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There are several popular home-made remedies which provide welcome alternatives to the expensive liver-damaging prescription drugs. All work by keeping the fungus from infecting new nail growth while the infected part of the nail grows away (a period of six months to a year). All require application at least twice a day every day during that time. A skipped application may allow the fungus to establish itself in any cells that grow during the time of that missed application, so diligence is crucial. Application generally involves putting a few drops of the remedy on the cuticle, rubbing the remedy on the cuticle, or soaking the entire toe in the remedy. Because toenail fungus and body chemistry vary, some experimentation may be needed until you find the right remedy (or combination of remedies).

VINEGAR

The acidity creates an unpleasant environment for the fungus, yet vinegar is non-toxic enough to be used for cooking.

VICKS VAPOR RUB

Some hypothesize it is the turpentine in Vicks which harms the fungus. (Turpentine is toxic to humans, but has been used medicinally since ancient times nevertheless.) Rub VICKS vapor rub on it twice a day.

LISTERINE

Not sure why this helps. Perhaps something about the alcohol?

CAYENNE PEPPER

Make a paste with water, cayenne pepper, and salt, and work it under the nail. Cayenne is acidic, so this works for the same reason that vinegar does.

TEA TREE OIL

Tea tree oil is known to have fungicidal properties; not sure why it works, though.

HYDROGEN PEROXIDE

Usually used in combination with some of the other options, I think to kill any bacterial infection which may have taken hold along with the fungus.

COLORLESS IODINE

The fungus doesn't like Iodine, but neither does your body; Iodine is a cumulative poison. Nevertheless, it has been used as an antiseptic and even as an emergency means of sterilizing drinking water.

DILUTED BLEACH

Caution: the harm could easily outweigh the benefit! Bleach can be quite harmful to skin. Also, DO NOT MIX it with vinegar or other acids, as doing so creates chlorine gas (a WWI chemical warfare agent).

UNDILUTED BLEACH

For those with stronger skins, place a single drop of undiluted bleach under the nail twice a day. Be very patient - it will take a long time to heal.

Assist the remedies' effectiveness (and keep the fungus away after it's gone) by doing the following:

- Keep your feet as dry as possible (air them whenever you have a chance)

- Don't use nail polish (it traps moisture inside the nail)

- Keep your feet clean

- Expose your feet to sun every one in a while (fungus doesn't like UV)

- Eat healthy! Make sure you're getting lots of B-vitamins and vitamin C in your diet (to keep your immune system healthy)

- Keep your athlete's foot under control; it can turn into toenail fungus.

- Clean towels frequently (preferably after each use) or use paper towels to dry fungus-infected areas.

- Exercise regularly (good circulation in your toes helps your body fight the fungus).

Blood Sugar: Having Diabetes or high blood sugar is a good way for fungus to get its favorite food, sugar, and to grow and flourish in the environment you provide. Have your HbA1c tested. You can get a home test (poke your finger and drop some blood on a piece of paper, then mail it in.) at Walmart for $10. Anything above 6.5% is considered diabetic. 5.5% to 5.6% is good.

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Can you use e45 cream for athletes foot?

E45 cream is not specifically formulated to treat athletes foot, which is a fungal infection. It is best to use antifungal creams or sprays that are designed to treat this condition. These products usually contain ingredients such as clotrimazole or miconazole that are effective in combating the fungus that causes athletes foot.


Is athletes foot deadly?

Athlete's foot is not deadly. It is a fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet. With proper treatment, such as antifungal medications and good foot hygiene, athlete's foot can be easily cured.


What is althletes foot?

A type of fungus that grows in between the toes. Its called athletes foot because its usually athletes or sporty people that get it. You can when you have athletes foot because you will have flaky skin in between your toes and it will be slightly painful to walk.


Which type of microorganism causes athletes foot?

Athlete's foot is caused by a fungal infection, most commonly by the organism called Trichophyton. This fungus thrives in warm and moist environments, such as sweaty socks and shoes, leading to the characteristic symptoms of itching, redness, and cracking of the skin between the toes.


Where did athletes foot originate from?

Athlete's foot is caused by a fungus known as Trichophyton, which is commonly found in warm and damp environments like public showers, pools, and locker rooms. The fungus can thrive on moist surfaces and can be easily contracted by walking barefoot in these areas.

Related Questions

What organisms causes the athletes foot disease?

Fungi


Bob Loblaw's Law Blo?

Bob Loblaw's Law Blog says to get rid of athletes foot, you must pee on your foot.


What causes athletes foot and ringworm?

fungus,live on moist areas such as shower floors towels


Can athletes foot cause death?

No....its just athletes foot


Can you use e45 cream for athletes foot?

E45 cream is not specifically formulated to treat athletes foot, which is a fungal infection. It is best to use antifungal creams or sprays that are designed to treat this condition. These products usually contain ingredients such as clotrimazole or miconazole that are effective in combating the fungus that causes athletes foot.


The symptoms of Athletes foot?

There are several symptoms of Athletes Foot. A few of the symptoms are blisters on feet, itching, burning, and stinging. There are several brands of medicine that can be purchased over the counter for Athletes Foot.


How does athletes foot eat?

it feeds on foot food


Where is athletes foot most likely to be found?

on your foot.


Do your feet swell with athletes foot?

No. Athlete's foot is a fungal condition that causes, in extreme cases, oozing out of fluids. But swelling of the feet would have another cause. Best check with your doctor.


What does athletes foot feel like?

Athletes foot itches and burns, and over time it will get more painful. If you have athletes foot, treat it immediately or it could get very bad. Athletes foot is a fungal infection and eats way at your foot.


Where is fungii usually found?

Fungi is usually found in warm moist places such as underneath logs and in smelly shoes, this causes athletes foot.


What are the effects on the athletes in sporting events?

leg pains and athletes foot