how to use epson salt for toe nail fungus

zanestarritt9800 April 23, 2023 Comment

Get rid of toenail fungus fast with home remedies like vinegar, baking soda, peroxide, and more, or use these effective OTC and RX toenail fungus treatments when natural remedies don't work.

Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis or tinea unguium, is a common nail condition affecting millions of people in the United States. Fungal nail infections can develop on the nail from various organisms such as molds, yeasts, and fungi. This usually occurs after these organisms come into contact with a cracked nail or skin surrounding the nail as the opening provides a portal of entry for fungal spores.

Epsom Salt — The Magnesium Rich, Detoxifying Pain Reliever

When your feet sweat or remain moist or damp, the opportunity for the fungus to grow on your toenails increases. Frequent exposure to warm, moist environments such as swimming pools, locker rooms, or even living in a humid climate places you more at risk of developing these types of infections. This is also why these infections seem to be more prevalent during the sandal season.

Men have been known to develop toenail fungus infections more than women as well as individuals with weakened immune systems—people with diabetes, poor circulation, and older adults. Individuals who frequent nail salons (where supplies are not properly cleaned) may also be placing themselves at risk of developing and spreading fungal infections to their feet.

The most noticeable symptom of toenail fungus may be discoloration resulting in a white, yellow, brown, or even black toenail. The nail may become thickened, which makes it difficult for you to care for the nail on your own. Foul odor, brittleness, or even complete separation of the nail from the nail bed may be more evidence of infection.

Foot Soak Oil With Epsom Salt For Toenail Fungus And Soothes

In most cases, a fungal toenail infection usually does not cause pain unless the infection is severe. In some cases, the fungus can affect the foot as well, especially between the toes. This is called athlete’s foot .

Unfortunately, there are no “quick fixes” when it comes to treating nail fungus. This is because a new toenail must grow to replace the old, damaged toenail. It can take a long time—up to 18 months—to regrow the toenail. This time frame varies on how fast or slow your toenails grow and how severe the fungal infection is.

Many people would rather start with items they have around the house before purchasing medication or visiting their doctor’s office for mild toenail fungus. Try some of these effective home remedies for toenail fungus:

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First, prepare your nails for treatment by trimming and filing them once a week. Clipping toenails relieves pressure on the nails and helps antifungal solutions penetrate the nail. Use traditional toenail clippers and an Emory board to keep nails short and thin. Make sure to disinfect utensils after each use. Maintaining trimmed, clean, and dry nails will be essential in treating toenail fungus and preventing it in the future.

Regularly changing your socks and shoes can also cut down on the growth of unwanted foot fungus. Both socks and athletic shoes can be washed to rid the growth of yeasts and fungi that may be growing on the fabric. Adding a half-cup of baking soda or one cup of vinegar to the washing machine can help eliminate bacteria and kill fungus in shoes and socks. Some shoes can be machine dried. Drying shoes in the sun is another option when cleaning footwear, but make sure they are completely dry before wearing them again.

Boots and other footwear that are not machine washable could be wiped out with a vinegar and water solution or sprayed with an over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal spray. Medicated antifungal powder for shoes is also helpful in treating shoes for foot fungus.

Here's How To Treat Ingrown Nails With Epsom Salts

Allowing the feet to breathe by taking off shoes and socks when possible can prevent fungal growth. Protect your feet by wearing breathable footwear and clean, dry socks. Antimicrobial socks and shoes made from bamboo, copper, or specialty fabrics are also available. They can help reduce unwanted bacteria and yeast from growing in your footwear.

A proactive approach to keeping your feet clean and dry can prevent the spread of toenail fungus. You can wash or soak your feet with warm soapy water or a foot bath using everyday household items. Soaking your feet in an all-natural, homeopathic concoction can be beneficial in reducing or eliminating toenail fungus.

Hydrogen peroxide can kill the fungus that grows on toenails. You can use hydrogen peroxide for toenail fungus by wiping it on your infected toes or toenails with a clean cloth or cotton swab. A hydrogen peroxide foot soak can also be used. Mix 1/8 cup of hydrogen peroxide (or several capfuls) to four cups of cool water and soak feet for 10 to 20 minutes. Rinse feet with warm water and pat dry.

The Advantages Of Epsom Salt Foot Soaks And How To Use Them

Soaking feet in plain tea can also be beneficial in treating toenail or foot fungus. Black tea contains tannic acid that dries out the feet, kills bacteria, and helps to close the foot’s pores to reduce sweating. Boil two quarts of water then add five to six tea bags. Allow the solution to cool and soak feet for 30 minutes. Use this foot soak daily if desired.

Another home remedy to treat toenail fungus includes the use of apple cider vinegar foot soak. Vinegar is an antifungal ingredient that can be mixed with water to create a foot soak. Its acetic acid component helps to whiten discolored toenails and stop the spread of the infection to other toes. Try one part vinegar to two parts warm water and soak feet for 20 minutes daily. If the smell is too overwhelming, a few drops of essential oils can be added to make the experience more pleasant. White vinegar can be used as an alternative as both are equally effective.

Add baking soda to a foot soak to try to heal the affected toenail. You can also make a paste of baking soda with a minimal amount of water and apply it directly to the foot. Allow the paste to sit on the affected area for 10 to 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water and dry the foot thoroughly.

Benefits Of Soaking Feet With Epsom Salt

Baking soda can also be sprinkled in shoes like foot powder. Sprinkle on some baking soda, then shake the shoes gently to distribute the powder. Let the shoes sit for at least 24 hours, then shake out any remaining baking soda.

You can also sprinkle baking soda onto the foot. Once applied to a dry foot, put on clean socks. Sodium bicarbonate, the active ingredient in baking soda, can wick away moisture while healing properties work to reduce toenail fungus.

Soaking feet in an Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) bath can be beneficial to relieve your foot fungus. You can mix one cup of Epsom salt with two quarts of warm to hot water and soak your feet for 10 to 20 minutes. You could also try a more elaborate Epsom salt concoction that includes:

Amazon.com: Tea Tree Oil Foot Soak With Epsom Salt

Mix all of the ingredients and soak feet for 15 to 20 minutes. A few drops of essential oils are a great addition to foot baths. Essential oils with healing properties to treat foot fungus are listed below. Following your foot soak, rinse your feet with clean water and pat dry with a clean towel. To avoid contaminating clean feet, put on clean socks and breathable shoes following your foot bath.

Essential oils are popular home remedies for a variety of common ailments. Many essential oils have natural antifungal and antibacterial properties. Some essential oils that could help reduce toenail fungus include:

Dilute essential oils with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or olive oil, before applying them to the skin. Mix the desired oil or combination of oils with a carrier oil of your choice and apply a few drops to the affected nail. As previously mentioned, you can also add two to three drops of essential oils to footbaths.

How To Remove Dry Skin From Your Feet Using Epsom Salt

Ozonated oils, such as olive and sunflower oil, contain ozone gas. The idea is that ozone delivers oxygen to the affected areas, which kills bacteria and stimulates skin cells for faster healing. One study found that ozonated oil is an effective home remedy for toenail fungus caused by certain strains. Researchers tested ozonized sunflower oil on 101 samples of yeast. The oil was an effective treatment against several fungal strains. To try this remedy, clean and dry your foot first. Gently massage a small amount of ozonated oil into the skin, working it into the affected nails and around the entire toe.

Olive leaf extract contains oleuropein, which is a natural antifungal and antimicrobial. A salve made from olive leaves can be applied to the toenails to reduce infection. Or, you can take oral capsules containing the extract to try to boost the immune system and treat toenail fungus systemically. Consult your healthcare provider before taking olive leaf extract. The dosing varies by formulation.

Snakeroot extract , made from plants in the sunflower family, is an all-natural antifungal homeopathic treatment also