Shining white nails in your hands and toes is a symbol of your dignity. Just like the other parts of your body, your nails too need care and attention to keep its whiteness and glow intact. A set of healthy, well shaped nails is an asset.
When a particular species of microorganisms infects your nails and eat out the keratin layer of it, the infection is generally coined as nail fungus. The fungi, also known as Onychomycosis, grow in warm and damp atmosphere and when it infects the nail, it looses its natural color, becomes hard and brittle. Fungus can occur due to damp socks, tight fitting shoes, unclean hand and feet, cut or break in the nails or a trauma to the nails. A survey report shows a major percentage of people around the globe are victim of this embarrassing disease. As it is not harmful, initially, we remain little reluctant about it. But in advanced conditions it can be really painful and even can emit a bad odor. If the infection is severe one need to go for urgent medical help. But in case if a mild or light infection, home made natural remedies turn to be really useful. However, consistency is a must in the treatment. And you need to be patient till the new nail grows before you get rid of the infected nail.
Some home based remedies prove to be very useful for this problem if you can make it a part of your daily regime:
Tea Tree Oil: This is an extract of Melaleuca alternifolia, a rare species of plant available in Australia. This oil has a topical medicinal property and accepted as an antifungal and antimicrobial agent by the medical experts. It is highly effective in treating skin diseases and also nail fungus as the oil penetrates easily within the skin or nails to fight with the microbes. Dip a cotton ball in TTO (Tea Tree Oil) and rub it on the affected area in the morning and before going to bed. Do it for, at least, 6 months. You will get rid of the fungus.
Vicks Vaporub: This is a widely used as an analgesic and cough suppressant. But it's equally effective for nail fungus too. Rub an adequate amount of Vicks Vaporub at least two times a day and see the improvement within a week. However, you need to continue it for six months till the new nail grows.
Listerine Mouthwash: Soak your nails in Listerine Mouthwash for 20 minutes a day. It will help in fighting with the nail fungus if done on a regular basis.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Put some drops of apple cider vinegar into water and soak your nails within it. The vinegar produces an acidic environment and helps in minimizing the infection. White wine vinegar is also effective if applied in the same way.
But the treatment should be of minimum 6 months until the healthy nails grow out the infected one.
Hydrogen per Oxide: Rub your affected nails with 3% Hydrogen per oxide and repeat the treatment every evening and you can see the results in 15 days of time.
Turmeric: A paste of turmeric if applied regularly will definitely improve the condition.
Onion: Cut a slice of onion and rub it on your affected part for some time. It is effective to get rid of the infection.
Best wishes for a proud set of nails you get soon!
Abscess
