Natural Remedy Guide: Does Ocean Water Kill Toenail Fungus?

Does ocean water kill toenail fungus? 

You may have a hard time believing it, but the answer to this often-asked question is yes.

Ocean water and sea salt are widely known as one of the most effective cures for a toenail fungal infection.

In this article, we will be discussing what makes ocean water so efficient against toenail fungus and how you can make use of this remedy.

Let’s begin.

How Does Ocean Water Kill Toenail Fungus?

does ocean water kill toenail fungus

Ocean water works so well against a toenail fungal infection as the sea salt happens to have antifungal properties.

According to a study, salt can inhibit the growth of certain species of fungi.

It can also prevent the fungal infection from spreading to others in the vicinity by reducing the fungi’s infective capacity.

So, if you live near the beach and happen to be suffering from a toenail fungal infection, then now would be a good time to get your feet in the ocean and let the sea salt do its magic.

If you can’t go to the beach, then you can always buy some sea salt from a local shop and prepare a sea salt soak to treat your toenail infection.

Here’s how you can do this:

Step 1: Heat some water in a bowl and add a cup of hydrogen peroxide. Dip your toes in this mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide for 3 to 4 minutes.

Make sure the water is not hot. You don’t want to burn yourself and make matters worse.

Step 2:  Take a pinch of sea salt and apply it to the affected area. Leave it there for a few minutes.

Step 3: Measure one and a half cup of the sea salt. Add this to the peroxide solution you prepared previously.

Now, dip your toes in this sea salt soak for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Take a fresh towel and dip it in warm water. Use this to clean your toes and then dry them. Make sure you dry the area between your toes, as well.

The presence of moisture can cause your fungal infection to spread. You can also massage your toes once you are done.

This will improve blood circulation and speed up the healing process.

You can dip your toes in a sea salt soak every day for a week until your symptoms start to subside.

If the treatment doesn’t prove to be effective, then you can consider trimming your toenails as much as possible to expose the affected area.

This can improve the efficacy of the treatment as it will help the sea salt reach the infected region more quickly.

What Other Salts Work Against A Fungal Infection?

does ocean water kill toenail fungus

Besides taking advantage of ocean water and sea salt, you can also consider utilizing Epsom salt for the treatment of your fungal infection.

Epsom salt differs significantly from sea salt and table salt. These are sodium-based salts.

Epsom salt contains magnesium sulfate which has healing properties. It can be used for relieving pain and stress, exfoliating your skin, and removing splinters.

You can use this salt to reduce inflammation and treat fungal infections, as well.

Here’s what you need to do to prepare an Epsom salt foot soak for treating a toenail fungal infection:

  1. Fill your bathtub with lukewarm water. Make sure you don’t waste any water when you do this. You just need to fill it to the extent that your feet will be covered.
  2. Measure half a cup of Epsom salt. Add this to the warm water and wait for the salt to dissolve.
  3. Soak your feet in the water for 15 to 20 minutes. Repeat this twice a day until you see some improvement.

You can also add some tea tree oil to the Epsom salt foot soak. Other essential oils like lavender oil can also prove to be helpful.

These oils have antifungal properties that are useful in the treatment of fungal infections and will increase the efficacy of the Epsom salt foot soak.

Remember to moisturize your skin after each soak session. This is because Epsom salt can cause dry skin.

If you do not tend to your feet properly, then the skin of your foot may get irritated.

While Epsom salt has a variety of health benefits, it can also cause pain or redness in some people.

If you experience this, make sure you visit a physician and consider using an alternative treatment.

If you have a staph infection, then avoid using any salt-based home remedies. These can cause your infection to aggravate.

What Else Can You Do?

does ocean water kill toenail fungus

If you cannot use sea salt or Epsom salt to treat your toenail fungal infection, then consider using the following home remedies:

  • Preparing a vinegar foot soak
  • Using tea tree oil
  • Applying Vicks VapoRub
  • Applying a paste containing turmeric mixed with coconut oil and water

If the infection appears to be too intense and home remedies do not work, we suggest you try over-the-counter fungal medications and creams.

You can also consult a doctor and use prescription medications.

If you plan to use home remedies as a supplementary form of treatment, make sure you discuss this with your doctor to avoid any negative side-effects.

In A Nutshell

does ocean water kill toenail fungus

Now that you know how does ocean water kill toenail fungus, we suggest you try this treatment if you are struggling with a fungal infection.

You can also prepare a sea salt soak. This will work just as well.

If you are considering using Epsom salt for treating your toenail fungus, make sure you do a trial run first to observe for any harmful side-effects.

This form of treatment does not suit everybody and might make things worse for you.

You can also try other home remedies or consult a doctor if your treatment is not giving you any results. Good luck!