People try many things to get rid of nail fungus. Because it's such a common problem, there are dozens of home remedies out there. One of the popular ways to treat nail fungus is to take an Epsom salt bath.
While Epsom salt alone won't get rid of the fungus, it can help as part of an anti-fungal treatment. Soaking your feet in Epsom salt will soften the toenail and remove the fungal infection. This can improve the effect of other topical antifungals and penetrate the fungus more quickly.
Epsom salts have many benefits for feet and nails. Getting rid of nail fungus faster is just one of these benefits, but it's important to know how to use Epsom salts correctly.
There are some misconceptions. But used in the right way, they have a beneficial effect on the skin and nails. Putting them in a foot bath is one of the easiest ways to get positive results. Your feet will be healthier and you will probably be able tocompletely get rid of nail fungus!
Contents:
- Soak your feet with 1 Epsom salt to remove nail fungus
- 1.1 How does Epsom salt affect feet?
- 1.2 Benefits of Soaking Your Feet in Epsom Salt
- 1.3 Does Epsom salt kill nail fungus?
- 2 How to prepare an Epsom salt foot bath against nail fungus
- 2.1 What else can be added to an Epsom salt bath?
- 2.2 Side Effects and Risks of Epsom Salt
- 2.3 The best foot soak treatment for onychomycosis
- 2.4 Can you wear nail polish while soaking your feet?
- 2.5 Other Related Articles:
Soak your feet in Epsom salt to remove nail fungus
Again, using Epsom salt alone will NOT remove the fungus. But it can make any treatment you use more effective. This type of foot soak has many other benefits.
This guide explains how to properly soak your foot in Epsom salt. We'll also discuss the other benefits of soaking your feet regularly and any precautions you should take along the way.
How does Epsom salt affect your feet?
Epsom salts are often found in bath salts/bath bombs. But when used alone, they provide excellent benefits for feet, skin, and more. You don't have to wait until you start noticing nail fungus symptoms to relax while soaking your feet.
Take 2-3 soaks per week for the health of your feet and nails. There are many different types of foot soaks and so many things you can add. So why is Epsom salt so beneficial?
- Epsom salt is a natural anti-inflammatory that helps exfoliate and soften the skin. It can relieve pain, reduce cramps, and even improve circulation.
It is a combination of magnesium and sulfate. While it may look like table salt, the two things are completely different. Table salt consists of sodium chloride.
The good news about magnesium sulfate is that it is a mineral that our body needs. Unfortunately, in recent decades our bodies lack it. So it's worth adding a little to your foot care routine.
These are all key features when it comes to feet. This is why many people bathe completely in Epsom salts!
Benefits of Soaking Your Feet in Epsom Salt
Soaking your feet will benefit your feet in many ways. Healthy feet is another important element of getting rid of nail fungus. If your nails and the skin around them are weak, a fungal infection can grow and spread more easily.
There are claims that Epsom salt has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Unfortunately, not enough research has been done to confirm this 100%. But that doesn't mean it's not a great option.
Simply soaking your feet in warm water will help improve circulation.Improved blood flow in the feetwill promote healing. This can make it easier to get rid of the infection when combined with other treatment. Water also helps clean your feet so you can get rid of loose bits of debris.
- Epsom salt can prevent the growth of microorganisms. This can make it harder for nail fungus to spread or grow further.
Does Epsom salt kill nail fungus?
There is anecdotal evidence suggesting that Epsom salt has antifungal properties.
But even without research to prove it, can you expect a fungal infection to be cured if you use Epsom salts for your feet? Why? Here are some reasons:
- Magnesium sulfate is strong enough to penetrate the nail and surrounding skin. People with nail fungus often struggle with thisthick yellow nails. This can make it difficult for the cream or gel to pass through. Once the nails soften, these topical solutions can work faster as they can get to the root of the problem.
- Epsom salt helps to exfoliate the skin and improves circulation. This can help make your feet stronger and healthier to fight off infections. This is especially useful for people with poor circulation, such as diabetics. Here are somefoot care tips for diabetics.
- Soaking your feet in Epsom salt can help relax your feet, which can also promote better circulation
- Due to its exfoliating nature, it can pull out some of the infection from under the nail. Onychomycosis can lead to buildup of debris and keratin. The exfoliating properties can remove these residues and make it easier for the treatment to reach the fungus itself.
As you can see, there are many different reasons to use it. But it's important to use Epsom salts the right way to get the most benefits.
How to prepare an Epsom salt foot bath against nail fungus
Before you prepare a foot bath, you need to get the right type of container. There are several different foot dipping options.
For many people, a simple pedestal sink or even a large bowl works well. As long as your feet can be completely submerged in warm water, any basin will suffice.
But for those who want to experience the added benefits, there arefoot baths and spa facilities. Some of the best foot baths and spa facilities offer relaxation. They add things like oxygen bubbles or massage jets. They support circulation and the overall health of the feet.
Once you've decided what type of basin or foot massager is right for you, you can prepare a foot bath.
Follow these simple steps for the best results:
- Feet preparation. Your feet should be clean and free of any lotions before soaking them. Make sure your toenails are cut short enough. You may need to use aa pair of thick nail clippersdo the job.
- Fill a basin or foot bath with warm (not hot) water. It should be enough to cover your feet completely.
- Add up to ½ cup of Epsom salt to warm water and mix with your hands until it dissolves.
- Soak your feet for 30-60 minutes. Some people find it more beneficial to take two 20-30 minute baths a day instead of one long one. Try soaking your feet in the morning and evening for better results.
- Dry your feet thoroughly when finished. It's important to go between your fingers to make sure the fungus doesn't have the perfect environment to spread. After drying your feet with a towel, let them dry as long as possible. Put on socks or shoes only after your feet are completely dry.
What else can you add to an Epsom salt bath?
There are many ways to successfully soak your feet. Because Epsom salts dissolve quickly, other "ingredients" can be added to the water. Essential oils are one of the most popular things to add to foot baths. Some oils can be added for extra relaxation. Some oils provide aromatherapy.
Tea tree oil is a natural anti-fungal and anti-bacterial agent. It is used in many natural and over-the-counter nail fungus treatments. Just a few drops of tea tree oil in a foot bath can increase its anti-fungal effects.
Using tea tree oil in an Epsom salt foot bath is a great way to fight nail fungus. Epsom salt will help soften the nail. This allows the tea tree oil to get into and under the nail so it can target the fungus inside.
Try experimenting with other essential oils. Each of them has different properties that can help your feet in some way. Just remember that if you use essential oils, make sure they are 100% natural and not a blend of oils. And always check how your skin reacts to the formula.
Epsom Salt Side Effects and Risks
The misconception that Epsom salt is somehow dangerous is usually due to misuse. Its use involves little risk. Topical Epsom salts are unlikely to have any side effects.
- Epsom salts can dry out the skin. For this reason, you should not soak your feet in Epsom salt daily. If you do this, the skin on your feet may start to dry out and crack. Cracked skin on your feet can expose you to all sorts of infections.
When soaking your feet in Epsom salt, never use the same water again. Nail fungus is extremely contagious. It can live on the surface for quite a long time.
If your feet have been submerged in water and you have a fungal infection, it's important to get rid of that water when you're done. Refill the container with fresh water and new Epsom salt each time.
Again, if used correctly, Epsom salts are perfectly safe. They are not intended to be swallowed. However, local application can bring many benefits. If you use them regularly and your skin starts to feel dry, try incorporating a moisturizer into your skincare routine.
The best remedy for nail fungus
Instead of making your own foot anti-fungal solution, you can try a ready-made solution. There are many foot soak products on the market that claim to help get rid of nail fungus. All you need to do is add them to a bowl of warm water.
One of our favorite foot baths that contains Epsom salt isRocky Mountain Essentials Foot Oil with Tea Tree Oil. Contains only natural ingredients. These include tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil and lavender oil. They all have anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. It also contains peppermint oil, which improves circulation and gives a pleasant fragrance.
Another option for soaking the feet in the case of nail fungus isPure Northwest system. This is a three-part nail fungus treatment plan that includes beneficial foot soaks. As you might guess, it also contains tea tree oil as a key ingredient. This provides additional anti-fungal properties that can help you get rid of the infection more effectively.
Any of these foot soaking options can help get rid of nail fungus. It will probably work faster than using Epsom salt alone and the directions for use are the same. They can also help with conditions such as inflammation, athlete's foot or other types of bacterial infections.
Can you paint your nails while soaking your feet?
If you have toenail fungus, it can be associated with many unpleasant symptoms. Discoloration and brittle nails that wear off are just a few examples.
So it's understandable that some people want to hide these symptoms. The obvious way to do this is with nail polish. Unfortunately, when you regularly soak your feet in Epsom salt or another anti-fungal solution, nail polish can get in the way.
When you have nail polish on your toenails, it does not allow the Epsom salts or essential oils in the water to penetrate the nails. The varnish acts as another barrier, thanks to which the healing effects can last much longer.
Besides not being good for soaking your feet, wearing nail polish when you have onychomycosis is not a good idea to start with. Nail fungus thrives in a warm, moist environment. By covering your nails with nail polish, you create the perfect environment for this fungus to thrive.
If you still want to wear nail polish when you have a fungal infection, be sure to remove it every few days. Thanks to this, your nails will be able to breathe and "dry".
It also existsantifungal nail polishesconsider. Antifungal varnishes contain ingredients that fight nail fungus. They can also make your nails look flawless.
However, you should still remove this nail polish before soaking your feet in the antifungal solution. It will still act as a barrier over the nail, and you want to make sure that all the components of the soaked foot can get under the nail bed.
Soaking your feet in Epsom salt can be an excellent preventive measure. This is especially true if you add essential oils or other anti-fungal ingredients to it. In fact, it may work better as a preventive option than something that gets rid of nail fungus on its own.
There are so many benefits. It works well as a base for adding other ingredients, e.g. essential oils that have antifungal properties. While Epsom salt alone may not completely cure serious yeast infections, it can certainly help. It will slow down the progression of nail fungus and keep your feet healthy.
It is good for skin, nails and circulation. It is also easy to prepare. Soaking your feet can also be relaxing and therapeutic, allowing you to enjoy a "spa" at home.
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FAQs
What is the recipe for toenail fungus treatment? ›
A mixture of 1 teaspoon tea tree oil, half a teaspoon of orange oil, and half a teaspoon of grapeseed or olive oil can be rubbed onto the toenails with a cotton ball to clear up toenail fungus.
What is the recipe for antifungal foot soak? ›Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
A study in Mycopathologia found that sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda, does have antifungal abilities when used on the skin. To make a foot soak, mix about a half cup of baking soda in a large bucket or basin of warm water. Soak feet for 15 to 20 minutes, twice a day.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Epsom Salt
Mix and soak your toes/feet for at least 30 minutes every day. Apple cider vinegar is also a good supplement to take internally for overall health and to promote healing of fungus and bacteria from the inside out.
Antifungal pills also work more quickly than medicine applied to the nails. Taking antifungal pills for two months can cure an infection under the fingernails. Usually three months of treatment cures a toenail fungal infection.
How much Epsom salt do I need to remove a toenail? ›Using a clean bucket, dilute one tablespoon of Epsom Salt in warm water. The water does not have to be hot. 3. Soak the affected foot for about 15 minutes.