Home Treatment for Toenail Fungus

Home treatment for toenail fungus has probably been around as long as there were homes and shoes. At least in North America today, fungal nail infection (onychomycosis) is the most common nail disorder in adults. Keeping our feet enclosed in airless shoes for much of the year contributes to the problem. When feet get damp from sweat, ideal conditions are created for fungus. Still, onychomycosis is common in warm climates too, where shoes tend to be more airy.

Traditional toenail fungus home treatment involves a whole set of measures that go together to beat the invader. First of all, no matter what specific remedy you use, you'll need to look after your socks and shoes, and of course, your feet. Home treatment for toenail fungus begins with getting rid of the source of the fungus: launder your socks very thoroughly and change them daily. Dust your shoes with antifungal powder - some people advocate putting them in the freezer to kill fungal spores (however, resistant spores may well survive this treatment, so don't rely on it too much). Wash your feet as often as you can, then dry them carefully, taking care to dry between the toes and around the nails. Use a hair dryer if you have one.

Trim your toenails often to keep them short and comfortable. Clean underneath them - dirt lodged under the toenails can contain fungal spores and give them a place to start growing. As part of your home treatment for toenail fungus, tend to any breaks in the skin of your feet, particularly any that are near the nail. treat cracked feet with lotion and apply an antiseptic ointment anywhere the skin looks inflamed. Breaks in the skin provide a route of entry for fungus and other harmful organisms, and avoiding secondary infection assists with home treatment for toenail fungus.

Finally, you will need to choose a specific toenail fungus home treatment. This could mean soaking your feet in a traditional antifungal solution - it might be straight or dilute white vinegar, dilute bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or some other inspired concoction. Alternative home treatment for toenail fungus requires the regular application of something like VicksVapoRub, Listerine mouthwash, or Tea Tree oil. There are also a number of commercially available products marketed by natural healers that augment home treatment for toenail fungus.

Whatever you use as a toenail fungus home treatment, plan to keep at it for a long period of time: onychomycosis does not clear up quickly or easily. Be persistent - follow instructions carefully, and don't skip days. The more conscientious you are, the more likely it is to work.