Yellow and unkempt toe nails are a result of a type of fungus taking shelter under the toe nails. Medically, this contagious disease is known as onychomycosis. The disease is also known to be hereditary. Fungus of the dermatophytes group is associated with this kind of disease which thrives under wet and moist conditions.

Toenail fungus transfer easily at common places such as the locker room, swimming pool or even at the spa. In this disease the nails appear yellowish or even brown. The nails become thick, wastes accumulate below the nails which stink, and wearing shoes become painful.

The disease can be hereditary or acquired from an infected toe. Tight fitting shoes or hurting the toe or abnormal pH levels of the skin and decreased immunity levels increases the possibilities of acquiring this disease. Good hygiene always helps in keeping these fungi away. There are also some suggestible home remedies which can be used safely and successfully to treat this annoying and often embarrassing disease. Your craving for beautiful feet will be satiated in no time.

Home remedies for toenail fungus include the use of items commonly available at and easily accessible. For example a mouth freshener can be used as an antiseptic to keep your nails looking healthy and clean. Tea tree oil is good antiseptic as well as a fungicide. Using it directly on the nail or dissolved in olive oil rids the nail off the fungus!

Tea tree oil mixed can also be used with lavender oil. This combination is sometimes more effective. The mixture is taken on a cotton ball and applied on and around the nail at least twice a day.

Soaking toenails in warm water and natural apple cider vinegar mixed in equal quantities. This should be done for 15 to 20 minutes every day. It is important to dry up the feet and nails carefully after soaking it.

Another toenail fungus treatment is blending a couple of drops of Oregano essential oil with a spoon of olive oil and applying it to the affected area for about three weeks.

Along with this, eating habits must also be improved. Intake of good-bacteria food, such as yogurt must increase while intake of carbohydrates must be reduced considerably.

It is always wise to make sure that the disease is not is not contracted to others easily. People aware of this disease must ensure of proper foot hygiene by keeping their feet dry and avoiding the use of common towels. Cotton socks are preferable in warm sweaty climates; socks must be renewed whenever wet. The feet must be dried before using a new pair. Other advises include keeping the nail clipped at all times and avoiding use of nail polish. Nail polish encourages the growth of the fungus and therefore must be avoided. People who have sweaty feet must sprinkle anti-bacterial powder in their shoes. Good pedicure habits go long way in keeping fungi away.