Ingredients Needed:
- Tea Tree Oil (5-10 drops): Known for its powerful antifungal, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties, tea tree oil helps kill the fungus and prevent its spread.
- Apple Cider Vinegar (1 tablespoon): A mild acid that helps to balance the pH of the nails and surrounding skin, making it harder for the fungus to thrive. It also has antifungal properties.
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): An abrasive that helps to exfoliate the nails and surrounding skin while also creating an alkaline environment that hinders fungal growth.
- Coconut Oil (optional, 1 teaspoon): A natural moisturizer with antifungal properties that help soothe irritated skin and promote healing.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Nana’s DIY Nail Fungus Killer
Step 1: Prepare the Foot Soak or Nail Soak
The first part of Nana’s remedy is soaking your nails to soften the fungus and prepare them for treatment. You can make either a foot soak (if the fungus is on your toenails) or a nail soak for fingernails.
Ingredients for Foot Soak:
- 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup of warm water
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- A small basin or tub
Ingredients for Nail Soak (For single nails or small areas):
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/4 cup of warm water
- A small bowl
Instructions:
- In a small basin or bowl, combine the apple cider vinegar, baking soda, and warm water. Stir well to dissolve the baking soda.
- If you’re soaking your feet, make sure the solution covers the affected nails and area around them.
- Soak your nails in the solution for 15-20 minutes. The warm water will help open up the pores of the nails, allowing the vinegar and baking soda to penetrate and work against the fungus.
Step 2: Dry Your Nails Thoroughly
After the soak, it is important to dry your nails thoroughly using a clean towel. Fungi thrive in moist environments, so leaving your nails damp can worsen the infection.
- Pat your nails dry with a soft towel, ensuring no moisture remains between the toes or around the nails.
- You can also use a blow dryer on a cool setting to help dry your nails, especially if you have multiple toes or fingers affected.
Step 3: Apply the Tea Tree Oil Treatment
Tea tree oil is the hero ingredient in this DIY recipe. It contains terpinen-4-ol, a compound known to kill the fungus causing nail infections.
Instructions:
- After drying your nails, apply 5-10 drops of tea tree oil directly to the affected nail(s). You can use a cotton swab or your fingertip to gently massage it in.
- If you have multiple nails affected, apply the oil to each nail individually.
- You can also mix a few drops of tea tree oil with 1 teaspoon of coconut oil to create a soothing, moisturizing mixture, which will help prevent skin irritation.
