People who suffer from fungal infections of the fingernails and toenails (onychomycosis) have long been searching for a nail fungus cure. It is one type of common superficial infection that medical science has not managed to find an easy solution to. This is partly because fungal nail infections tend to be more cosmetic than debilitating, and because fungal infections of any kind are relatively rare compared to bacterial and viral infections and research has not placed a high priority on finding antifungal agents. Most antibiotics have no activity against fungi and the few antifungals we do have tend to be quite toxic to the patient.
The history of the treatment of onychomycosis begins with the home remedy to cure nail fungus. The first natural treatments were probably ointments and salves, and herbal remedies. Today, home remedies tend to be more chemical in approach, using substances commonly found around the house or readily available in community pharmacies. Some of these things include vinegar, dilute chlorine bleach, hydrogen peroxide, Listerine mouthwash, and Vick's VapoRub gel. Ingenious people have also suggested the use of certain beneficial bacteria in beer or other solutions. None of these, however, has proved to be the perfect nail fungus cure.
The development of safer antifungal drugs and consumer demand for a reliable nail fungus cure has inspired drug companies to market some prescription drugs aimed at this type of infection. In general, they are very expensive and in some instances they have caused serious side effects including liver and kidney damage. Many consumers understandably feel that a case of onychomycosis, which is often more of a cosmetic concern than a health concern, is not serious enough to risk severe health consequences, and turn once again to the home remedy to cure nail fungus.
Ironically, the search for a
nail fungus cure has swung back to the natural, herbal approach. Natural healers have investigated the lore of various cultures and the healing properties of many plants, and they have found plants with antifungal properties. This is perhaps not too surprising since plants must fight off fungal invaders in the natural environment and have evolved ways to do that - they produce substances that prevent fungi from getting a foothold. Today, the natural healers approach to a home remedy to cure nail fungus will be application of an essential oil from some familiar herb such as thyme or oregano, Tea Tree oil, extract of Pau d'Arco bark (a South American tree), or a natural antifungal mud. There is considerable evidence that many of these approaches do work, and they are safer and more acceptable to the average consumer than the expensive prescription medications.
Before spending time and money on a traditional nail fungus cure or a new natural home remedy to cure nail fungus, consult your family doctor for a proper diagnosis of your nail problem.
