Nail fungal infections are the most common infections involving the nails. These infections also make up 50 percent of reported nail abnormalities. It’s normal to have fungus in the body, but it only becomes a problem when it overgrows. Nail fungal infection is also known as onychomycosis and tinea unguium.
Toenail Fungus Infection Symptoms
Nails that are infected with the fungus often show the following signs: thickened, crumbly, and brittle nails; nails that become ragged, dull, and distorted; the nail also becomes whitish or yellowish and it lifts off the nail bed.
You may also find scaling under the nail or a white or yellow streaking on the nails if not yellow spots that are found at the nail’s bottom. In severe cases, the infection may cause pain in the affected area and it often comes with a foul smell.
Another symptom associated with the condition is having fungus-free skin lesions known as dermatophytids. Usually, this is shown through rashes and itchiness in any area of the body that is not infected by the virus. It is more like an allergic reaction.
Toenail Fungus Infection Causes
Fungi are microscopic microorganisms that cause infections, and one of these is the nail fungal infection. Fungi grow without sunlight and in warm and moist places. A group of fungi known as dermatophytes to which Candida belongs is what’s responsible for nail fungus infections. Yeast and molds may also bring about these infections.
Toenail Fungus Infection Treatment
Treating a nail fungal infection is long and tedious. The usual nail fungus treatment options include oral antifungal pills, topical solutions like medicated nail lacquer, and alternative treatment methods. You can also find creams and ointments for nail fungus that can be purchased over the counter. The oral medicines often involve the following: terbinafine, fluconazole, and itraconazole. It usually takes four months for the infected nail to be replaced with a newly formed uninfected nail. For severe cases, the doctor may recommend a nail removal procedure, whether through laser surgery or otherwise.
Home Remedies for Toenail Fungus Infection
Several home remedies showed promising clinical effects on fungus. These home remedies are highly accessible and more affordable such as oregano oil, Vicks VapoRub, ozonized oils, and snakeroot extract. Other alternative treatments include Australian tea tree oil, grapefruit seed extract, apple cider vinegar, and Listerine.
2Cayenne Pepper as Nail Fungal Infection Home Remedy
One of the examples of these great home remedies is cayenne pepper, which originated from Central and South America. The name is in fact from the capital city of French Guiana. Scientists discovered that people began eating peppers in 7000 B.C. Today, cayenne pepper can be found wherever you are in the world. In fact, it has inspired a weight loss and detox diet known as the cayenne pepper diet. It is a cleanse that gets rid of the toxins in the body. Cayenne pepper has been used in all kinds of cooking and as medicine for thousands of years. It has quite an impressive nutrition profile which includes a high amount of antioxidants. This spice has capsaicin, which is its active ingredient. This also gives cayenne peppers their medicinal properties. It is also the ingredient that makes it hot. The more capsaicin in cayenne pepper, the hotter it is.
Cayenne pepper is popular for having antifungal properties. This spice can eliminate sixteen strains of fungus including the most common cause of nail fungus infection which is Candida Albicans. It also prohibits the fungus from producing pathogens that can be harmful to the body. One thing you can do to get rid of fungus is to boost your immune system. With this, cayenne pepper can help by providing vitamins E, C, A, K, and B6 as well as manganese and potassium.
To use cayenne pepper in treating a nail fungus infection, first, you have to make sure that the affected area is clean and dry. Make a paste by using 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper and 3 ounces of water. Spread the paste on the infected area and its premises and cover the area by wearing a sock. Once the paste is dry, rinse with warm water and dry the affected area. Repeat this 2 to 3 times a day.
Cayenne peppers can be found in the market all year long. They can be fresh, dried, or powdered. The best option is the fresh one since the powdered form may be mixed with poor-quality herbs.
