Nail fungus leaves nails brittle and discolored, which is unpleasant, unhealthy, and if someone notices, it's really unpleasant.If left untreated, it can lead to cracking, splitting and even complete loss of the nail.
Dermatophytes spend time in warm and humid environments, are easily transmitted by contact or household objects, and if you suffer from diabetes, a weak immune system and a smoking habit, you are especially at risk.
Oral antifungal pills, creams, nail treatments, and other commercial treatments certainly work, but sometimes you can get by with an inexpensive home remedy.Like tea tree oil and apple cider vinegar.
How effective is it really?
Fungus thrives in a moist, alkaline environment with a high pH, and apple cider vinegar (ACV) is acidic and also contains antifungal and antibacterial properties that fight nail infections and prevent them from recurring.
Use apple cider vinegar on your feet and say goodbye to that nasty yeast infection.
How to use apple cider vinegar to treat nail fungus
Apple cider vinegar is completely safe and has many benefits for children and adults.The following methods of using apple cider vinegar will help in the treatment and prevention of nail fungus without any side effects.
1. Apple cider vinegar soak
- Take a bowl, mix equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and water.Make sure there is enough solution to dip your toes or hands.
- Soak for 30 minutes and dry with a soft towel.
- Allow your feet or toes to dry completely to remove any remaining moisture.
- Massage your toes for a few minutes with a mixture of tea tree, coconut or oregano oil.
- Repeat the process regularly.
For best results, use warm or cold water.
Trim your nails before the procedure, which will help the vinegar to penetrate into the deeper layers of the epidermis and work more effectively.Never use vinegar twice - as soon as the bath is over, throw away the water.Soaking in contaminated water has no effect and can slow down the healing process.
2. Direct use of apple cider vinegar for nails
This procedure can be used after bathing or at any time of the day.When vinegar is undiluted, it gives more effective results.But if you can't stand the direct application of ACV, you can dilute it with a few drops of water.
- Pour a few drops of apple cider vinegar directly on the infected nail.
- Let it dry completely.
- Repeat at least 2 times a day.
3. Consumption of apple cider vinegar
Drinking diluted apple cider vinegar for nail fungus boosts your immune system, which helps fight the infection from within.
- Add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to half a liter of water.
- Drink the solution during the day.
- You can cool down and drink a glass when you feel thirsty.
Note: If you cannot stand the taste of apple cider vinegar, add 1 teaspoon of honey.
4. Apple cider vinegar with rice flour
- Mix 2-3 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and some rice flour (coarsely ground) to make a paste.
- Apply the paste to the infected nail and gently scrub to remove dead particles.
- After brushing, leave the mixture on for a few more minutes.
- Rinse with water and dry the nail well.
- Repeat the process regularly.
Optional: You can use antifungal ointment.
5. Apple cider vinegar with salt
The salt gently exfoliates the skin and nails, which helps the healing properties of apple cider vinegar work more efficiently and quickly.
- Mix 1/3 cup of apple cider vinegar and Epsom salt and 2 cups of hot water.
- Mix well and soak your toes or fingers for 30 minutes.
- Repeat the procedure 1-2 times a day.
Note: the longer you wait, the better the result.
6. Apple cider vinegar with listerine
This procedure can be used daily for mild to moderate conditions such as white spots on the nails and mild discoloration, thickening of the nail, swelling of the surrounding skin, pain and dark discoloration.
- Fill the tub by adding equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and listerine.
- Mix well and leave the nails in the solution for 10-15 minutes.
- Using a toothbrush, gently scrub the nails and surrounding skin.
- Dry the nail completely.
7. Apple cider vinegar, borax, hydrogen peroxide and warm water
- Add 2 tablespoons of borax to hot water and let it dissolve.
- Now add 1/4 cup each of apple cider vinegar, water and hydrogen peroxide (3%).
- Mix well and soak your nails for 30-45 minutes.
- Rinse with water and dry well.
Repeat the process daily until the infection disappears.
8. Apple cider vinegar with copper sulfate
Copper sulfate contains antiseptic and antifungal properties that kill athlete's foot.
- Mix 40 ml of apple cider vinegar and 20 g of copper sulfate.
- Mix well and pour the mixture into a liter spray bottle filled with water.
- Spray the solution on the affected nail and allow it to dry completely.
Repeat the process regularly.
9. Apple cider vinegar, peroxide and antibiotic ointment
- Mix 1 cap full of apple cider vinegar and peroxide.
- Dip the tip in the mixture and rub it on the affected area.
Note: The solution may curdle, but the reaction will occur within a few minutes.
Repeat 3 times a day.
During the day, rub antibiotic ointment on the nail fungus.
Tips and Precautions
For best results, use organic, unfiltered and unpasteurized apple cider vinegar.
If applying ACV or soaking causes irritation, try diluting it with water.
Apple cider vinegar can wear away enamel, so it is recommended that you drink it with a straw.Including ACV in your daily diet also helps in the treatment and prevention of nail fungus.
Sometimes the nail may fall off during use - keep using the vinegar until the new one grows out completely.This usually takes 2 to 6 months.
Whenever you visit a pedicure or manicure salon, make sure the staff uses only sterilized tools.Tools such as files, nail clippers and nail polishes can spread the fungus.
Trim the infected nail regularly.
Never use the same towels to dry the affected nail.It is better to use paper ones.
Wash your feet when returning from public places such as changing rooms, showers, spas and swimming pools.
It is better to use flip-flops instead of shoes until the nail fungus is completely gone.
Be sure to apply antifungal powder before wearing socks.
Avoid sharing socks and tight shoes.
People with diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, or anything else that limits blood flow to the legs should be especially careful when treating fungus.
Avoid wearing nail polish and artificial nails as they create a humid environment and hinder the flow of oxygen.
Reduce sugar intake as it stimulates the growth of fungi.
If the above medicines do not work, consult your doctor.