Dealing with fungus on your toenails or fingernails can be quite unpleasant. This fungus is typically caused by moisture being trapped in a dark, warm place.
It most commonly effects the toenails because our feet are kept inside dark, warm shoes that moisture can become trapped in. This fungus can also be caused by yeast or mold, but it is collectively referred to as nail fungus.
What Nail Fungus Looks Like
Nail fungal infections will typically start out looking like a simple white or yellow spot on the nail’s tip. As the fungus develops the nail may begin to thicken, become cracked, get darker in color, change shape, or become dull.
In some cases the nail may begin to separate from the bed, which can be a bit uncomfortable. If nail fungus is not treated it can go on forever. Even if you do treat your nail fungus, it can reoccur at any time.
Natural Ways to Get Rid of Nail Fungus
If you suffer from nail fungus there are some natural ways that you can treat your nails in order to get rid of it. One option is to use tea tree oil and orange oil.
To make this mixture you will need the following:
- A teaspoon of tea tree oil
- Half a teaspoon of orange oil
- Half a teaspoon of olive oil or grapeseed oil
- Cotton balls
Mix all of the ingredients together and then soak a cotton ball in the mixture. Apply the cotton ball directly to the nail that is infected. Let all of the oil seep out and then let the nail dry naturally.
An alternative is to place four or five drops of tea tree oil in a bowl of water that is big enough to soak your feet in. Let your feet soak for fifteen to 20 minutes.
You should perform these treatments in the mornings and in the evenings.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
Another option for naturally getting rid of nail fungus is to create a vinegar and baking soda soak.
To make this soak you will need:
- 5 tablespoons of baking soda
- A cup of vinegar (white or apple cider)
- Water
- Bowl to soak your feet in
First, mix the vinegar with enough water to soak your feet with. Place your feet in the bowl for 15 minutes. Pat your feet dry and then add baking soda to the mixture. Place your feet back in the bowl for another 15 minutes.
The vinegar will help to kill the fungus and the baking soda will keep more fungus from growing.
Another natural remedy for nail fungus is coconut oil. Simply rub coconut oil on your nails twice each day. This can help get rid of the fungus and keep it from growing back. In addition it will help to soften your feet and hands.
These natural remedies are all safe and easy to use and should help you get rid of any type of nail fungus that you may have.