Nail fungus leaves your nails brittle and discolored, which is unpleasant, unhealthy, and if anyone notices, downright embarrassing.If left untreated, it can lead to cracking, splitting and even complete loss of the nail.
Dermatophytes spend time in warm and moist 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 at particular risk.
Oral antifungal tablets, 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?
Fungi thrive 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 fungal 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 treat and prevent 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 wipe with a soft cloth.
- 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.
Before the procedure, trim your nails, which will help the vinegar to penetrate into the deeper layers of the epidermis and act 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 process can be used after a bath or at any time of the day.When vinegar is undiluted, it provides 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 onto the infected nail.
- Allow to dry completely.
- Repeat at least 2 times a day.
3. Consumption of apple cider vinegar
Drinking diluted apple cider vinegar for nail fungus strengthens 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 throughout the day.
- You can chill and drink a glass whenever you feel thirsty.
Note: If you can't stand the taste of apple cider vinegar, add 1 teaspoon of honey.
4. Apple cider vinegar with rice flour
- Combine 2-3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and some rice flour (coarsely ground) to make a paste.
- Apply the paste to the infected nail and scrub gently to remove dead particles.
- After combing, leave the mixture for a few more minutes.
- Rinse with water and dry the nail well.
- Repeat the process regularly.
Optional: you can use an 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 to work more effectively and quickly.
- Combine 1/3 cup each apple cider vinegar and Epsom salt and 2 cups hot water.
- Mix well and soak your toes or hands for 30 minutes.
- Repeat the process 1-2 times a day.
Note: the longer you wait, the better the result.
6. Apple cider vinegar with Listerine
This process 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 your nails in the solution for 10-15 minutes.
- Using a toothbrush, gently scrub the nails and the skin around them.
- Dry the nail completely.
7. Apple cider vinegar, borax, hydrogen peroxide and hot water
- Add 2 tablespoons of borax to hot water and allow to 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 thoroughly.
Repeat the process every day until the infection is gone.
8. Apple cider vinegar with copper sulfate
Copper sulfate has antiseptic and antifungal properties that kill athlete's foot.
- Combine 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 let it dry completely.
Repeat the process regularly.
9. Apple cider vinegar, peroxide and antibiotic ointment
- Combine 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 foam, but the reaction will occur after a few minutes.
Repeat 3 times a day.
Rub an antibiotic ointment on the nail fungus during the day.
Tips and Precautions
Use organic, unfiltered and unpasteurized apple cider vinegar for best results.
If applying ACV or soaking causes irritation, try diluting it with water.
Apple cider vinegar can wear away enamel, so it is recommended to drink it through a straw.Including ACV in your daily diet also helps treat and prevent nail fungus.
Sometimes the nail may fall off during use - keep using vinegar until it grows completely new.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 areas 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.
Before wearing socks, be sure to apply an antifungal powder.
Avoid sharing socks and tight shoes.
People with diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, or anything else that limits blood flow to the feet should be especially careful when treating toenail fungus.
Avoid wearing nail polish and artificial nails, as they create a moist environment and hinder the flow of oxygen.
Reduce your sugar intake as it promotes fungal growth.
If the above remedies do not work, consult your doctor.