5 Natural Remedies to Treat Nail Fungus

Nail fungus can be caused by several fungi. When the toenail is affected, dermatophytes are often the culprit, particularly what is known as Tricophyton rubrum, explains Dr. Olivier Cogrel, a dermatologist at Bordeaux University Hospital. Their growth is favored by warm, humid environments, where they proliferate more quickly. Diabetes or an immune deficiency can also contribute to this infection.

These are also responsible for athlete's foot, when the space between the toes becomes red, very bothersome itching, and peeling. This skin infection is usually contracted when walking barefoot in certain places such as gym locker rooms, saunas, swimming pools, or dance halls. If left untreated, the fungus can spread and colonize the nail and the keratin that composes it. This is called onychomycosis.

In rarer cases, fingernails can also suffer from this infection, especially in individuals who regularly come into contact with water. Yeast is the main culprit, but nails can also be infected by mold.

How to recognize nail fungus?
At the onset of fungus, the nail begins to become dull. Its color changes over time and takes on a yellowish or whitish tint. It can also thicken, become hard, and eventually crumble. Distolateral nail involvement is the most common, according to Dr. Cogrel. This results in the appearance of a yellow spot on the front of the nail before spreading toward its matrix.
5 Natural Remedies for Treating Nail Fungus Nail polish
, antifungal treatment, cream, or surgical removal of the nail in the most extreme cases, once onychomycosis has set in, it can be disabling and take several months to heal. For this reason, it is imperative to act quickly as soon as the first signs of infection appear. These natural remedies are recommended for early treatment and are among the most effective home remedies for treating nail fungus. Let's review them: