Nail fungus can be embarrassing and frustrating. Discolored and painful toenails can affect not only your daily activities but also your relationship with other people. Hiding your nails is tough and can make you feel uncomfortable when approaching someone.

Since there are crannies, nooks around toenails, and our toes are always damp, they become a great place for fungus to develop. Weak immune system and abnormal pH levels also contribute to the problem. Luckily, there are many nail fungus treatments that you can choose from. To help you get rid of the infection, we have made a list of the top [url=https://www.feetremedies.com/toenail-fungus/]nail fungus treatments[/url] in 2017.

[b]Best Nail Fungus Treatments[/b]
Here are the most recommended treatments nail fungus.

[b]1. Tea Tree Oil[/b]

Also known as melaleuca, tea tree oil contains powerful antiseptic and antifungal properties. A little amount of this oil can treat nail fungus, acne, and athlete’s foot (1). It also kills bacteria present in the affected area.

You can use tea tree oil alone and brush affected nails with a soft bristle toothbrush. If you have sensitive skin, you can mix it with an equal amount of olive, almond, or coconut oil. Repeat the process daily until you get rid of the infection and healthy nail grows. Continue the treatment for at least two more weeks to prevent it from reoccurring.

[b]2. Apple Cider Vinegar[/b]

Apple cider vinegar is one of the best nail fungus treatments due to its antifungal and antibacterial properties. It is also acidic that helps in preventing fungus from spreading to other areas. Simply mix equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and water in a foot basin or small bowl. Soak your affected nails in the solution for at least thirty minutes before drying the areas thoroughly. Repeat this process daily to get rid of the infection successfully.

You can also make a paste by missing apple cider vinegar with enough rice flour. Apply this on the affected nail and use a soft toothbrush to scrub the area. Follow this treatment daily to kill the underlying fungus.

[b]3. Listerine[/b]

Listerine mouthwash eliminates germs and bacteria present in the mouth. It is also effective in treating nail fungus due to its eucalyptus, menthol and thymol content. According to a 2016 review, thymol contains antioxidants, antinociceptive, local anesthetic, antibacterial, antiseptic, and antifungal properties (2). These activities make Listerine powerful in killing fungi and harmful bacteria.

You can start the Listerine treatment by filling a small basin with mouthwash. You can also combine equal parts of Listerine and apple cider vinegar or white vinegar. Soak the infected nails in this solution for half an hour and use a toothbrush to scrub the area gently. Wash and dry the area thoroughly. To get rid of the infection successfully, repeat this treatment two times a day.

[b]4. Baking Soda[/b]

Its powerful antifungal agents make baking soda one of the top nail fungus treatments. The alkaline content in baking soda also prevents the infection from spreading. This readily available staple is also useful in eliminating foot odor. You can combine baking soda with sodium borate to cure the infection.
Simply mix equal parts of baking soda and borax powder with a bit of water to create a paste. After washing your feet, apply this paste on the affected areas. Repeat this treatment two times a day to clear up the infection.

[b]5. Oregano Oil[/b]

Oregano oil contains antifungal, antiseptic and antibacterial properties. It also provides analgesic, antiviral and antiparasitic agents, making it one of the top [url=https://www.feetremedies.com/home-remedies-toenail-fungus/]nail fungus treatments[/url]. Like Listerine, oregano oil also contains thymol and it can be used for treating nail fungus.

To treat fungal nail infections, simply apply oregano oil to the infected areas twice a day with a cotton ball or cotton swab. You can also mix oregano oil with tea tree oil if you do not have sensitive skin.

[b]6. Olive Leaf Extract[/b]

Another excellent choice for eliminating nail fungus is olive leaf extract. It contains antimicrobial, antiviral and antifungal properties that can help in treating the infection. When taken as a supplement, it can strengthen the immune system and lower cholesterol level.

According to a 2012 review, taking one to three capsules of olive leaf extract with meals twice per day is more effective than olive leaf salve when it comes to nail fungus remedies (3).

[b]7. Lemon Juice[/b]

Lemon juice contains both antifungal and antiseptic properties. Its citric acid helps in halting the infection from spreading to other areas. You may treat nail fungus by applying fresh lemon juice on the affected areas. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes before washing it off with warm water.

If you have sensitive skin, another option is to mix lemon juice with other carrier oil and massage the infected areas with the mixture. Let it sit for a few hours before rinsing it off.

[b]8. Garlic[/b]

Garlic is packed with allicin and ajoene compounds which have powerful antifungal properties. This traditional remedy has played an important historical role in treating various diseases and illnesses [url=https://www.feetremedies.com/toenail-fungus-contagious/]You may treat nail fungus[/url by placing crushed garlic cloves on the infected nails and leave it on for at least 30 minutes daily.

You may also use garlic oil mixed with an equal amount of vinegar. Apply this mixture on and around your nails. Cover it with a bandage and let it sit for a few hours. Repeat this process daily until the infection is gone.

[b]9. Probiotics[/b]

During your treatment, be sure to consume foods rich in probiotics such as plain yogurt and kefir. An imbalance of healthy bacteria in the body is also one of the causes of fungal overgrowth. Superfoods that can help you replenish healthy bacteria in your system are cultured vegetables like kimchi and sauerkraut.

[b]Conclusion[/b]

Knowing what exactly your body needs and how each treatment works will help you determine the best option to get rid of the problem. You can use one or combination of the remedies mentioned above to treat the infection. Continue your treatment even if your nails look better to prevent the problem from coming back.

[b]References:[/b]
1. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Tea Tree Oil. Viewed at: https://nccih.nih.gov/health/tea/treeoil.htm
2. Science Direct. Antibacterial and antifungal activities of thymol: A brief review of literature. Viewed at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308814616306392
3. Natural Therapy of Fungal Nail Disease: Review. Viewed at: http://www.thepharmajournal.com/archives/2012/vol1issue4/PartA/9.pdf