Last Updated on 11/11/2023 by Liz @ HealthTenfold
Nail Fungus on Fingers
Almost everyone has dealt with fungal infections at some point in their lives. Fungi are a normal part of the human body but they only become infections when they multiply too much. One of the common types of fungal infections is nail fungus on fingernails and toenails that causes the thickening or discoloration.
Nail fungus affects about 10% of the population. It is also medically known as onychomycosis or tinea unguium. It usually starts with mild symptoms that may escape your notice but with time it may develop and even cause you to lose your nails.
What Does Nail Fungus Look Like?
In the earlier stages of nail fungus, a white or yellow spot appears under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As it progresses, your nails start to discolor into a whitish, yellowish, or brown color. They also thicken and their shape gets distorted. Your nails may also get ragged, brittle, or crumbly and may even fall off the nail bed. Infected nails give off a slightly foul smell and you may notice a dark color just underneath them due to the build-up of debris.
What Causes Nail Fungus?
Nail fungus is caused by fungi called dermatophyte which also causes athlete’s foot, ringworms, and jock itch. When naturally-existing fungi under your nails are exposed to warm and moist environments, it results in the development of nail fungus. Nail fungus can also be caused by some types of yeast and mold.
Fungus finds its way under your nail when your nail ages, becomes dry and brittle, and eventually cracks. Factors that also make infection possible are a weak immune system and poor circulation of blood in your fingers and toes.
You can also get nail fungus by touching a person with a fungal infection or sharing manicure and pedicure tools like nail clippers with an infected person.
At Home Remedies for Nail Fungus
If you’ve been wondering how you can get rid of nail fungus on fingers and toes without having to visit a doctor, there are readily available home remedies:
H-Nail Fungus Formula
If you’ve been looking for natural at home nail fungus remedies that will work wonders, H-Nail Fungus Formula is exactly what you need. It doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals but pure essential oils that will rid you of nail fungus fast! Get yourself a bottle today and nail fungus will be a thing of the past.
Hydrogen Peroxide
It’s very effective at killing fungi growing in your fingernails or toenails because of its antifungal effects. Dip a cotton pad or a piece of cloth in hydrogen peroxide and apply it directly to the infected nails. You can also add hydrogen peroxide in water for a 10-20 minute soak.
Baking Soda
It absorbs moisture from your fingernails or toenails so the growth of fungi is discouraged. Make a paste using baking soda and water and apply it to the infected areas. Leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing it off. You can also put baking soda in your shoes or socks to keep your feet dry.
Vinegar
Vinegar has very good antifungal properties so it will help in getting rid of nail fungus. You can apply it directly to the infected nails. You can also mix water and vinegar in a 2-1 ratio and soak your toenails in it for 20 minutes daily until the infection clears.
Black Tea
Black tea has tannic acid which helps in closing pores to reduce sweating, absorbs moisture, and kills bacteria in your fingernails and toenails. You can add a few tea bags in warm water and soak your nails in for 30 minutes daily.
Garlic
Garlic contains the compounds allicin and ajoene which have excellent antifungal and antimicrobial properties. Crush a few cloves of garlic and mix with vinegar or olive oil because only using garlic may irritate your skin. Apply the mixture on the affected nails and bandage to keep it in place. Leave it on for 30 minutes and rinse it off.
Snakeroot Extract
This is a traditional extract from the sunflower family that is used to treat fungi. It has natural antifungal properties that will help to eliminate nail fungus. The extract should be applied to the infected nails 2 or 3 times a week for about 3 months.
Oregano Oil
It contains thymol which has antifungal properties to fight the nail fungi. Oregano oil is very concentrated so it may irritate your skin so you shouldn’t apply it directly. Mix it in a carrier oil such as olive oil and apply it on the infected nails.
Epsom Salts
They treat fungal infections by helping in the absorption of moisture from your fingernails or toenails. Add Epsom salts to warm water and soak your feet or hands for 10-20 minutes.
Read more: https://www.healthtenfold.com/how-to-know-if-toenail-fungus-is-dying/
https://www.healthtenfold.com/get-rid-of-nail-fungus-naturally/
https://www.healthtenfold.com/how-to-treat-nail-fungus-on-toes-fast/
https://www.healthtenfold.com/stages-of-toenail-fungus/
https://www.healthtenfold.com/pros-and-cons-of-laser-treatment-for-toenail-fungus/
https://www.healthtenfold.com/nail-fungus-in-its-early-stages/