Along with unsightly cracked heels, calluses and peeling skin on the soles on both my feet, I have another problem, which is toenail fungus on my left big toe. The big toe has been afflicted by fungus for over 2 years and it seems to go away and then come back again, over and over again. Sometimes the fungus would look pretty bad when the corner of my nail would turn from brown to black!

Initially I had thought that there was some debris lodged underneath my toenail but after scrubbing and digging my toe and toenail with a cotton bud and toothpick (yup, I am gross ok), I realized that the ‘dirt’ seemed to have gotten stuck to my skin. I did a google search and found out that I have fungus on my toe.  I did consult a GP early this year but the cream that she prescribed did not manage to remove the fungus from my toenail, not at all. 

I have in the past 2 years tried heaps of over-the-counter creams for my cracked heel and wrinkled feet and I guess that some of these creams (with potent ingredients) have healed my toenail fungus as I noticed some improvement on the toenail after applying those creams. The problem is I can’t identify which cream in particular. As of today, I can still see a little brown ‘debris’ on my toenail, which suggests that the fungus is still there, though not as serious as before.

Symptoms of toenail fungus are quite obvious. The affected nail will get yellow or brown in colour. It may become so thick and overgrown that it may be painful to wear shoes. Foul-smelling debris may get accumulated under the nail. The nail may crumble and eventually fall off. Sneaks or spots can be seen down the side of the nails of the affected person.   Thank God my toenail did not crumble and fall off, phew!

Home Remedies And Natural Cures For Toenail fungus (article extracted from www.home-remedies-for-you.com/remedy/Toe-Nail-Fungus.html)

Toe nail fungus remedy using tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is a potent natural antiseptic and fungicide that will help fight your fungus. Apply undiluted tea tree oil with olive oil to the affected toe nail. Alternatively you can put few drops of tea tree oil on toenails and rub it thoroughly every day.

Using Listerine mouthwash
Soak your toes in Listerine mouthwash. The powerful antiseptic leaves your toe nails looking healthy.
Curing toe nail fungus using warm water and natural apple cider vinegar

Soak your toenails for 15 – 20 minutes in basin full of warm water and natural apple cider vinegar mixed in equal proportion. When done, dry your toenails thoroughly. Use a hair dryer on warm setting to absorb all the moisture in and around the toes

Tea tree oil and Lavender oil
Put equal amount of tea tree oil and lavender oil on a cotton ball or swab. Dab it under the top edge of the toe nail and surrounding area 2 or 3 times a day. Tea tree oil is natural antibiotic and lavender will help fight the infection and prevent skin irritation

Using Oregano and Olive oil
Blend 2 drops of Oregano essential oil with a tsp of olive oil. Apply this mixture on the affected area daily for NOT more than three weeks. Oregano essential oil has antiseptic, antibacterial, antiparasitical, antiviral, analgesic and antifungal properties

AHA creams
Lather AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) creams on to your feet before going to bed. This will flush the rough scaly skin from your feet that is more prone to growing fungus

Diet for Toe nail fungus

Diet plays a very vital role in curing any ailment. People suffering from toe nail fungus should include more probiotics – good bacteria, in their diet. This will help your body to get rid of the fungus. Yogurt and kefir are good sources of probiotics. Reduce intake of refined carbs like sugar, dairy products and vinegar. Olive leaf extract is an excellent internal anti-fungal agent.

Suggestion for Toenail fungus
Wash your feet after visiting public places like swimming pools

The fungus thrives in warm moist areas like spas, swimming pools, showers or locker rooms. If you step on a warm puddle or floor, you can pick up the infection. After using such public places, it is ideal to wash your feet thoroughly and dry them well.
Wear cotton socks

Wear cotton socks to absorb moisture from the feet that happens from sweating.
Dry your feet.  If your socks are damp, take them off and dry your feet before wearing a fresh pair of dry socks.
Do not share linen with affected people

Avoid sharing towels, washcloths, shoes or any other personal items of those people who have already contracted this disease.

Trim nails and avoid nail polish

Keep your nails cut short, and don’t use nail polish. Trim your toenails regularly. Trim them into a straight line and then smooth the edges with a nail file.