The reality is that every time we develop symptoms, whether a runny nose or an itchy eye, we automatically research home remedies. And when it comes to changes you notice in your feet, the reaction isn’t any different.
Some of the most common conditions associated with our foot health include:
Effective Home Remedies For Toenail Fungus
But let’s take a look at some of the most popular home remedies that have proven effective against various fungal nail infections.
Home Remedy #1: Over-The-Counter (OTC) Medication
There are a variety of OTC medications that you can find at your local pharmacy that can treat toenail fungus when you notice it developing. These include medications that contain:
- Undecylenic Acid. A fungus fighter that comes as a liquid or a polish you paint onto your nails. It can also help with any skin irritation caused by the fungus.
- Tolnaftate. Commonly used in products that treat athlete’s foot, ringworm, and jock itch, you can find this medication in cream, powder, spray, or liquid form. May be required to use for about two weeks after you’ve already experienced symptom relief.
- Clotrimazole. Primarily found in yeast infection creams, Clotrimazole can be effective against toenail fungus.
- Terbinafine. Better known by its brand name, Lamisil, it can be bought as a cream, gel, spray, or powder. It can also be prescribed in pill form by your doctor.
Home Remedy #2: Baking Soda
Baking soda will soak up moisture to help prevent toenail fungus from developing and reduce the growth of toenail fungus, but it won’t eliminate it.
Home Remedy #3: Vicks VapoRub
When your nose begins to stuff up, you automatically go for the soothing sensation that Vicks VapoRub will bring. However, it may surprise you that this mentholated topical ointment has properties that effectively treat toenail fungus.
Applying this ointment once per day can help improve the adverse effect of fungal infections on your toenails.
Home Remedy #4: Garlic
Garlic isn’t just another great ingredient in every kitchen; it contains allicin, proven to have some antifungal and antimicrobial capabilities. You have the option of applying finely chopped or crushed garlic to the affected area for 30 minutes a day or take garlic capsules.
Home Remedy #5: Essential Oils
Many people seek homeopathic treatments to heal a variety of common ailments, and some of the following essential oils will also work on toenail fungus:
- Tea tree oil
- Clove oil
- Clary sage oil
- Jasmine oil
- Lavender oil
- Ylang-ylang oil
- Eucalyptus oil
- Cinnamon oil
- Lemon oil
- Lemongrass oil
- Thieves oil
- Wild oregano oil
- Jojoba oil
- Manuka tree oil
When to See Your Podiatrist
While home remedies can effectively treat mild-to-moderate toenail fungus, the best treatment comes from your local podiatrist. The experts at Canyon Oaks Foot and Ankle have the experience acquired from over 30 years of providing total care of the foot and ankle with compassion and efficiency.
Contact the most trusted podiatrists in Fresno, Visalia, and Porterville, California, for toenail fungus treatments or other foot and ankle conditions.