Nail fungus makes your nails brittle and discolored, which is uncomfortable, unhealthy and, if anyone notices, downright embarrassing.If left untreated, nails can crack, crack, and even lose completely.
Dermatophytes reside in warm and humid environments, are easily transmitted through contact or household objects, and if you have diabetes, a weak immune system and a smoking habit, you are particularly at risk.
Oral antifungal tablets, creams, nail treatments, and other commercial treatments certainly work, but sometimes you can get by with a cheap 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 their recurrence.
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 help treat and prevent nail fungus without side effects.
1. Soak in apple cider vinegar
- Take a bowl and mix equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and water.Make sure the solution is enough to submerge your toes or hands.
- Soak for 30 minutes and wipe dry with a soft towel.
- Allow your feet or toes to dry completely to remove any remaining moisture.
- Massage your toes with a mixture of tea tree, coconut, or oregano oil for a few minutes.
- Repeat the process regularly.
For best results use warm or cold water.
Before the procedure, cut your nails so that the vinegar can penetrate into the deeper layers of the epidermis and work more effectively.Never use vinegar twice - throw away the water once the bath is finished.Soaking in contaminated water has no effect and can slow the healing process.
2. Direct application of apple cider vinegar to nails
This procedure can be used after a bath or at any time of the day.Undiluted vinegar provides more effective results.However, if you cannot tolerate the direct use of apple cider vinegar, you can dilute it with a few drops of water.
- Apply a few drops of apple cider vinegar directly to the infected nail.
- Allow it 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, helping to fight the infection from within.
- Add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to half a liter of water.
- Drink the solution throughout the day.
- If you feel thirsty, you can relax and drink a glass.
Note: If you can't 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) into a paste.
- Apply the paste to the infected nail and scrub gently to remove dead particles.
- After brushing, leave the mixture on for a few minutes.
- Rinse with water and dry the nail thoroughly.
- 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, allowing the healing properties of apple cider vinegar to work more effectively and quickly.
- Combine 1/3 cup each apple cider vinegar and Epsom salt with 2 cups hot water.
- Mix well and soak your toes or fingers for 30 minutes.
- Repeat the process 1-2 times daily.
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 discomfort 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.
- Use a toothbrush to gently scrub your nails and surrounding skin.
- Dry the nail completely.
7. Apple cider vinegar, borax, hydrogen peroxide and hot water
- Add 2 tablespoons of boric acid to hot water and allow to dissolve.
- Now add 1/4 cup each apple cider vinegar, water and hydrogen peroxide (3%).
- Mix well and soak nails for 30-45 minutes.
- Rinse with water and wipe thoroughly.
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.
- Combine 40 ml apple cider vinegar and 20 g copper sulfate.
- Mix well and pour the mixture into a liter spray bottle filled with water.
- Spray the solution onto the affected nail and allow it to 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 into the mixture and rub it onto the affected area.
Note: The solution may bubble, but the reaction will occur within a few minutes.
Repeat 3 times daily.
Rub an antibiotic ointment on your nail fungus during the day.
Tips and precautions
For best results, use organic, unfiltered and unpasteurized apple cider vinegar.
If applying apple cider vinegar or soaking causes irritation, try diluting it with water.
Apple cider vinegar can erode tooth enamel, so it is recommended to drink it through a straw.Including apple cider vinegar in your daily diet also helps in treating and preventing nail fungus.
Sometimes a nail may fall off with use - continue to use vinegar until a new nail has fully grown in.This usually takes 2 to 6 months.
If you visit a salon for a pedicure or manicure, make sure the staff only uses sterilized tools.Tools such as files, nail clippers and nail polishers 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 locker rooms, showers, spas and swimming pools.
Until the nail fungus is completely gone, it is better to wear flip-flops instead of shoes.
Be sure to apply antifungal powder before wearing socks.
Avoid sharing socks and tight shoes.
People with diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, or other conditions that limit blood flow to the legs should use particular caution when treating fungus.
Avoid wearing polish and artificial nails as they create a humid environment and hinder oxygen supply.
Reduce your sugar consumption as it stimulates fungal growth.
If the above remedies do not work, contact your doctor.