The best home remedies for nail ringworm, popularly known as "nail polish" or scientifically as onychomycosis, are mainly those prepared with essential oils, since a good part of these oils have proven and studied antifungal properties.
Although they can be used alone, essential oils can also be used in conjunction with the medication treatment prescribed by the doctor, enhancing their effect and accelerating recovery. However, it is important to always inform the doctor about the use of oils, so that the doses can be adapted and even specific care oriented.
These natural remedies can even be used when the first symptoms of ringworm of the nail appear, such as the presence of a yellowish spot and thickening of the nail, to try to control the infection, until the consultation with the doctor.
1. Garlic
The essential oil of garlic is one of the best studied oils for combating fungi and other microorganisms, having a strong effect and being, therefore, indicated by many doctors and professionals who resort to natural options for the treatment of fungal infections. This effect is mainly due to the presence of the substance allicin.
In addition, garlic is cheap and quite versatile, and can be used in its natural form or as oil.
Ingredients
- 1 clove of garlic.
Method of preparation
Cut the garlic into slices and apply directly to the affected nail for 30 minutes, every day. Ideally, the foot should be washed before and after the application of garlic, to ensure the best effect. This process must be repeated up to 4 weeks after the nail has returned to its normal state, which can take 4 to 6 months.
Since some people may experience increased sensitivity to the essential oil of garlic, it is advisable to try to keep the garlic only on the nail. If symptoms of burning or redness appear on the skin due to the application of garlic, it is recommended to wash the area with cold water and avoid putting garlic in that region again, as it may cause burns or inflammation.
2. Tea tree essential oil
Tea tree oil, which may also be known as tea tree oil, contains a compound, known as terpinen-4-ol, which, according to some scientific studies, has been shown to have an antifungal effect, especially for the main organisms causing nail mycosis.
To use this oil, drop a drop directly onto the affected nail, twice a day, after washing the area with soap and water. The treatment should be maintained for about 4 to 6 months or up to 4 weeks after the nail regains normal characteristics.
Although in most cases there are no side effects reported with the use of this oil, people who have more sensitive skin should mix the drop of tea tree with 1 drop of a vegetable oil, such as coconut or avocado, before applying it on the nail.
3. Rosemary essential oil
Like tea tree oil, rosemary oil, known scientifically as Rosmarinus officinalis, has also shown very positive effects in combating fungi responsible for nail mycosis, in studies done in the laboratory. So, it can be an excellent natural option to try to control the problem.
To use this oil, a drop should be applied directly to the affected nail, 2 times a day, after washing the area with soap and water. If there is skin sensitivity to this essential oil, with irritation and redness on the skin around the nail, the oil drop should be diluted in 1 drop of a vegetable oil, such as almond, avocado or coconut oil, for example.
This treatment should be continued for up to 4 weeks after the symptoms disappear, to ensure that the excess fungi have been completely eliminated.
