Causes of Yellow Toenail Infection and Its Effective Home Remedies

There are a host of toenail infections; the commonest is onychomycosis, or fungal infection of the toe nails. Another common type is ingrown toenails. Onycholysis paronychia is other common toe nail infection. Toe nail infection is exceedingly common and very infectious.

Advice on Yellow Toenail Infection

Following good foot hygiene and caring for your feet on a regular basis is very essential to ward off fungal infection of the foot.

Washing the feet daily in warm water, to which some anti septic is added, is recommended. Immerse the feet for 10 minutes, and then wipe the feet dry. Keep toe nails short and cut them straight across. A regular foot massage is advocated too.

An infected toe nail becomes discolored; by and large, the nail turns yellow or brownish yellow. After the infestation has been combated, it is possible to restore the health and natural color of the nails.

Tinea unguium is an important cause of toe nail infection. It is also called ringworm or dermatophytic onychomycosis of the nail. Research and survey says, 10 % of adults have the condition.

Damaged toenails are vulnerable to fungal infection.

People suffering from diabetes, hypercholetsrolemnia, psoriasis, etc. are prone to infections. Weak immune systems too increase the risk of developing the infection. Toenail infection is extremely common in people living in hot and damp weather conditions. Fungi thrive in warm and moist areas, hence, people who wear socks and tight shoes for long periods are susceptible to the infection.

Fungal infection is the commonest cause for infection of the toe nails. The fungus affects the nail, the nail bed and there will be pain and swelling. Lowered or compromised immune system working is the chief cause. Furthermore, wearing tight-fitting socks, ill fitting shoes and poor foot care and hygiene encourage fungal multiplication.

Toenail Infection Symptoms

• Flakiness, chipping
• The nails become brittle
• Yellow, brown or black discoloration
• Pain whilst wearing shoes
• Offensive smell from the feet

Toenail Infection Causes

Common causes are:

• A break in the toe nail, which helps the fungus enter
• Weak toe nails due to tight fitting shoes.
• Wearing the same shoes everyday without airing them.
• Cutting the toenails very close to the skin, causing several small cuts in the skin, which allow the fungus to enter.
• Wearing damp socks.
• Excessive foot sweat.
• Poor foot hygiene.

Yellow Toenail Infection Home Remedies

• Apple Cider Vinegar: mix equal quantities of apple cider vinegar and water and soak your feet for 20 minutes. Wipe dry; follow this routine twice daily, till the infection subsides.
• Tea Tree Oil: tea tree oil is the best essential oil to fight infections. It is a potent fungicide. Clean your feet thoroughly; then apply the undiluted tea tree oil on to the affected area daily. The infection will subside within a week.
• Hydrogen Peroxide (3%): Hydrogen peroxide affords relief as well. Soak feet in hydrogen peroxide (3%) and an equal amount of water; for 15 minutes, twice everyday. Then dry your feet well.