Home Remedy Options for Nail Ringworm
Learn how to make various types of home remedies to treat the unpleasant nail ringworm
Nail ringworm is an infection caused by fungi such as mold or yeast, which feed on the keratin that makes up the nails. The problem, scientifically called onychomycosis, leaves the nail yellow, deformed and thick and can happen on the toenails or fingernails. The treatment of ringworm of the nail in general is done with the use of antifungal agents, which can be oral or ointments, creams and enamels. However, to avoid the exaggerated use of chemical products, it is also possible to prepare homemade and natural remedy for nail ringworm.
- What is ringworm, types and how to treat it
Before starting a treatment based on home remedies for ringworm of the nail, however, consult a dermatologist to find out which option is most suitable in your case. If the ringworm of the nail is very ugly, and depending on your general health situation, you may need fast-acting remedies, since the ringworm of the nail, if not treated, can lead to infections such as paronychia, which is caused by bacteria and attacks the region around the nail. In diabetics and people with compromised immune systems, the risk of infection is greater.
To avoid contamination, some tips are not to walk barefoot in swimming pools or public restrooms, avoid shoes that are too tight, and take off your socks right after physical activity or intense sweating, so as not to expose your foot to excess moisture. These are the main forms of toenail ringworm contraction. The most common cause of fingernail ringworm, in turn, is the sharing of manicure materials. Avoiding the use of shared towels and drying yourself well after showering, especially in the areas of creases, such as the space between your toes and the groin, are other tips to avoid the risk of contracting ringworm.
Treatment for toenail fungus can take up to 12 months in the case of toenail fungus and up to 6 months in the case of toenail fungus. This can vary depending on the case and it is not uncommon for the wound to appear healed, but there is still fungus in the region affected by the ringworm, so it is important to have a medical follow-up. Also in the case of home remedies, frequency of treatment is essential - no matter if you use a drugstore ointment or a remedy for ringworm made with garlic, you need to continue with the treatment until the problem is resolved. After all, no one wants fungus growing on their nails and you have to use the ringworm medicine until they are dead for good.
Home Types of Nail Ringworm Remedy
Get to know some home remedy options for ringworm of the nail. You can use them to treat ringworm in the foot and also in the hand.
Lemon
Lemon has limonene, a terpene that gives it bactericidal and antifungal action. In addition, the acidic character of lemon controls the pH of the skin, making the environment hostile to the proliferation of fungi that cause ringworm of the nail. To use lemon as a home remedy for fingernail ringworm, soak the infected area in lemon juice for about five minutes - you can also squeeze lemon juice directly onto the affected area and wait for it to act. Repeat this procedure three times a day for a week.
Apple vinegar
The acetic acid present in apple vinegar helps fight the fungus that causes ringworm in the nails, as its alkaline properties neutralize the pH of the skin. To use this home remedy, soak infected nails in a bowl with half a glass of apple cider vinegar and half a glass of water for 15 to 20 minutes. Dry the treated area well and apply a moisturizing cream - if it's homemade it's better.
Sodium bicarbonate
Baking soda can be mixed with lemon or vinegar to enhance the alkalizing effect of both substances. To make the lemon bicarbonate home remedy, make a paste of the two ingredients and apply to the affected area. For ringworm remedy with vinegar and baking soda, add a teaspoon of baking soda to half a glass of vinegar and soak your foot or hand in the solution for 15 to 20 minutes. It is also possible to sprinkle bicarbonate inside the shoes, to kill any fungi that may be present there (which are generally responsible for foot odor) - learn more in the article: "Ten tips on how to put an end to foot odor".
Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree essential oil has broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, whose main mechanism of action acts on cell membrane damage. Terpinen-4-ol is primarily responsible for the oil's effectiveness in combating numerous superficial diseases, including acne, oral thrush (thrush) and nail mycoses, among others. Read more in the article: "Tea tea tree oil: what is it for?".
To use this home remedy for fingernail ringworm, add two to three drops of tea tree essential oil to a vegetable oil or body moisturizer and apply at least once a day (and no more than three times a day). It is also possible to drop the essential oil directly onto the affected region. Another way to use the natural remedy is to pour a few drops of the essential oil into a bowl of warm water and let your feet rest for about 20 minutes. Do this until the ringworm is completely gone.
It is important to emphasize that this product should not be consumed orally, as it can cause side effects such as confusion, inability to walk, rash and even coma.
Garlic
Garlic has antibiotic and antimicrobial properties that favor the elimination of fungi and other microorganisms responsible for nail fungus. To make this home remedy, crush ten cloves of garlic into a paste, place it in a container of warm water and wait a few minutes before soaking the affected parts. Let the ringwormed foot or hand soak for 15 minutes.
olive oil and garlic
Another option to treat nail ringworm is to mix the garlic paste with olive oil and apply it directly to the affected nails, leaving it to act for 30 minutes (in this case you can use a smaller amount of garlic cloves).
Yogurt
Cultivating the active bacteria in yogurt, also known as probiotics, has a very effective action in the treatment of fungal infections - they are "good bacteria", necessary for the development of our body - read more about it: "More than half of our body is not human".
To use this home remedy, apply some natural yogurt directly on the region affected by the ringworm of the nail and wait for it to dry before removing it with cold water.
Almond oil and linseed oil
Almond and flaxseed oils are rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, substances that prevent invading organisms from fixing on the skin. With a cotton, apply one of the products in the region of the nail fungus and let it act for some time. Then remove excess oil with a clean dry cloth.
Pepper mint
Peppermint tea also acts as a home remedy for ringworm of the nail, as the herb has antiseptic properties that help fight the fungus that causes ringworm of the nail. Make a footbath with the 30g peppermint leaf tea - wait for the water to cool a bit so you don't burn yourself. Soak the affected foot or hand in warm water for about 20 minutes and then dry thoroughly.
Oregano essential oil
Like tea tree essential oil, oregano oil also has excellent action against fungi. In the case of this home remedy, mix a small spoon of olive oil with 3 drops of oregano essential oil and apply it every day on the affected nail, for three consecutive weeks.
Thyme
This herb is a powerful antiseptic and can be used as a home remedy for toenail ringworm. Boil two cups of water along with three tablespoons of thyme for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat, cover the pan and let it cool. Then put the home remedy soaked in cotton on the ringworm nail.
clove
The clove is an excellent antibiotic and antifungal, in addition to having a healing action. You can use either the whole clove or its essential oil.
It is possible to make a recipe with a tablespoon of whole cloves and a little oil. Place the cloves in a fireproof glass container, add a little oil and heat in a bain-marie for a few minutes, without capping. Afterwards, remove the home remedy from the heat, cover the container and let it cool. Strain and apply directly to the affected area every day.
If you prefer to use clove essential oil, just apply 2 to 3 drops on the ringworm nail. Use at least twice a day until the nail ringworm cures.
Calendula
Calendula has soothing, antiseptic, antibacterial, disinfectant, healing and anti-inflammatory functions. To treat toenail ringworm, you can make a calendula and vinegar footbath. Place 500 ml of boiling water over 4 tablespoons of dried marigold flowers, cover and brew until warm. Strain, place in a bowl, add 60 ml of cider vinegar and dip your feet. Use this nail ringworm home remedy for 20 minutes twice a day.
Copaiba oil
Copaiba is a medicinal plant that has antifungal, anti-inflammatory, emollient and healing properties, so its oil can be used as a home remedy for nail fungus. Mix a little copaiba oil with a base vegetable oil (coconut oil) or moisturizing cream and apply on the ringworm of the nail at least 3 times a day.