Nail fungus is a very common condition that affects the fingernail or toenail. The issue may come to notice when there is a development of a white or yellow spot under the tip of the nails. As the condition progresses, the color of the nail deepens, and one will notice a thickened crumble on the edges. The condition can affect one or many nails at a time. Typically, the fungus does not call for a reason of worry if it is mild and can be it left without having to be treated. However, for nails that grow too thick, self-care and treatment may be the way to go.
Also known as onychomycosis, nail fungus comes with several symptoms that are immediately noticeable. Some of the signs include nail thickening, yellow or brown discoloration, distorting of the shape, brittle nails and sometimes, there may also be a foul smell. While medical treatments can bring good effect, they do cause a side-effect. This is where self-care methods prove to be a good deal. Some of the most common ones are included in this article:
- Olive oil extract – The olive leaf extract contains an active substance that is known as oleuropein. This substance is found to have notable abilities that include antimicrobial, antifungal and immune-boosting properties. The salve of the leaf can be directly applied to the affected nail or can also be ingested in the form of a capsule. In case of ingestion through the capsule form, it is important to drink plenty of water.
- Vinegar – Vinegar has been widely used since a long time for its anti-fungal treatment abilities. It is found to be an effective ingredient that works on killing bacteria; however, the same does not hold strong scientific evidence. To use the remedy, one part of vinegar must be mixed in two parts of water. The foot must then be soaked in this mixture for about 20 minutes to get the best results.
- Listerine – Listerine is a product that contains ingredients such as menthol, eucalyptus, and thymol. These elements are found to have effective antifungal and antibacterial properties. This makes it a good remedy for the nail fungus condition. For this remedy to show results, one must soak their feet in Listerine for 20 minutes every day.
- Tea tree oil – Melaleuca or tea tree oil is an essential oil that possesses very good antiseptic and antifungal properties. This makes it a very good remedy for fighting nail fungus. To use tea tree oil as a self-care treatment, the oil must be directly applied to the affected nail with a cotton swab and left to soak. The remedy is found to exhibit very effective results.
- Diet – There has always been an emphasis on the link between the diet and a healthy body. Healthy foods support the body with the ability to fight conditions such as nail fungus. Foods that are rich in protein, probiotics, fatty acids, and calcium can do extremely well.
For the greatest number of cases, a toenail fungus is considered to be a cosmetic condition. However, it may be relatively serious if it does not show signs of healing in some people. People, especially those who suffer from diabetes or have a weak immune system should not delay in contacting a doctor and should undergo appropriate treatment.
