Nail infections are fungal or bacterial by nature and are caused due to their invasion of the nail bed through cracks in nail or cuticle. Symptoms include breaking apart of nails (because they become brittle), their discolouration, pain in them and bad odour.
Further consequences which are rare but possible include rashes and itches in other parts caused due to allergic reactions. The best home remedies for nail infection, simple but highly effective are these.
Best Home Remedies For Nail Infection
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar is a mildly acidic component and thus it proves very beneficial in preventing the fungus causing infection from spreading. It simultaneously kills the concerned bacteria as well. The solution is made by adding equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water, in which the foot is soaked for at least half an hour daily. The soaking should be followed by thorough drying of the feet.
Benefits become apparent within a week. Apple Cider Vinegar can also be mixed with ground rice flour and this paste (equivalent to an exfoliating scrub) should be applied over the affected nail and scrubbed to see the nail improving and the skin becoming soft.
Listerine Mouth Wash
It is primarily known to kill bacterial growth inside mouth can likewise be used to do the same to the nail affected by infection.
It contains several essential compounds and alcohol and acts as an antiseptic to kill bacteria and fungus. The mouthwash can directly be used but a better solution is that of it with vinegar and undiluted lemon juice. The feet should be soaked in it for fifteen minutes (daily) followed by gentle scrubbing.
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil has been noted since ancient times for its anti-bacterial and anti-viral qualities. It can thus be employed to take care of nail infection.
A warmed mixture of lavender oil tea tree oil can be applied to the infected toe with disinfected cotton, preferably before going to sleep. The toe should be kept covered with any soft clothing (like handkerchief or sock) to fetch best results.
Pure Orange Oil
Pure orange oil that is believed to have antibacterial properties is applied, as a remedy, with a dropper in between and on the affected toes and they are kept that way for an hour.
Orange oil diluted with olive oil (or any carrier oil for that matter) can also be used. However this remedy should be tried only after having verified that the person isn’t allergic to orange oil.
Garlic
Garlic is well known for anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties due to the presence of allicin and it can hence be used to treat nail infections effectively. A fast form of this treatment is the application of the mixture of garlic oil and an equal amount of white vinegar to the affected toenail and covering it with any soft clothing like cotton socks or handkerchief.
The fungal development will be found to have got paused. These top five home remedies hold prior positions in every doctor’s suggestion list. They might involve diligence but pay off very well.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.
