Overcoming Onychomycosis™ By Scott Davis It is a simple, natural, and all-in-one solution for onychomycosis. The program can help you to treat your nail fungus naturally. Once you follow this program, you do not need to spend on expensive treatments to prevent a recurrence. In brief, you can have a proven solution for your chronic nail fungus. Besides, the program is easy to follow, and most users find it effective against onychomycosis.
What is the role of baking soda in treating onychomycosis?
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is one of the most common home remedies for most nail and skin infections, such as onychomycosis (fungal nail infections). While not as effective as antifungal prescription drugs, baking soda can help in the process of treating onychomycosis in the following manner:
1. Antifungal Properties
Baking soda also has some antifungal activity, albeit weak, that will retard the fungal growth on the nail and surrounding skin. It can alter the pH of the environment, which becomes unsuitable for the fungal organisms. Although not as potent as other antifungals, the ability to render the environment less suitable for fungi can assist in the overall therapy.
2. Absorbing Moisture
One of the etiologies of onychomycosis is excessive moisture or humidity surrounding the nail, which is conducive to fungal growth. Baking soda is a natural desiccant that can draw out excessive moisture from the affected area. It will reduce the moisture surrounding the nail, which can otherwise feed the fungal infection.
3. Skin Exfoliation
Baking soda is also a gentle abrasive, and this can be utilized to exfoliate the infected skin around the nail. This gentle exfoliating can remove dead skin cells that are infected with fungal spores and infecting. By removing this layer, it can possibly allow topical antifungal medications to penetrate more easily and reach the fungal cells better.
4. Reducing Inflammation and Irritation
Onychomycosis can cause inflammation, swelling, and redness around the affected nail. Baking soda possesses anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve these symptoms, providing some pain relief. It can also soothe any irritation or itchiness caused by the infection.
5. Deodorizing
Fungal diseases like onychomycosis can sometimes cause a foul odor emanating from the fungal growth under the nail. Baking soda works by neutralizing this odor, leaving the infected region fresh.
Using Baking Soda for Onychomycosis:
Baking Soda Paste:
Mix baking soda with some water (or coconut oil for its added antifungal quality) to make a thick paste.
Apply the paste directly to the infected nail and the surrounding skin.
Allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
Repeat 2-3 times daily to cure the infection.
Foot Soak:
Add 3–4 tablespoons of baking soda to a warm foot bath filled with water sufficient to cover your feet.
Soak feet for 15–20 minutes to let the baking soda absorb excess moisture and soften the infected nails.
After soaking, dry your feet thoroughly, especially the nail areas, to avoid ongoing moisture buildup.
Baking Soda and Vinegar Soak:
Combine baking soda and apple cider vinegar (also antifungal) in a foot soak. The chemical reaction of the baking soda and vinegar can create a fizzing activity that may be able to loosen material around the infected nail.
Soak 15-20 minutes, then dry thoroughly.
Baking Soda Scrub:
Mix baking soda with minimal water or coconut oil to create a scrub.
Gently scrub the infected nail and skin around it to exfoliate and remove dead skin cells.
Rinse and dry.
Precautions:
Patch Test: Although baking soda is harmless for the majority of people, if you have sensitive skin, perform a patch test before using it on large areas. Use it in small amounts on the inner aspect of your wrist or elbow to check for irritation.
Avoid Overuse: Though baking soda is a gentle exfoliant, its overuse may lead to dryness or irritation, particularly in sensitive areas of the skin. Make sure to follow it up with a moisturizer such as coconut oil or a mild lotion if necessary.
Not a Single Treatment: While baking soda can assist in the management of mild onychomycosis, it cannot be utilized as a single treatment. It is most effective when paired with other antifungal therapies, such as topical antifungal creams or medications.
Conclusion:
Baking soda can help in the management of onychomycosis because it renders the environment less conducive for fungal growth, absorbs excess moisture, and also gently exfoliates. However, it is generally more effective as an adjunctive treatment with other more active antifungal drugs in moderate to severe infections. If the infection does not respond or worsens, it is advisable to seek medical attention from a healthcare professional.
Would you like to see other natural remedies or read about how fungal nail infections are treated?
Vicks VapoRub, a popular over-the-counter mentholated topical ointment, has been used from time to time as a home remedy in the treatment of onychomycosis (fungal nail infection). While there is limited scientific proof of its efficacy, there are a number of potential reasons why it can be effective in the treatment of mild onychomycosis. The following is how Vicks VapoRub can treat fungal nail infections:
1. Menthol and Eucalyptus Oil
Vicks VapoRub contains ingredients such as menthol, eucalyptus oil, and camphor, all of which have properties that can assist in fungal treatment:
Menthol is a coolant and may have weak antibacterial and antifungal properties. Some studies show that menthol has the effect of retarding fungal growth, although it is weaker than that of antifungal medications that are prescribed.
Eucalyptus oil has antifungal qualities that can be used to treat fungal infections of the nails. It has the potential to make the nail surface less conducive to fungi.
2. Moisturizing Effect
The ingredients in Vicks VapoRub can also moisturize the nail and surrounding skin. Moisturizing the skin around the nail can enhance the skin’s health, reducing irritation and preventing cracking or other types of damage through which the fungi can infect other parts.
3. Antiseptic Action
Camphor in Vicks VapoRub is antiseptic and can inhibit secondary bacterial infection of the area around the infected nail. It is not an antifungal by itself but can protect the affected area until the antifungal ingredients become active.
4. Improved Nail Appearance
Daily use of Vicks VapoRub can soften the infected nail and make it look better, particularly for mild or early onychomycosis. The ointment can reduce discoloration and thickness, which are common symptoms of fungal nail infection.
How to Use Vicks VapoRub for Onychomycosis:
If you would like to use Vicks VapoRub as a remedy for onychomycosis, here is how to apply it:
1. Clean and Dry the Infected Area
Wash the infected nail and surrounding skin with soap and water, and then dry it thoroughly. Fungal infections thrive in moist environments, so it’s important to keep the area dry before applying the ointment.
2. Apply a Thin Layer of Vicks VapoRub
Using a clean cotton swab or your fingers, apply a thin layer of Vicks VapoRub on the affected nail and surrounding skin. Make sure to apply the ointment to the entire nail and infected area where the infection has spread.
3. Cover the Area (Optional)
For better absorption, you can cover the treated nail with gauze or a bandage to keep the Vicks VapoRub in place. This can help the ointment penetrate deeper into the nail and also keep the ointment from wearing off during the day.
4. Repeat Regularly
Apply Vicks VapoRub on the affected nail once or twice daily. Repeat the treatment daily and see the improvement. Improvement may be seen after a few weeks.
5. Be Aware of Irritation
Vicks VapoRub, even though safe for external use, can irritate the skin of some individuals. Stop using it and visit a physician if you notice redness, itching, or a burning sensation.
6. Complementary Use
Keep in mind, Vicks VapoRub is not a substitute for proven antifungal treatment. It may be best used as an adjunctive treatment to oral or topical antifungal medications like terbinafine, clotrimazole, or ketoconazole.
Limitations and Considerations:
Insufficient Clinical Evidence: While there is some anecdotal evidence and small-scale studies that show Vicks VapoRub does have some antifungal benefits, there isn’t significant clinical research that supports it as a viable primary option in the treatment of onychomycosis.
Mild Infections: Vicks VapoRub may be more effective for early-stage or mild fungal infections than for those that are more chronic or advanced.
Not a Single Treatment: In case of more serious or long-term fungal infections, professional care with prescription antifungal drugs may be necessary in order to completely clear the fungus.
Conclusion:
Vicks VapoRub can be of some assistance in the treatment of onychomycosis due to its antifungal, antiseptic, and moisturizing properties, particularly for mild infections. Its menthol, eucalyptus, and camphor can to some degree enhance nail appearance and reduce fungal activity. It is also important to note that it is not a primary or established treatment and that more severe infections may require professional attention. A person should always seek advice from a health professional if the infection does not subside or gets worse.
Overcoming Onychomycosis™ By Scott Davis It is a simple, natural, and all-in-one solution for onychomycosis. The program can help you to treat your nail fungus naturally. Once you follow this program, you do not need to spend on expensive treatments to prevent a recurrence. In brief, you can have a proven solution for your chronic nail fungus. Besides, the program is easy to follow, and most users find it effective against onychomycosis