Toenails are also  susceptible to fungal infections. This is also known as onychomycosis or paranoychia. This disorder does not make you uncomfortable at all but it does cause discoloration, crumbling, and thickness of the toenails. So, basically, it can be quite alarming because it seems that you are being eaten alive. This fungal infection could be acquired from public baths, swimming pools, and gyms. You could also get it if you share footwear all the time or if you always wear tight shoes. Toenail fungus could also be brought about by a significant weakening of your immune system, inefficient drying of the feet, and an abnormal pH level.
Some of the obvious symptoms of toenail fungus are brown or yellow coloration of the toenails, overgrowth or thickness, and the foul smell brought about by the debris. It is common for you to feel pain when you wear shoes because of the overgrowth. There could also be spots or streaks at the side of your nails. The crumbling would eventually cause your toenail to fall off. For cases of ingrown toenails that are infected, you should see your doctor about it. The primary goal in treating toenail fungus is to maintain the integrity of the toenail as you treat the fungal infection. Although there are conventional remedies for this condition, here are some choices for the natural remedy for toenail fungus that you could ask your doctor about:
1. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is a natural remedy for toenail fungus because of its antifungal and antibacterial effects. For mild cases, you can apply this, undiluted on the affected toenail, let it stay for ten to fifteen minutes, and just rub it thoroughly with an old toothbrush. This mild scrubbing helps in getting rid of the dead skin cells. You could keep on doing this for a few weeks, until the fungal infection goes away.
2. Listerine
You can use Listerine (mouthwash) to soak your feet into as a natural remedy for toenail fungus. This is because it had euchalyptol and salicylate thymol that are really strong chemical compounds for fungal infections. You could combine the mouthwash with lemon or apple cider vinegar to increases its potency and to prevent the fungus from spreading. You could do this once everyday but make sure that you dry your feet thoroughly after.
3. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a natural remedy for toenail fungus. You could make a foot soak of water and apple cider vinegar in equal parts and use it for fifteen to twenty minute. You should dry your feet thoroughly and even use a blow drier to completely rid your feet of any traces of moisture. You could also use apple cider vinegar as a foot scrub by combining it with rice flour. This will eliminate the dead skin cells from your toenails.
4. Lavender oil
Lavender oil is a natural remedy for toenail fungus that can be combined with tea tree oil. You can use this mixture two to three times in a day. This could even help you with severe cases of toenail fungus. Just be sure to combine them with a carrier oil so that they could stay longer on your toenails.
5. Oregano and olive oil
Oregano is another natural remedy for toenail fungus that can be combined with olive oil. Oregano is an effective antibacterial, antiseptic, antifungal, analgesic and antiviral herb that you can find anywhere.
6. Diet
Another effective natural remedy for toenail fungus is to modify your diet. Probiotics are the beneficial bacteria that you could get from kefir milk or yogurt. You should avoid intake of ordinary vinegar, dairy, and refined sugar. These food products will only help the infection progress.
7. Wash feet
A practical natural remedy for toenail fungus is to always wash your feet when you use public swimming pools, spas, lockers, and showers. Also make sure that you dry your feet thoroughly.
8. Cotton socks
Cotton socks are effective in absorbing moisture. This is an effective natural remedy for toenail fungus. If you don’t have to wear cotton socks, just open footwear would be fine just a slong as your feet could breathe.
9. Dry feet
Remember to dry your feet thoroughly all the time before you wear socks. Change your socks frequently.
10. Avoid sharing footwear
Don’t ever share footwear or any personal paraphernalia with other people. This is a natural remedy for toenail fungus that you could strictly observe.
11. Trim, no nail polish
Have your toenails trimmed regularly and do not put nail polish because this will only aggravate the condition.
Keep your foot doctor updated about your progress when it comes to using any natural remedy for toenail fungus. This is to ensure that the condition is not worsened to the point of affecting your entire system.