Nail Infections
Nail infections are caused by a fungus and are sometimes
hard to treat. This infection can be spread by the use
of manicure tools. So, to help aid in the prevention
of getting nail infections always be sure that the equipment
used on your nails is clean. Wearing shoes that do not
push the toenails into the skin can also help in the
prevention of nail infection. Remember to wash your hands
and nails when you come in contact with any type of debris
and wear some type of shoe in public showers. Keeping
your nails clean and debris free is essential in prevention
of nail infection.
There are different types of pharmaceutical drugs you
can use that are effective on nail infections. Most of
them do have side effects, so it would be best to talk
with your physician with any and all concerns you may
have.
There are some folk remedies that have been used over
the years that have helped a lot of people with nail
infections.
Using a mixture of apple cider vinegar composed of 2
quarts of warm water, 1 cup of apple cider vinegar, and
10 drops of lavender essential oil, soak the nail with
the infection for 15 minutes a day. The ACV found in
apple vinegar restores the correct pH balance to your
skin, thus making it more resistant to nail infection.
Antimicrobial properties are found in the Lavender Oil.
Be sure to dry the area completely and then use a hair
dryer on the warm setting. Afterwards, you can use a
mixture of tea tree oil and lavender in equal parts to
dab on the nail.
Another home remedy for nail infection is grapefruit
seed extract. This is a powerful antimicrobial product
and is also a wonderful disinfectant. Use 100 drops of
the extract to 2 ounces of water and apply to the infected
nail with a cotton ball or swab two or three times per
day.
A great natural antibiotic for nail infection is tea
tree oil. This tea tree oil comes from the leaves of
the Australian Melaleuca alternifolia tree. This oil
contains antiseptic and anti fungal compounds that are
effective in disinfecting the skin. To use, apply the
tree oil on the affected nail 2 to 3 times per day until
the nail has grown out. This may take up to 6 months
for fingernails and as long as 12 months for toenails.
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