Causes of Toenail Fungus and How to Get Rid Of Them

Are your toes turning thicker? Have you noticed any abnormal development like nails oddly shaped or wrapped? Chances are that if they have, then your nails may be breaking down. It’s time you get them screened by a medical practitioner: you may have developed a fungal infection of the foot. Commonly known as toenail fungus, it is caused by dermatophytes, a type of fungus that flourishes well in a warm, moist environment.

Here’s More About the Main Causes

Toenail fungus is caused by dermatophytes, Candida and nondermatophyte molds. The fungus dermatophytes is responsible for causing toenail infection in the temperate countries. Tropic and subtropic people get infected by Candidia and non-dermatophyte molds.
Now there are a few situations and things that are responsible too. Take a look at this:
Compromised Skin: If you have any cuts or nicks, you are inviting the microbes to come and make your skin infected with the infection. That’s true!
Lifestyle: You may be highly susceptible to developing fungal infection owing to your lifestyle. With your feet stuck inside the shoes for the most part of your day, you provide an ideal environment for the fungus to live and flourish.
Gender: Yeah! You read that right. Men are more prone to developing fungal infection of the toes than women. The reason behind this is still undergoing research.
Warm Climate: Factors like this can make you fall prey to developing fungal infection of the toes, especially when combined with other conditions like lifestyle and gender.
Genetics: Though this is highly debatable factor there is a group of people who believe that if your parents have had this issue, you too may develop it at some point of time in life. Check it with your parents. The parents too should keep a check on their progeny or at least warn them about it.

What To Do?

The reason that you have come here is that you too have been or are inflicted with toenail fungus. One of the most annoying fungal infection that human population faces. It’s about time to get rid of it, if you have developed it in any case.

Hygiene

The best method of keeping it at bay is maintaining the “H” word. By saying so we don’t want to call you filthy or anything alike. It’s just that you have to ensure that you wash your feet after removing the socks, dry them thoroughly and apply a good foot cream. Let it dry too. Air your shoes often, don’t wear the same every day. Keep your compromised skin covered and avoid wearing shoes when such an incident happens.

Home Remedies

One can look into the kitchen cabinet for a toenail fungal infection cure. Here are a few:
Natural oil application is considered the best. Tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, coconut oil, turmeric oil are the ones to look out for.

• Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil being antifungal, antibacterial and antibacterial is a wonderful cure.  It can be applied alone or mixed with some carrier oil. Take this oil and olive oil in equal parts and apply it on the affected part. Let them do their part on the infected skin for 30 minutes. There is tea tree oil soap for those who do not have time for the oil application.  Tea tree oil benefits include freedom from sweat smell and acne treatment too.

• Apple cider vinegar

Take this and water in equal proportion. Soak your infected feet in it for 15-20 minutes. Dry them.
You can use white vinegar too.
There are more, but these are the most effective.
Its not difficult to get rid of toenail infection, all you need to do is treat it.

Author Bio:
Evie Dawson is a fitness coach and health writer based in Boston, MA. Her passion is to encourage others to rediscover their lifestyle and get inspired for organic living.  See her other Sharpologist post, 10 Shaving Tips For Athletes.