Homemade Remedies for Fingernail Fungus

Fingernail fungus is difficult to cure, not because it is particularly hardy, but because it has found the ideal environment for itself. Nail fungi not only hide behind the nail, they actually feed on it, causing the nail itself to deteriorate and turn a nasty brown color. Without treatment, the nail will often split from the nail bed, creating a nasty disfigurement. Instead of resorting to conventional medicine which can take up to six months to work, homemade remedies may be just what it takes to cure fingernail fungus.

Tea Tree Oil and Mouthwash

Tea tree oil is a strong natural antiseptic and fungicide that can help fight your fingernail fungus. Massage a few drops of undiluted tea tree oil mixed with olive oil onto the fingernail. You can also apply tea tree oil by itself with no olive oil, directly onto the affected area on top of the nail several times a day.

Soak your fingernails in mouthwash. Certain kinds of mouthwash contain powerful antiseptics that leave your nails clean and healthy.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Lavender

Soak your nails for between 15 to 20 minutes in a bowl full of warm water and apple cider vinegar mixed in equal parts. After soaking, dry your nails thoroughly. Follow with a blow dryer on the warm setting to completely absorb all the moisture in and around the nails.

Mix tea tree oil with lavender essential oil and apply to the affected area. Use a cotton ball or swab and treat the area two or three times a day. Lavender added to tea tree oil provides additional infection fighting and helps to ease skin irritation.

Oregano Essential Oil and AHA

Mix together 2 drops of oregano essential oil with 1 tsp. of olive oil. Dab this mixture onto the affected area daily. Do not use for more than three weeks. Oregano essential oil has strong antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral, analgesic and anti-fungal properties are useful in treating nail fungus.

Apply AHA or alpha hydroxy acid creams to your nails at night to remove any scaly or rough skin that may accompany the nail infection. This helps clear up the skin that may be contributing to the growth of the fungus.

In addition to trying homemade remedies for fingernail fungus, be sure to keep your hands clean and dry. Avoid the overuse of nail polish, as this prevents air from circulating around the nail. Keep nails short and neat. If you continue to be bothered with fungal infections, consult your physician for more treatment options.