Some Natural Remedies for Nail Fungus

Fungus comes in both good and bad varieties. While some fungus varieties occur naturally in the body, nail fungus is not something that is good. It causes not only the physical symptoms, like discoloration and thickening of the nails, but it can also cause some emotional symptoms, like insecurity and shame.

There are several easy to use natural remedies that can treat nail fungus to help you regain your confidence no matter what kind of shoes you have on. These natural remedies include tea tree oil, Listerine, apple cider vinegar, and more. While the use of these ingredients varies, depending upon who you are talking to, you should be able to find them easily. Whether you mix them with water or olive oil and soak your foot or apply them directly to your nails, depending upon the ingredient, you may find that these natural remedies can give you back your confidence.

Once you learn what causes nail fungus, you can work to prevent it from occurring. Prevention is best, but if you still see symptoms, even after prevention, you can try some of these natural remedies to help make your feet healthy.

Dr. Mercola on Toenail Fungus

Watch the video of Dr. Mercola discussing toenail fungus and how to treat it.

Symptoms of Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus often starts out as small white or yellow spots under the nail.  The fungus causes the nail to become thick and discolored.   Sometimes the affected nail has a yellowish, milky appearance and can also develop brittle edges.  In severe cases, the toenail can even turn brown or black.  Other symptoms include pain and a bad odor coming from the affected toenail.

Risk Factors for Developing Toenail Fungus

What are some of the risk factors that cause toenail fungus?  Did you know that men are more prone to nail fungus than women?

Here’s a checklist of things to consider…

•    Sweating profusely in the feet areas
•    Long exposures to a humid environment
•    Wearing socks and shoes that lack of ventilation
•    Having a minor skin or nail injury, a damaged nail or another infection
•    Suffering from diabetes, circulation problems or a weakened immune system
•    Smoking also increases the risk of developing a nail infection

Causes of Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus as the name suggests is caused by a type of fungus.  It can also be caused by yeast or mold which grow within the toenails.  The fungus likes to grow in dark and damp places.   Since the feet are often covered with shoes, they get hot and sweaty — creating conditions which are conducive for the fungal growth.  Another place where you can pick up a fungal infection on your foot is the locker room or gym shower.  Now that you understand what causes this condition, the next step would be to eliminate the toenail fungus.

What is Toenail Fungus

What toenail fungus looks like

Toenail fungus is a type of fungal infection (also known as onychomycosis) that affects the nails on your toes.   The infected toenail takes on a milky or yellowish appearance and can become brittle along the edges.   Two of the most common fungi causing nail infections are dermatophytes and yeast.   Dermotophytes are the most common for toenail infections while yeast infections are seen more in fingernails.