Nail fungus leaves your nails brittle and discolored, which is unpleasant, unhealthy, and if anyone notices, downright embarrassing.If left untreated, it can cause cracking, splitting, and even complete loss of the nail.
Dermatophytes spend time in warm and moist environments, are easily spread through contact or household objects, and if you have 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 inexpensive home remedies.Like tea tree oil and apple cider vinegar.
How effective is it?
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 recurrence.
Use apple cider vinegar on your feet and say goodbye to those pesky fungal infections.
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 method using apple cider vinegar will help treat and prevent nail fungus without any side effects.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar Soak
- Take a bowl, combine 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 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 frequently.
For best results, use warm or cold water.
Before the procedure, cut your nails, which will help the vinegar penetrate the deeper layers of the epidermis and work more effectively.Never use vinegar twice—as soon as the bath is done, throw away the water.Soaking in contaminated water has no effect and can delay the healing process.
2. Direct use of apple cider vinegar for nails
This process can be used after bathing or at any time of the day.When the vinegar is not diluted, it gives more effective results.But if you can't bear to use ACV directly, 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. Intake of apple vinegar
Drinking diluted apple cider vinegar for nail fungus strengthens your immune system, which helps fight infection from within.
- Add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to half a liter of water.
- Drink the solution throughout the day.
- You can cool down and drink a glass when you feel thirsty.
Note: If you can't stand the taste of apple cider vinegar, add 1 teaspoon of honey.
4. Apple vinegar with rice flour
- Combine 2-3 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and a little rice flour (coarsely ground) to make a paste.
- Apply the paste on the infected nail and rub gently to remove dead particles.
- After brushing, leave the mixture on for a few more minutes.
- Rinse with water and dry the nails thoroughly.
- Repeat the process frequently.
Optional: You can use antifungal ointment.
5. Apple vinegar with salt
Salt gently exfoliates the skin and nails, which helps the healing properties of apple cider vinegar work more effectively and quickly.
- Combine 1/3 cup each of apple cider vinegar and Epsom salt and 2 cups of hot water.
- Mix well and soak toes or fingers for 30 minutes.
- Repeat the process 1-2 times a day.
Note: the longer you wait, the better the results.
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 slight discoloration, thickened nails, 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 nail and surrounding skin.
- Dry the nails completely.
7. Apple cider vinegar, borax, hydrogen peroxide and hot water
- Put 2 tablespoons of borac in 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 the nails for 30-45 minutes.
- Rinse with water and wipe thoroughly.
Repeat the process daily until the infection is gone.
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 let it dry completely.
Repeat the process frequently.
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 into the affected area.
Note: The solution may take a beating, but the response will occur within a few minutes.
Repeat 3 times a day.
During the day, apply an antibiotic ointment to your nail fungus.
Tips and precautions
Use organic, unrefined and unpasteurized apple cider vinegar for best results.
If using ACV or soaking causes irritation, try diluting it with water.
Apple cider vinegar can damage enamel, so it is recommended to drink it with a straw.Including ACV in your daily diet also helps treat and prevent nail fungus.
Sometimes the nail may fall off during use - continue using the vinegar until the new nail has fully grown.This usually takes from 2 to 6 months.
Whenever you visit a salon for a pedicure or manicure, make sure the staff only use sterilized tools.Tools such as files, nail clippers and nail polish can spread the fungus.
Trim infected nails regularly.
Never use the same towel to dry the affected nail.Better to use paper.
Wash your feet when returning from public places such as locker rooms, showers, spas and swimming pools.
It is better to use slippers than shoes until the nail fungus is completely gone.
Before wearing socks, make sure you use an antifungal powder.
Avoid sharing tight socks and shoes.
People with diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, or anything else that restricts blood flow to the feet should take special care when treating fungus.
Avoid wearing nail polish and artificial nails as they create a humid environment and block the flow of oxygen.
Reduce sugar intake as it stimulates fungal growth.
If the above medicines do not work, consult your doctor.