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Home Remedies for Yellow Toenails

Rajib Singha
Yellow toenails is not only an unsightly cosmetic concern, but a symptom of a medical condition in the body as well. Here some home remedies in order to manage yellow toenails.
An infection caused by fungi is known to be the most common cause of yellow toenails. Fungi produces colored pigments and those which tend to grow in nails, produce yellow-colored pigment giving one yellow toenails. However, if one is still not sure about what has exactly caused the condition, then do consult the doctor and get the necessary treatment.
If one has a problem which requires medical treatment, then he/she would be prescribed certain medicines to treat the problem. However, medications and drugs can get heavy on your pockets. So, one can try a few home remedies and see if they work in managing the condition.

How to Get Rid of Yellow Toenails?

Tea Tree Oil

One of the age-old home remedies for this condition has been the use of tea tree oil. It is a natural antiseptic and fungicide, thus, a potent agent to fight the fungus that has caused the yellow discoloration of the nails.
Mix this oil with a few drops of olive or lavender oil and treat the affected part. This helps in preventing skin irritation. This condition can be treated with a paste of baking soda and lemon juice in the morning and before sleeping. It is best if used along with tea tree oil. If tea tree oil is applied in the morning, preferably use the paste at night.

Listerine

Then comes Listerine as another home remedy. Simply let the toes get soaked in it, once in the morning and once at night. Then, dry up the feet thoroughly.
Crush some juniper berries and mix them in a bucket of warm water. Soak your feet for about 10-15 minutes. Another method is using a mix of oregano essential oil (antiseptic, antibacterial, anti parasitic, antiviral, analgesic and antifungal in nature) with a teaspoon of olive oil. Use this method daily, but do not extend its use beyond three weeks.

Alpha Hydroxy Acid Creams

Alpha Hydroxy Acid creams are believed to work in managing this issue. It helps in taking care of the rough scaly skin around the infected toenails, which otherwise, play host to growing nail fungus. Lather the affected part with the cream before going to bed.

Personal Hygiene

Apart from following all such techniques, it is equally important that one maintains a good personal hygiene. Keep the feet neat and clean. One should make sure to change the socks daily and also, whenever they get sweaty due to hot weather or exercise.
As mentioned earlier, one should always keep their feet dry after having them soaked in certain solutions. The importance of keeping them dry is to prevent the fungus from thriving and worsening the infection. Otherwise, a moist and warm environment provides an ideal atmosphere for the growth of these microorganisms.
One should let their feet breath by opting for sandals, as often as possible. Furthermore, using a good quality foot powder also helps in preventing perspiration and thus, hastening the healing period.
Disclaimer: This information is for factual purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.