Best Ways To Treat A Nail Fungus
Nail fungus can cause thick, discolored nails, and, for some patients, it can even be painful. An Internet search will bring up plenty of ways to treat the condition, but which ones are best? Dermatologist Dr. Christopher Hull discusses what nail fungus actually is, why its so hard to get rid of, and which treatments work best.
Apple Cider Vinegar With Copper Sulfate
Copper sulfate contains antiseptic and anti-fungal properties which fight off the fungus on the nails.
- Combine 40ml apple cider vinegar and 20gms of copper sulfate.
- Mix well and pour the mixture into 1-liter spray bottle and fill it with water.
- Spray the solution on the affected nail.
- Let it dry completely.
Home Remedies For Toenail Fungus
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Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis or tinea unguium, is a common nail condition affecting millions of people in the United States. Fungal nail infections can develop on the nail from various organisms such as molds, yeasts, and fungi. This usually occurs after these organisms come into contact with a cracked nail or skin surrounding the nail as the opening provides a portal of entry for these organisms.
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Side Effects Of Using Vinegar Foot Soak For Toenail Fungus
There are no much side effects of using vinegar if you are using it topically. Vinegar can also be taken orally to control severe infection. However, if you are allergic to vinegar, you must avoid using it.
Here are a few quick tips which can help to ease your pain
How To Make A Vinegar Foot Soak
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Overview
We demand a lot from our feet. They carry our bodies around all day, often from within uncomfortable shoes. Its no wonder many of us end up with blisters, pain, odor, and fungus, like athletes foot.
Fortunately, theres a simple solution to your woes, and it can be found in your kitchen.
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Apple Cider Vinegar With Epsom Salt
Epsom salt gently exfoliates the skin and nail which helps the healing properties of apple cider vinegar to work more effectively and quickly.
- Combine 1/3 cup each of apple cider vinegar and Epsom salt and 2 cups of hot water.
- Stir well and soak your toes or fingers for 30 minutes.
- Repeat the process 1 2 times daily.
Note: The longer your soak, the better results you achieve.
When To See A Doctor
In most cases, toenail fungus is considered a cosmetic problem. Still, it may cause serious complications for some people.
If you have diabetes, toenail fungus may lead to foot ulcers or other foot problems. According to a 2012 study, chronic toenail fungus is a significant risk factor for bacterial cellulitis of the leg.
If you have diabetes or a weakened immune system, you shouldnt use home remedies for toenail fungus. Contact your doctor for the appropriate course of action.
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Apple Cider Vinegar Borax Hydrogen Peroxide And Hot Water
- Add 2 tablespoons of Borax to hot water and let it dissolve.
- Now, add 1/4 cup each of apple cider vinegar, water and hydrogen peroxide .
- Stir well and soak the nail for 30 45 minutes.
- Remove from the solution, rinse off with water and pat dry thoroughly.
- Repeat the process daily until the infection is cleared.
Apple Cider Vinegar Soak
Things to Remember
- For effective vinegar treatment, trim your nails and file down the top surface to make it as thin as possible before soaking. This helps the vinegar to penetrate below the nail and work effectively.
- Never soak in the same solution twice: It is not advisable to use the same solution for multiple soaking. Once you have soaked, the water gets contaminated. Soaking in contaminated water doesnt yield any results and might even slow down the healing process.
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Apple Cider Vinegar Foot Soak For Your Nail Fungus
Apple cider vinegar has become one of the most popular at-home remedies for toenail fungus due to its antifungal properties . Vinegar has shown to slow the growth of most fungus. There are many ways to use apple cider vinegar on your feet and one of the most popular uses is a foot soak.
This article, will cover the uses of ACV, the benefits, how to properly use it, and more.
CAUTION: If you have diabetes you should avoid all treatments listed below. People with diabetes should have their healthcare team treat any foot issues they have.
When To See A Doctor About Toenail Fungus
If you are experiencing persistent toenail fungus or pain is present, you may need to see a specialist. A dermatologist or podiatrist may be able to assess your symptoms and send a small sample of the affected toenail or flesh to a laboratory to be analyzed as there are various types of fungi and yeasts that cause onychomycosis. Knowing the specific cause of your foot fungus can help identify what route to take to treat your condition.
Nail changes can also be caused by underlying conditions, like psoriasis and diabetes, so its important to seek professional medical advice if your condition persists or worsens. Bacterial and fungal infection of skin in diabetes patients often result in hospital admissions, and in severe cases, can result in amputations. If you are at a higher risk for infection, you should skip home remedies and seek professional medical treatment.
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Why Vinegar Is Useful To Treat Toenail Fungus
Vinegar is a diluted form of Acetic Acid, which is both versatile and harmless. It is best to use for infections. We usually use it for cooking and cleaning purposes. It is also used for tired, aching, and stinky feet. Study proves the antifungal properties of vinegar as more potent than any other food preservatives while being safe to eat. Due to this action, vinegar is being most credited. It is found as a slowing agent of growth in some types of foot fungus.
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How Apple Cider Vinegar May Help Treat Toenail Fungus
If you notice that your toenails are starting to thicken or change color, there is a chance you may have onychomycosis. Onychomycosis is the medical term for the condition commonly known as toenail fungus. If you are in the early stages of developing toenail fungus, you may notice a white or yellow spot under the tip of your toenail. Afterward, you may notice that the fungus will travel deeper and start to discolor, thicken, or distort the edge of the nail. Nevertheless, there are items you likely have in your kitchen cabinet that can aid in fighting toenail fungus. Apple cider vinegar is a popular remedy for toenail fungus due to its antifungal properties. If you want to treat your fungus using ACV, you can soak your feet in a mixture of warm water and the vinegar for about 15 minutes, twice a day. When purchasing the ACV, you should make sure it is raw, unpasteurized, and organic. For further assistance with treating toenail fungus, please consider scheduling a consultation with a podiatrist.
If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Gordon Fosdick of Affiliated Foot Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Symptoms
- Warped or oddly shaped nails
- Yellowish nails
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Do Vinegar Soaks Help Toe Fungus
In short, there is a lot of anecdotal evidence to suggest vinegar foot soaks can help you to get rid of fungal toenail infections over time and with repeated use.
However, there is no concrete clinical evidence to suggest that vinegar will definitely work, though some users do report that the treatment can work on mild cases of fungal infections. It is also a low-risk treatment, so it is unlikely to cause you any harm if you do decide to test out this home remedy.
Usually, your doctor will recommend using medication to treat toe fungus rather than relying on a home remedy.
There are two main types of medical treatment that are normally recommended for fungal nail infections: nail paints and tablets.
Amorolfine nail paint is available from our online pharmacy for the topical treatment of fungal toenail infections. The antifungal nail paint works by stopping the growth of fungus that causes infections. It also breaks down the fungi cells and removes the fungus as the nail grows out. Amorolfine is the cheaper generic version of the branded Curanail antifungal treatment.
Antifungal tablets like Terbinafine also treat fungal nail infections but have to be prescribed by a GP or nurse and may require an initial blood test before you start treatment.
Does Vinegar Kill Fungus
Vinegar contains acetic acid, and this particular compound makes it acidic enough to kill microorganism such as bacteria and fungus. Vinegar kills fungus by modifying the pH levels on the skin hence killing unwanted growths. In some cases of fungal infections, such as toenail fungus, the fungus forms a protective coating, thus preventing the immune system from killing it. Needless say, it can become drug resistant, meaning even though you follow your medical prescription, there is no improvement on your condition.
To effectively kill fungus using vinegar you can treat affected areas with pure apple cider vinegar. Alternatively, you can make vinegar soak bath and add hydrogen peroxide, tea tree oil, or olive oil. Repeat the vinegar treatment procedure at least twice a day until your symptoms of fungal infection have subsided. It is advisable that before applying any home remedies for toenail fungus, you should clean the affected toenails well and trim them so that the vinegar solution can easily get deeper into the nail and kill any fungus present. Another treatment method you can consider is doing a vinegar sock soak. All you have to do is put on a pair of cotton socks and then pour the vinegar and some water over the socks. Let the socks stay on for about 10-15 minutes and after removing them, you can apply any tropical antifungal cream or ointment.
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Apple Cider Vinegar For Toenail Fungus Does It Work what The Research Says
Toenail and foot maintenance doesn’t have to come at a high cost. In fact, some of the best hygiene remedies are common kitchen staples. One, we wager you’ve heard plenty about before: apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is made from apple juice and is fermented to hard apple cider. It’s then fermented a second time to become apple cider vinegar. In large volumes, it is known to contain vitamins, minerals, amino acids, organic acids , and plenty of other good-for-you compounds.
ACV is a true multifunctional tonic that is used in DIY cleaners, toners, bath soaks, hair rinses, you name it. And here’s just another reason to stock up on a bottle: It may help ease and remedy symptoms of athlete’s foot.
Here’s what you need to know.
Signs Of Toenail Fungus
So how do you know you have a fungal infection? Well, you’ll likely start noticing some changes in the way your toes and feet look, feel, and smell. Here are the most common signs of athlete’s foot:
- Yellowing of the nails
- Buildup of debris under the nail bed
- Cracked, dry skin
- Changing nail shape
- Odor similar to cheese
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Why Apple Cider Vinegar Can Cure Your Toenail Fungus
Its all about pH. Fungus needs an alkaline environment in order to thrive. The fungal nail infection causes the pH of the nail and surrounding skin to become more alkaline. The apple cider vinegar is acidic, making it more and more difficult for the fungus to survive. Surrounding skin and the nail will not be damaged by the vinegar.
Apple cider vinegar is a great all-around health tonic. Check here to find out about all of the benefits of organic apple cider vinegar. Organic apple cider vinegar is an effective alkalizing agent, making bodily pH less acidic, as well as being a potent antimicrobial and antiseptic,
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Consuming Apple Cider Vinegar
Drinking diluted apple cider vinegar for nail fungus strengthens your immune system which helps in fighting off the infection from inside.
Note: If you can’t stand the taste of apple cider vinegar then you can add 1 teaspoon of manuka honey for added taste.
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Soak Your Feet In Vinegar
Heres another pantry item that can deliver optimal results for toenail fungal infections. According to Hayag, applying white vinegar to the fungal-infected areas can prove worthwhile, thanks to its antibacterial properties.
Similar to oregano oil, applying white vinegar topically on fungus-infected toenails has some anecdotal evidence that supports its antibacterial benefits. Soak your foot in one part vinegar to two parts warm water for up to 20 minutes daily, she suggests, saying that this can help with the fungus, help with just the discoloration, or it may not help at all, depending on how your toes react.
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How Effective Is Apple Cider Vinegar For Toenail Fungus For Those Not Diabetic
There have been many researches to show that using vinegar foot soaks will help clear off toenail fungus infection with regular use. However, it is important to note that although the remedy works for many people, there have been reliable researches proving that the treatment only works on those whose fungus infection is mild. This means if your toenail fungus infection is very bad, this treatment may not work for you.
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How Do You Know When Toenail Fungus Is Gone
Nail fungus can be resistant to treatment and nails take a long time to grow out, so it can take several weeks or months for an infection to be fully resolved. You will know that the treatment is working and the infection is clearing up when you see growth of a new, healthy nail from the base of the nail bed.
How Do You Make A Vinegar Foot Soak
If you would like to try out a vinegar foot soak at home, you can follow the instructions below.
Step 1: Get a bottle of vinegar. The type of vinegar you use doesnt necessarily matter most people use either apple cider vinegar or white vinegar. The important thing is the pH of the vinegar, which should typically be 2-3.
Step 2: Fill a sink or bowl with 1 part vinegar and 2 parts warm water .
Top tip: if youre finding the smell of vinegar too strong or unpleasant, you can add a few drops of essential oils to the mixture, such as lavender oil.
Step 3: Soak foot for 15-30 minutes daily in the mixture. Do not soak for longer than 30 minutes.
Step 4: Make sure that you dry your foot/feet thoroughly after your soak. The fungus grows best in a moist environment, so leaving feet damp encourages fungal growth especially if you are putting on socks or shoes next.
Step 5: Repeat this process daily until you can see that your infection has disappeared.
If you have particularly sensitive skin, you may find that vinegar causes some skin irritation. If this is the case, you can try decreasing the time you spend soaking your feet to 10-15 minutes or diluting the mixture with more water. You could also try reducing the amount of foot soaks you try to a few times a week instead.
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