Simple Home Remedies to Cure a Nail Infection Fast

Simple Home Remedies to Cure a Nail Infection Fast

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Nail infections are never fun to deal with. They are gross, unattractive, and annoying to get rid of. Some of the signs of a nail infection include pus-filled cuticles or sore, red skin around your nails. The causes can vary, from unsanitary manicures or pedicures to untreated sores.

Typically, you will first notice the possibility of a nail infection after noticing the skin around the nail has become red and sore. You may also notice a small bubble containing pus. In extremely severe situations, the nail may even begin to fall off.

To prevent your nail infection from spreading and to protect yourself from the damage related to nail infections, you may want to consider using natural home remedies.

While you could purchase a cream or ointment from the store, you never really know how effective these over-the-counter treatments can be. They often contain a large amount of chemicals that you have probably never heard of before.

An alternative to using store-bought products to deal with your nail infection is to use home remedies. The following simple DIY remedies will help you cure your nail infection fast.

Nail Infection tea tree

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is known for containing antiseptic and antifungal properties. To use tea tree oil to treat your nail infection, you will need some tea tree oil, cotton balls, and a toothbrush that you no longer plan on using to brush your teeth.

Pour several drops of tea tree oil onto a cotton ball and apply it to the area where you noticed nail fungus. Gently rub the cotton ball over the infected area for about ten minutes. Next, use a toothbrush to gently scrub the affected area. Repeat this process twice per day.

A variation of this treatment is to dilute the tea tree oil in water. Fill a large bowl with water and add five drops of tea tree oil. Swirl the water around with your fingertips, to help mix the oil with the water. Soak your infected nail in the bowl for about fifteen minutes.

Nail Infection grape seed

Tea Tree Oil, Grape Seed Oil, and Orange Oil

The next method for treating nail infections also uses tea tree oil, but with the addition of grape seed oil and orange oil.

Combine one teaspoon of tea tree oil, ½ a teaspoon of orange oil, and ½ a teaspoon of grape seed oil. Make sure that the oils are thoroughly mixed. Place a cotton ball in the mixture and allow it to soak for several minutes.

Gently press the soaked cotton ball to your infected nail. After a minute or two, remove the cotton ball and allow the oil on your nail to dry naturally. Repeat this procedure daily, to cure your nail infection.

Hands in water with seashells

Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide

This next technique requires hydrogen peroxide, Epsom salt, water, and baking soda. The three ingredients, other than water, all contain antifungal and antibacterial properties that can kill the fungus on your nail.

Combine ½ a cup of baking soda, ¼ cup of hydrogen peroxide, ½ a cup of Epsom salt, and 4 cups of water. Mix the ingredients together. Soak your nail into that mixture for several minutes. Remove your nail and dip a cotton ball into the mixture. Once the cotton ball is soaked, place it on your nail and tape it in place. Leave the cotton ball in place throughout the afternoon, while you are at home.

Close-up of baking soda on spoon.

Simply Baking Soda

If you happen to have some spare baking soda, but do not want to go to the store to purchase hydrogen peroxide or Epsom salt, you can try this natural remedy that only uses baking soda and water.

Mix two-parts baking soda to one-part water. This should create a paste. Wash your hands with soap and warm water. Pat your hands dry. Use a cotton swab to apply the paste to your nail. Allow the paste to sit for ten to fifteen minutes. Rinse the paste from your nail and pat your nail dry. Use this procedure twice per day, until the infection clears.

Apple cider vinegar and baking soda combination for acid reflux

Baking Soda and Vinegar

In a bowl that is large enough to fit your infected nail, mix one cup of water and one cup of vinegar. Soak your affected nail in the mixture for fifteen minutes. Remove your hand and dry your nail.

Next, mix two tablespoons of baking soda with one tablespoon of water, to create a paste, as in the previous method. Rub the baking soda mixture over your nails and leave in place for about fifteen minutes. Rinse your hands clean and pat them dry. Use this process twice a day, to cure your nail infection.

Coconuts and organic coconut oil in a glass jar

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil possesses fatty acids that can kill fungus. To use coconut oil to treat your nail infection, apply a small amount of coconut oil directly to the infected nail. Massage the oil into the affected area, using gentle pressure.

Allow your nail and skin to absorb the oil and then allow it to dry naturally. Repeat this process several times each day, but make sure that you wash your hands before applying.

 

Tangerine essential oil and tangerines on wooden table

Orange Oil

Orange oil also has antifungal properties which may kill any fungus on your nails or around the skin surrounding your nails. Some people experience skin irritation when they use orange oil, so you may want to apply the oil to a small area of skin, before applying it to your nail infection.

To use orange oil to treat your nail infection, use a cotton swab to apply the oil to the infected area. Allow the oil to dry naturally and reapply several times throughout the day. You should always wash your hands between applications.

Country Borage,Indian Borage,Coleus amboinicus Lour with white m

Oregano Oil

This last treatment requires oregano oil. As with almost all the oils listed, oregano oil also contains antibacterial and antifungal properties. Use a dropper to apply oregano oil to the infected nail. Gently rub the oil around the infection and allow it to dry naturally.


When you have a nail infection, it is best to deal with the problem as soon as possible. This will prevent the infection from spreading or becoming more severe. These solutions are all easy to apply and will only take a few moments out of your day. Continue using a treatment each day, until your infection is cured.

Dealing with a nail infection is not difficult. Simply choose one of the treatments and stick with it until your infection clears.

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