Home Remedy for Nail Fungus

Nail fungal infections are very common and can be difficult to treat. Prescription oral medications can have harsh and serious side effects, and over the counter agents tend to be ineffective. Fortunately, because there exist so many people who suffer from nail fungal infections, resourceful nail fungal sufferers have concocted dozens of home remedies that are safe and often effective. As with most home remedies, not every treatment will work for everyone. There is no one universal cure for nail fungal infections. However, many people swear by these remedies, and they are often inexpensive and easy to produce at home. Here is an overview of the most common home remedies for nail fungal infections.

Tea tree oil: This is by far the most popular home remedy for nail fungal infections. Tea tree oil is a powerful and natural antiseptic and fungicide. It originates from Australia, where indigenous tribes have used it for hundreds of years. It is often used to relive scrapes, cuts, and to treat acne. Now, it has also gained popularity as a fungicide. For maximum result, use a few drops of undiluted tea tree oil on the affected area. Tea tree oil is very strong, so do not use more than a few drops at once. Place a few drops on the affected nail and rub it in with a clean tissue, q-tip, or cotton ball. You can also mix a few drops of tea tree oil with olive oil for easier application, with a moisturizing effect.

Apple Cider Vinegar with water: Apple cider vinegar has long been known as a well-known cure-all. Pour equal parts apple cider vinegar and warm water into a basin. Soak your nails (either toenails, fingernails, or both) in the basin for about 15 minutes. When you are done soaking, make sure to dry your hands and feet completely. You can use a hair dryer to make sure that all the moisture has been dried.

Listerine mouthwash: Sounds strange, but many people swear by the ability of Listerine mouthwash to cure their nail fungal infections. Simply soak your fingernails or toenails for a few minutes. Listerine is a strong antiseptic, and it makes sense that it would help get rid of bacteria and fungi.

Oregano and olive oil: Oregano oil has been touted as a very effective essential oil that can be used to treat nail fungal infections. Simply combine two or three drops of Oregano oil with a teaspoon of olive oil. Use this mixture on the affected areas.

Alpha Hydroxyl Acid creams: These creams are generally used to exfoliate dry, aging skin or to treat acne. But AHA creams can also be used to strip away the dry and rough skin around your toenails. Dry scaly skin is unhealthy and can make you more prone to a fungal infection. Keeping your skin healthy and smooth can go a long way towards protecting you against fungal infections.

Lavender oil: Dab a few drops of lavender oil to soothe your skin and fight infections. Put a few drops of tea tree oil into the mix for maximum effectiveness.

Nail fungus news on the Web

Nail Care Myths and Facts (ThirdAge) Speaking at the American Academy of Dermatology's Academy Meeting, Marta J. VanBeek, MD, MPH, FAAD, assistant professor, department of dermatology, University of Iowa College of Medicine in Iowa City, Iowa, discussed the myths and facts of healthy nails . "Healthy, strong nails are important not just for their looks but for performing the tasks of daily life, like picking up objects," Dr. ...

Sierra frog's plight worsens, study finds (Reno Gazette-Journal) A warming climate is drying up the Sierra's small high-altitude lakes, putting an already imperiled frog in further danger.

A Podiatrist's Pedicure? (ThirdAge) Dec. 27 -- Christine Witte likes getting pedicures, but she has reason to be particular about where she gets them. "I actually had foot fungus in the past, and it was probably [from] going to an unsanitary place to get a pedicure," Witte said.

Brittle Nails (ThirdAge) My toenails get very brittle, and they tend to crack and peel. This problem has been more pronounced the last couple of years. I also have one toenail that's darker in color than the rest. Could I have a fungus?! I'm not sure because there isn't any gross white crud around my toenails.

Happy Newton Day! (The New Statesman) O come, O come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel . . . Advent, we learned at school, was a time of anticipation: of looking forward to the coming of the Messiah. But we boys knew better. Advent was looking forward to something a lot more interesting - Christmas.

Pexiganan Phase 3 Clinical Trials Results Published In December Issue Of CID (Medical News Today) ACCESS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. (OTC Bulletin Board: ACCP) and MACROCHEM CORPORATION (OTC Bulletin Board: MACM) announced that the results of two Phase 3 studies of pexiganan for the topical treatment of mild diabetic foot infection were published in the December 15, 2008 issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases. The publication was authored by Benjamin A. Lipsky, M.D.

Cootie alert! Battle your body's buggy invaders (MSNBC) Your skin is crawling with tiny critters. Here's how to beat them when they mount an attack.

Pexiganan Phase 3 Clinical Trials Results Published in December Issue of CID (PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance) blinded multi-center clinical trials of pexiganan cream

Healthy gifts that don't ruin the budget (The Post and Courier) When it comes to making everyone on your gift list happy, you can give gifts that keep giving. These days, gifts that make you healthy are also fun to get.