Know about antifungal medicines found at home and how they can treat toenail fungus. For instance, read how to use baking soda for toenail fungus.
What is Toenail Fungus?
Toenail fungus or infection is a contagious condition that may spread and infect other toes if not treated in time. Fungal skin problems are most common to contract in summers. They are often caused due to excess humidity or moisture retention in the folds of your skin. Therefore, it is commonly found between the toenails and toes as your feet sweat and stay damp in the shoes during summer.
You can identify toenail fungus by yellow spots on the nail or the whole nail turning white. This can also be followed by odd or foul odor from the foot. If the condition is not treated in time, it may lead to crooked, jagged, and crumbling nails.
There are multiple medicines available to treat the condition. However, if you are looking for a home remedy to get rid of toenail fungus, look no further than your kitchen. Many home remedies can help you treat toenail fungus at home like you can use baking soda for toenail fungus treatment at home.
Baking Soda for Toenail Fungus
Baking soda is an effective home remedy to cure and treat toenail fungus. Baking soda soaks up the moisture that could be the reason for the fungal infection. Regular use of it can even help in reducing and finally eradicating the infection. It also proves to be useful as it reaches and treats the area beneath the nail, which is hard to keep dry.
The antifungal and antiseptic properties of baking soda help treat various conditions related to skin and nails. It also acts like a gentle exfoliator that removes and scrapes off layers of fungus steadily. Furthermore, the alkaline properties of the component create an environment that makes it extremely hard for the fungus to survive.
Baking soda also balances the pH level of the surrounding skin. Not only does this localize the issue and prevent it from spreading, but it also creates a continuous dry environment, which makes it hard for the fungus to grow and spread.
How to Use Baking Soda for Treating Toenail Fungus
A Foot Soak
Regular foot baths with baking soda can help treat fungal infections and provide relaxation as well.
You’ll Need:
- Four cups of hot water (comfortable enough to soak feet)
- Half a cup of Epsom salt
- Half a cup of baking soda
- A quarter cup of liquid hydrogen peroxide
- A quarter cup of distilled vinegar
Method:
- Add all the ingredients in a clean tub to prepare your foot bath.
- After that, soak your feet in this magical foot bath for twenty minutes.
- You can also customize this foot bath with a few drops of essential oils; for instance, lavender or eucalyptus essential oil that has healing properties can accelerate the healing process.
- Following the soak, rinse your feet with filtered water and pat dry thoroughly.
- For best results, do the soak before bedtime, so you avoid putting on footwear or socks and let your feet breathe through the night.
Topical Application
Make a smooth paste with baking soda and water for topical application. Next, apply this paste on the affected area and let it sit for ten minutes. Rinse off the paste and pat dry thoroughly. Daily use of this paste can help you treat fungal infections and toenail fungus.
Powder Application
The simplest way to get rid of the excess moisture and sweat in your shoes and socks is to add some baking soda powder in them. Not only does it soak the existing moisture, but it also prevents pools of sweat in your socks throughout the day that might lead to fungal infections.
Care Guide for Toenail Fungus
- Always try to keep your feet dry and clean.
- If you are prone to fungal infections, wear open sandals and slippers instead of closed shoes for a more extended period.
- After long walks, jog sessions, or runs, make sure you clean your feet with water and pat dry.
- If the situation persists, make sure you get in touch with a medical professional.
Groom your feet, to put your best foot forward!