Foot fungus, more specifically known as Athletes’ foot is a type of skin infection that might have tormented a majority of us at some point. As this fungus can be easily transmitted, it doesn’t take much to get infected with athlete’s foot. Simple daily actions like walking around barefoot, not drying between the toes after a shower, or dipping your legs in a public pool will do it. You even can get infected by using sweaty shoes or dampened socks.
Even though not dangerous or life-threatening if treated immediately, the highly contagious nature of athletes’ feet makes it a serious problem. But most of us will not seek immediate medical care because of a fungal infection, right? So, why don’t we take a look at what kills foot fungus naturally?
By finding an answer to the question “What kills foot fungus naturally?” you will be able to stay prepared in case of an infection.
Toenail fungus Medical treatments
First, let’s take a look at some of the medical toenail fungus treatments that are widely practiced.
Topical Drugs
Topical drugs are one of the most common toenail treatment methods. As it is noninvasive and cost-effective, most people at first prefer topical drugs over other toenail fungus treatments. It works best with mild infections. Some of the widely used topical drugs for toenail fungus treatments are:
Ciclopirox
This topical drug comes in a nail polish lacquer form. You just have to paint it on the infected nail and surrounding skin once a day. The ingredients added to ciclopirox will not only slow down the fungus growth but also manage to clear mild infections within 6 months.
Efinaconazole
A topical triazole solution is supposed to be applied to the infected nail and surrounding areas once a day.
Tolnaftate
A topical antifungal that is made available in various forms like gel, cream, powder, spray, etc. If used twice daily, it will manage to get rid of the infection within 6 months.
Tavaborole
A boron-based topical antifungal that will stop the fungal growth. It only has to be applied once daily.
Clotrimazole
One of the most common OTC azole antifungal medicines that is available in the form of creams and solutions. If applied twice daily it will fight against the fungus and bacteria causing the infection.
Oral medications
Doctors will prescribe oral medications like itraconazole, terbinafine, etc. if the infection is severe. In an ideal situation, these drugs will take anywhere from 12 weeks to 15 weeks to get rid of the infection.
Laser treatment
High and concentrated doses of light are seen to be capable of destroying stubborn funguses.
Nail removal
If your nail doesn’t get healed irrespective of conducting treatments then your physician may recommend removing the infected nail to prevent the situation from getting out of hand. Doctors will choose to either surgically remove the infected nail or put a strong chemical on it.
Most individuals will successfully get rid of foot fungal infections using these treatment methods. But are you wondering “What kills foot fungus naturally?”. Then let’s take a look at some natural remedies we can try out to get rid of the foot fungal infection.
What kills foot fungus naturally?
Now, let’s find an answer to the question “What kills foot fungus naturally?” This way you will have an option to try some home remedies for toenail fungus before adopting medical remedies.
Baking Soda
Known chemically as sodium bicarbonate, baking soda is a common kitchen or laundry essential. It can absorb moisture content. So, when applied to nails, it will draw out the moisture from nails and thereby stop the infection from progressing any further.
Essential oils
Now, let’s take a look at some of the essential oils that can act as the perfect solution for the question “What kills foot fungus naturally?”
- Peppermint oil is an essential oil that has antifungal qualities. When applied to infected areas two to three times a day after diluting, it can get rid of the infection.
- Oregano Oil is a strong essential oil that contains many antifungal components. When used on the affected areas in its diluted form it too can take care of the infection.
- One can apply the tea tree oil rich in antifungal components directly into the affected areas. They also can soak their feet in warm water after diluting a few drops of the oil in it.
Vinegar
The acidic properties of vinegar or acetic acid can help in getting rid of the toenail fungus. Just dip your feet in warm water mixed with vinegar to enjoy its benefits.
Mouthwash (Listerine)
Listerine is a brand of mouthwash that has been widely used as an oral care supplement. As it contains many alcohol and plant-based essential oils like eucalyptol, menthol, etc. it will help dehydrate the infected areas. So, if you soak the infected areas in Listerine for 15 to 20 minutes three to four times a week, you will be able to see remarkable results.
Garlic
Going back to kitchen supplies, garlic is one of the handy kitchen ingredients one can use to treat a toenail infection. Antibacterial and antifungal components in garlic like allicin, will fight against the fungus, getting rid of it. Just chop garlic and apply it to the infected areas for 20 to 30 minutes daily for a week. You will start to see changes within a few weeks.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen Peroxide is an easily available antiseptic or bleaching agent that can uproot the toenail infection. It is one of the best solutions to the question “What kills foot fungus naturally?” The hydrogen in hydrogen peroxide can kill the fungus if used properly. You can either directly hydrogen peroxide to the infected areas with a clean cloth or dilute it with cold water to use it.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a highly versatile ingredient that is proven to provide multiple health benefits to users. Due to its antimicrobial properties, apple cider vinegar can get rid of the toenail fungus or stop its development effectively.
Homeopathic medications such as Antimonium Crudum, Silicea, Graphites, Sepia, and Hepar Sulph are non-invasive natural treatment methods that pose virtually no side effects which makes them a good alternative for antifungal medications.
Final Results
This article has gone through almost all of the home remedies for toenail fungus, easily available to one. If you become infected with a toenail fungus infection, don’t ignore it. This may allow an easily resolvable issue to fester and create bigger problems.
So, if you don’t want to try out any of the above-mentioned medications, try out the natural remedies listed here. These measures will allow you to control the infection and prevent it from progressing any further. If used consistently, it may even help you to get rid of the infection completely.
So, hopefully, this article has helped you find an appropriate answer to the question “What kills foot fungus naturally?” Which of these home remedies will you try out, if you get infected? Let me know in the comments down below!
