Having shimmering and appealingly shaped nails is a key to the beauty of fingers. Almost every one of us desire to have healthy nails and the last thing we want is a Nail infection. Generally what we refer to as nail infection is a Fungal Infection on one or more nails that usually begins with yellowish or white spots under and around the tip of the nails. As the fungus proliferates deeper into the nails, it might cause discoloration, blemishing and brittle nails. Not only is it hideous to look at, but also is quite a painful problem. It is always better to take proper nail care to prevent any toenail fungus or fingernail fungus.

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One of the most common nail fungal infection is called Onychomycosis. Onychomycosis generally develops when the fungi infest a fingernail or a toenail or the skin underlying the nails. Fortunately Onychomycosis usually doesn’t cause any pain unless it is left untreated for a long time which may spread the infection to deeper layers making it worse.

Symptoms of Nail Fungal Infection

• Thickening
• Swelling
• Inflammation
• Crumbling
• Yellowing of the nail
• Splitting
• Cracking
• Loss of nails
• Total detachment of the nail from its bed.

Causes of Nail Fungal Infections

• Abnormal pH levels in the skin
• A weakened immune system
• Extended periods of exposure of nails to moisture
• Diabetes
• Genetic causes
• Lack of proper personal hygiene

Source : webmd.com

Ways in which Nail Infections can be Contracted

• A blow or crack in the nail leading to lifting of the nail from the nail bed. This in turn allows moisture to pervade making it a breeding ground for bacterial/fungal breeding.
• An artificial nail tip that is poorly applied encourages germs to breed freely.
• Using sub-standard products
• Carelessness in the treatment of Athlete’s Foot may lead to further spreading of infections to toenails.
• Using a Gym or a public swimming pool without proper screening may lead to infections as well
• Having a low immune system may also enhance the development of fungal infections.

Easy Natural Home Remedies to Treat Nail Fungus

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As already mentioned earlier, taking good care of your nails is an essential process for preventing any form of infections and to have good healthy nails. Well if you already have contracted one, the good news is that, the nail fungus treatment can be done right at your home with natural remedies.

Apple Cider Vinegar

How to get rid of toenail fungus? Here is the answer – Apple Cider Vinegar. It is mildly acidic in nature which is known to prevent the spread of nail fungus. Apple Cider Vinegar helps to kill fungus and bacteria quite efficiently while removing the dead skin cells.

All you need to do is mix equal quantities of Apple Cider Vinegar and water and soak the infected nails in this solution for about 30 minutes every day. Once that is done, make sure you dry the nails and the region around it completely. You can do this every day until the infection goes away. Post which you can continue the process for at least once every week to prevent further fungal infections. Vinegar is best opted as nail fungus cure.

Source : homeremediesforlife.com

Garlic Cloves

Studies suggest the use of Garlic Cloves as an anti-fungal remedy to treat you nail infections. Not only that it helps in boosting your immunity as well. It is also noted that the antibacterial properties of garlic prevent the infection from spreading.

Garlic is abundant in compounds like Ajoene and Allicin which are essentially anti-fungal in nature. A Mixture of garlic and white vinegar works much faster. It helps in restoring the pH of your skin in and around the nail bed while fighting off the infection.

All you need to do is mix 2-3 freshly chopped garlic in about half a cup of White Vinegar. Let the mixture set aside for a few minutes. Now you can just soak the infected fingernails/toenails into this mixture for about 10-15 minutes every day until the fungus clears up.

Source : natural-homeremedies.com

Fresh Lemon Juice

Using freshly made lemon juice can help in getting rid of nail discoloration and enhance your nail care routine. Lemon is especially useful for people with nail infections who develop embarrassing greenish, yellowish or brownish coloration of the nails.

Lemon is primarily antiseptic and anti fungal in nature, thus stopping further formation and spreading of fungus. However it is important to note that using only fresh lemon juice can give you that result as compared to those with chemical preservatives as they could overthrow the effects of citric acid. Citric acid is one of the major factors in fighting away the bacteria responsible for nail fungus. It is very effective for toenail fungus treatment.

All you need to do is simply apply lemon juice with cotton pads, over the infected nail and leave it for about 20 minutes before washing off with warm water.

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Tea Tree Oil

One of the simplest ways to treat nail infections is using essential oils like Tea Tree Oil. Tea Tree Oil is a natural disinfectant with fungicidal and antiseptic properties which makes it a quintessential nail infection remover. However one must know that the use of tea tree oil is not immediate and it takes its own time in healing the nails. On the other hand, tea tree oil is rather inexpensive and you don’t need to shell out those extra bucks.

You need to take a teaspoon of tea tree oil and mix it with another teaspoon of Olive Oil. Soak a cotton pad/ball in the mixture and gently place it over the infected nail for 15 minutes. In addition you can cover it with a cotton cloth soaked and squeezed in warm water to let the nail bed absorb as much oil as possible.

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Oregano Oil

Using Oregano Oil is yet another natural remedy that is quite potent in curing your infected nails. Not only the oregano oil is antiseptic and fungicide, but also it is anti-parasitic, antibacterial, antiviral and analgesic. Oregano oil capsules are generally available over the counter. You need to make sure that you use another oil like olive oil as a binder as well as a diluter.

To start with, mix equal quantities of oregano oil and olive oil. Soak a cotton ball in this mixture and apply it over the infected area and leave it for bout 20-30 minutes. Remove the cotton ball and rinse off to dry your nails. You can do this twice a day for a few weeks to get rid of the infection.

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Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is rich in Caprylic acid, which is a unique active ingredient functioning as a natural Fungicide. The anti-fungal property in coconut oil helps in dissolving liable fungus cells. Coconut oil is rich in nutrients and minerals along with its strong antioxidant and antibacterial properties.

All you need to do is collect a small amount of coconut oil, soak cotton balls in it and apply over the infected nails. Gently massage the infected area and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. Allow it to dry naturally. You can repeat this procedure 2-3 times a day until you nails are relieved from the nail fungus.

Source : homeremediesforlife.com

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