in it for thirty minutes and rinse off using fresh water. You can now pat dry thoroughly to prevent moisture from trapping in the nail. Use this remedy twice daily until the condition is cured.

 

28. Lemongrass Oil

Lemongrass is a great antifungal and antibacterial agent making is an effective natural remedy for foot and toenail fungus. The oil can prevent any further infection, the spread of the condition to other areas, and prevent fragile nails. You can mix lemongrass oil with another carrier oil like olive or coconut oil before using. Just apply the mixture to the affected area until it absorbs well. Use this twice every day.

 

29. Red Pepper and Olive Oil

A combination of red pepper and olive oil is another effective remedy for toenail fungus. The use of it can really sting but will treat your condition. Just grind red pepper and mix with olive oil. Apply this to the toenail and leave for some minutes. Rinse it off and pat dry.

 

30. Witch Hazel

Witch Hazel possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can cure the symptoms and subsequently eliminate toenail fungus. All you need is to apply witch hazel to the affected nail using a cotton ball.

You can also use a cream containing witch hazel for that purpose. This will dry any moisture from the area to prevent further spread and infections.  

31. Anti-fungal Spray

You can prepare a homemade antifungal spray to treat your toenail fungus. Prepare this antifungal spray by adding witch hazel and any of the essential oils already mentioned in this article. These ingredients, with properties effective in treating toenail fungus, can resolve the condition. All you need is to add the same amount of witch hazel and two or three drops of your selected essential oil. To use it, clean the feet dry and apply the spray to the feet or toenail and allow to dry. Use this twice daily.

 

32. Keep the Feet Dry

One of the major factors that cause and spread fungus-related diseases is moisture. A moist area creates an enabling atmosphere for toenail fungus and other related diseases to thrive. Therefore, it is very important to keep the feet dry to prevent and cure toenail fungus.

 

33. Nail Filling

Some habits contribute to toenail fungus and therefore employing good habits can redeem the situation. With almost all the remedies, you need to apply to the affected toenail and massage until it penetrates well. But how can this happen when you have long, dirty nails. With this, you have to file the nail as short as possible to enhance your treatment. This will allow deeper penetration and prevent moisture being trapped in the nails to worsen the condition.

 

Natural remedies are only effective when used continuously and in the right way. It may be slow but very effective and affords a long-lasting solution. You can try any of the above remedies for effective results. Good luck.

 

References

https://www.rd.com/health/conditions/home-remedies-foot-fungus/

http://www.top10homeremedies.com/how-to/how-to-get-rid-of-toenail-fungus.html

https://www.healthline.com/health/home-remedies-for-toenail-fungus

https://www.prevention.com/health/6-natural-ways-to-deal-with-nail-fungus/slide/4

https://wellnessmama.com/156131/athletes-foot/

https://www.littlethings.com/toenail-fungus-home-remedies/

http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/home-remedies-to-treat-nail-fungus/#gref

https://www.livestrong.com/article/117656-home-remedies-cure-foot-fungus/