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Home Remedies To Treat Nail Infection

By Rima Chowdhury

Onychomycosis is the medical term for nail infection, which is actually a serious condition where fungus starts growing beneath the nails.

Nail infection can generally develop due to poor hygiene, excess exposure to pollution and dirt, wearing synthetic socks, accumulation of sweat and much more.

Sometimes, nail infection may be due to an unbalanced pH level in the body and a poor immune system.

However, nail infection may cause the nail to get thick; and if the condition is left untreated, it may lead to this painful condition. If your nail is infected with the virus, the surrounding area becomes swollen and also gives out a foul smell.

Here are some simple home remedies to treat nail infections, take a look at these.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar not only helps to give you a glowing skin, but due to acetic acid and anti-inflammatory properties found in this, it can help to treat nail infection. It prevents the fungus from spreading further due to its antibacterial properties. Take equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water. Now mix both of them together and soak your hands or legs in it. Do this daily to treat the infected nail.

2. Garlic Cloves

2. Garlic Cloves

Using fresh garlic cloves can also treat the fungus on the nail, thus avoiding the infection to spread further. Garlic contains antifungal properties, which prevent bacteria from staying in there. Take a few fresh garlic cloves and crush them. Now, mix the crushed garlic cloves in white vinegar and soak your nails in this mixture for 10-20 minutes. Do this every day to treat the infected nails.

3. Lemon Juice

3. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice not only helps to get rid of the colour discoloration, but it also helps to treat an infection related to nails. Lemon contains antibacterial and antiseptic properties which help to stop the fungus from growing further. The citrus acid found in lemon helps to fight against the bacterium which is responsible for infection. For this remedy, apply some lemon juice on the nails and allow it to dry naturally. Repeat doing this twice in a day.

4. Tea Tree Oil

4. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is one of the best ways to treat nail infections. Tea tree oil is a natural disinfectant, which contains fungicidal and antiseptic properties that prove to be perfect for treating nail infection. However, tea tree oil may not lead you to immediate results, but it is one among the best-proven remedies. Take some tea tree oil and dilute it with olive oil. Now, apply this on your nails using a cotton swab. Allow the fingers to dry naturally.

5. Mouthwash

5. Mouthwash

Mouthwash is made of ingredients that contain antiseptic and anti-fungal properties. Just like a mouthwash proves to be beneficial in killing germs and virus inside the mouth, it proves to be equally beneficial in killing virus and fungus beneath the nails. Take some mouthwash and mix with apple cider vinegar. Now, apply this mixture on the infected nail and wait for sometime. Do this regularly to treat the fungus on nails.

6. Oregano Oil

6. Oregano Oil

Oregano oil is another best remedy to treat nail infections. Due to anti-fungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties in oregano oil, it proves to be potent on nail fungus. Mix two spoons of oregano oil with two spoons of olive oil. Now apply this mixture on your nails and rinse it off with warm water. Do this several times in a week to promote healthy nails.

7. Warm Water

7. Warm Water

Always wash your hands and nails in warm water because warm water helps to get rid of the dead skin and also inhibits the growth of bacteria beneath the nails. Using warm water helps to boost the blood circulation in the body, thereby reducing the chance of bacterial growth. Add some coconut oil or lemon juice in warm water and soak the affected nail for sometime.

Story first published: Thursday, November 3, 2016, 14:00 [IST]
Read more about: apple cider vinegar garlic lemon