Top 10 remedies for treating nail fungus
Bacterial and fungal infections are very common in the human body and you need to take the right medication in order to get rid of them. Nail fungus is one of the fungal infections that infect your fingernails or toenails. Commonly antifungal medications are prescribed as nail fungus treatment but to combat its side effects many patients have started searching for home remedies. Here you will find some interesting and useful information about nail fungus cures. Before jumping on to the nail fungus remedies, let’s shed some light on its nature, causes, and symptoms.

What is nail fungus?

• Nail fungus is a very common ailment that starts with yellow or white spots around the toenails or fingernails.
• If you do not go for a nail fungus treatment, then it may spread further, and you will see discoloration of your nails. Your nails may become thick and also start to break at the edges.
• As long as it is not painful and does not bother you too much, you can opt for a home remedy. However, if it starts getting too painful and causes discomfort, you must visit a doctor to ensure a proper treatment plan for treating the nail fungus.

What causes nail fungus?

• A fungal nail infection may be caused due to an overgrowth of fungi taking place in, under, or over a finger or a toenail.
• Fungi tend to grow in warm, moist environments. Such environments tend to cause them to overpopulate naturally. Therefore, toenail fungus is more common in people who wear shoes in warm/humid environments.
• A dermatophyte is one of the fungus types that cause nail fungus.
• It can occur at any age, but it is most common in older people.
• Fungal infections are caused by fungi that are present in or on an individual’s body. Additionally, it can also be because of coming in contact with an individual suffering from a fungal infection.

What are the symptoms of nail fungus?
A nail fungal infection might affect a portion of a nail, several nails, or one whole nail. Common symptoms of nail fungus include:

• Yellow and/or white-colored streaks visible on the infected nail.
• Scaling that might occur under the nail affected by a fungus.
• Chipping of the nail from the sides.
• Thickening of the nail.
• An infected nail getting lifted off from the nail bed.
• Additionally, a infected nail might also emit an odor.

When to see a doctor?

Although not all fungal nail infections warrant an intervention from a doctor. It is always ideal to visit one if:

• The discoloration increases.
• The nail or nails become thick along with causes a lot of pain and discomfort.
• If you are diabetic, it is crucial to visit a doctor and seek treatment for the nail fungus even if you are not in pain.

Which are the top 10 best remedies for treating nail fungus?
Nail fungus can be treated by using some home remedies; however, it is always ideal to consult a doctor before starting to use any home remedy. Below are the top 10 home remedies for treating nail fungus:

• Apple cider vinegar is the best remedy for treating toenail fungus. Mix apple cider vinegar along with hot water and Epsom salt. Let your nails soak in the water for at least 30 minutes. This will help in killing the fungus.
• Vicks Vaporub is also a good option and you need to apply a small amount of this gel to the affected area at least once.
• Tea tree oil has anti-fungal properties. You can apply the tea tree oil on the affected area and leave it alone. This should be repeated this twice a day.
• Organic cornmeal is the host for a kind of fungus that is totally harmless to a human being, but it is proven to be deadly to the Candida (a type of yeast). Candida is the cause for a number of infections. Add cornmeal to water and let it sit for one hour. Now soak your feet in the water for at least half an hour.
• Orange essential oil is among the top 5 nail fungus cures. Apply a few drops of this oil to the affected area like the fingernails and/or the toenails. Also, make sure to apply in between the fingers.
• Coconut oil able to penetrate into the walls of Candida and any other kind of fungi in the body. It makes for an ideal home remedy as it destroys the fungus responsible for the infection.
• Oregano oil has thymol. Thymol has antifungal properties that can aid in the treatment of fingernail fungal infection.
• You can even try garlic cloves for fingernail fungus. Place crushed garlic on the affected area for 30 minutes every day.
• Oleuropein has anti-fungal properties and that is present in olive leaf extracts. It is available in the form of capsules and can be purchased from the nearest pharmacy. However, consult a doctor before choosing these capsules.
• Make a paste of borax and baking soda using water and rub that paste to the affected area. Ensure to wet the nails before applying this paste.