Easy ways to get rid of Toenail Fungus
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Fungus is more likely to appear and persist in your toenails because your toes are often confined in the warm
By: Emily Oviedo M./ prensa@representacionesag.org
he public shower stalls at your gym may have left you with an unwanted gift: onychomycosis, otherwise known as nail fungus.
Although it starts innocuously enough, as a white or yellow spot underneath your finger or toenail, your nail can start to thicken and even crumble as the fungus penetrates deeper and deeper. Fungus is more likely to appear and persist in your toenails because your toes are often confined in the warm, moist environment of your shoes, where it can thrive. If you see a dermatologist, you’ll most likely get a prescription for an antifungal oral medication such as Lamisil or Sporanox, which tend to be expensive, don’t always work, and carry side effects ranging from skin rashes to potentially toxic liver damage.
LISTERINE AND WHITE VINEGAR The mouthwash has ingredients such as thymol and menthol that have antifungal properties, and the vinegar is acidic, which makes an inhospitable environment for fungi. Combine the two in equal portions and soak your toes in the solution, ideally for 45 to 60 minutes daily. CORNMEAL Pour cornmeal into a shallow pan, mix it with water hot enough to dissolve it into a paste, let it cool, and then soak your feet in it for an hour a week. PAU D’ARCO TEA This inner bark of a South American tree contains antifungal compounds, and laboratory studies suggest that it’s as effective as antifungal prescription meds.
TEA TREE OR OREGANO OIL Tea tree oil has been used for many years to combat skin conditions, especially fungal infections, says Graedon. Oregano oil contains thymol, which also has antifungal properties. Dab a few drops of oil on affected nails twice daily. UREA PASTE Once it’s dissolved, you can follow with an over-the-counter antifungal cream such as Miranel. Be sure to check with a dermatologist or podiatrist before starting this treatment; after you remove part or all of your nail, the area is more susceptible to infection.
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