Have you ever noticed any discoloration, or disfigurement in your toenails that often causes irritations or pus discharge? Then you might be familiar with onychomycosis simply known as toe nail fungus.
This fungal infection is very common worldwide, affecting up to 14% of the general population. In most cases, toenail fungus poses no serious threats, but some may experience pain, irritations, or pus discharge. Additionally, the weird brownish shade and disfigurements that eventually cause cracks in the nails are not pleasant to look at.
Fortunately, there is a multitude of treatments available that can potentially cure toenail fungus permanently extending from natural home remedies, and homeopathic treatments, to anti-fungal medications.
In this article, we will explore what causes toenail fungus, some of the top homeopathic remedies for toenail fungus, natural nail fungus treatments, and more. Keep on reading to find out ways to get rid of this annoying condition permanently.
What are the Causes of Toe Nail Fungus?
As the name suggests, the toenail fungus is caused by many different fungi that live in the environment. These fungi can get attached to your toe, especially if you are walking or doing activities barefoot, or wearing sandals.
If there are cracks in your nails or surrounding skin, the fungus can infest this part and cause irritations often ending up in discoloration, cracks, and disfigurement of your toenails.
Even though the condition is common and can affect anyone, some individuals are more susceptible to getting toenail fungus than others. You are more likely to get toenail fungus if you have diabetes, cracks in nails, a weak immune system, or if you are affected with other fungal infections.
Now that we know what causes toenail fungus, let’s explore some of the top homeopathic remedies for toenail fungus.
Homeopathic Remedies for Toe Nail Fungus
There are numerous ways of treating toenail fungus including natural remedies, nail serum, anti-fungal medications, etc. However, homeopathic methods are an ideal method for treating nail fungus because of their non-invasive and non-toxic approach.
The homeopathic methods cause virtually no side effects which also makes them a safe treatment alternative to antifungal medications.
Here are some of the top homeopathic remedies for toenail fungus:
1. Antimonium Crudum
This homeopathic medication can be used by adults and children over 12 for treating discolored, brittle, ragged, or disjointed toenails, due to fungal infection. Spray twice under the tongue three times a day for optimal results.
2. Silicea
This is made from silica or quartz powder. It can help with toenail deformities, fragile nails, and fungal infections. Silicea helps absorb excessive moisture and perspiration that allows the fungus to thrive. It slowly improves nail growth.
3. Graphites
Made from mineral carbon/graphite, Graphites can combat thick deformed nails. It helps to minimize cracking and blisters around nail beds that can provide relief from pain and discomfort.
4. Sepia
Sepia is made from cuttlefish ink. It can work on disfigured nails and crusty deposits around the edges of nails that are often caused by fungal infestation or psoriasis.
5. Hepar Sulph
This homeopathic medication can address extremely sensitive nail beds and painful inflammation. They also calm throbbing pain, pus formation, and extreme nail deformities associated with fungal infections. It can also help in healing.
Overall, all of the above homeopathic remedies for toenail fungus can potentially help cure toenail fungus.
Home Remedies for Nail Fungus
Although the above homeopathic remedy for toenail fungus makes good natural nail fungus treatments, there are several home remedies, you can try:
- Tea tree oil: tea tree oil is known for its antifungal properties. Dilute the tea tree oil in any carrier oils like coconut oil and apply to the affected area 2 times a day.
- Oregano oil: Essential oils of oregano have antiviral and antimicrobial properties. Which makes them a good pick for treating toenail fungus.
- Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is acidic in nature which can make a hostile environment for fungus. Mix the same amount of apple cider vinegar and water and soak your feet in this solution for 15-30 minutes a day.
- Baking soda: Its alkaline nature makes it hard for fungus to thrive. Mix water and baking soda and apply the paste on the affected area before bed.
- Snake root extract: Studies suggest that the snakeroot extract contains compounds that can prevent fungal growth. Applying snake root extract could be beneficial for toenail fungus.
Prevention
Even though the toenail fungal infection poses no serious threats, it could result in pain, nail brittleness, pus discharge, and detachment of nails from the nail bed. You can prevent toenail fungus by following the below directions:
- Keep your hands and feet clean and dry at all times
- Keep your nails short and regularly check for any dirt deposits
- When outside, wear a shoe that covers your entire feet
- Don’t share your nail clippers, and choose licensed nail salons that are clean
Summary
In conclusion, toenail fungus that is also known as onychomycosis is a condition where the toenails become brittle, discolored, and detached from the nail bed. It is caused by fungus and has a number of treatment methods including homeopathic treatments, home remedies, and anti-fungal medications.
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.
On top of homeopathic treatment, you can also try at-home remedies like tea tree oil and apple cider vinegar. Even though toenail fungal infection is incredibly common, you can prevent the condition by following healthy habits and hygiene.
Have you tried any of the toenail fungus treatments explained here? Which one has proved more effective for you? Share your experience in the comments.