Toenail fungus is an unpleasant problem that affects as many as 12% of adults in the United States. This fungal infection can cause the nails to become thick, brittle, discolored, and even cause pain or discomfort. While there are many treatments available, some of them can be costly or have potential side effects.
Fortunately, there is a simple and affordable home remedy that can help treat toenail fungus naturally. This remedy involves using a common kitchen spice – cinnamon – to help treat toenail fungus and keep it from coming back.
What Causes Toenail Fungus?
Toenail fungus is caused by a type of fungus called dermatophytes. This type of fungus thrives in moist and warm environments, making the inside of shoes the perfect breeding ground for the infection. Toenail fungus is also contagious and can easily spread from person to person through direct contact or even through sharing shoes.
How Does Cinnamon Help Treat Toenail Fungus?
Cinnamon has natural antifungal properties that make it an effective treatment for toenail fungus. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling and pain associated with the infection.
Using Cinnamon To Treat Toenail Fungus
There are several ways to use cinnamon to treat toenail fungus. The most common method is to simply sprinkle a small amount of cinnamon powder into your shoes before you put them on. This will help keep the inside of your shoes dry, which will discourage the growth of fungus.
Another option is to make a paste using cinnamon powder and a small amount of water. This paste can then be applied directly to the affected toenail and left on for 30 minutes before being washed off. This should be done once or twice a day until the fungus has gone away.
Finally, you can also add a teaspoon of cinnamon powder to your bathwater and soak your feet in it for 30 minutes. This will also help to treat the infection.
Preventing Toenail Fungus
While cinnamon can be used to treat toenail fungus, it is also important to take steps to prevent it from occurring in the first place. One of the best ways to prevent toenail fungus is to keep your feet clean and dry. This means changing your socks and shoes regularly, avoiding walking barefoot in public places, and keeping your feet away from moisture as much as possible.
It can also be helpful to wear shoes that are made of breathable materials, such as canvas or leather, and to avoid wearing the same pair of shoes every day. This will help to reduce the amount of moisture that can accumulate in your shoes and discourage the growth of fungus.
Conclusion
Toenail fungus can be an unpleasant and uncomfortable condition, but it can be treated naturally using cinnamon. This common kitchen spice has natural antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce the symptoms of toenail fungus. It can be used in several ways, such as adding it to your shoes, making a paste to apply directly to the affected area, or soaking your feet in a bath of cinnamon powder. Taking steps to keep your feet clean and dry will also help to prevent toenail fungus from occurring in the first place.
