How To Take Care Of Toenail Fungus
Dancing delicately beneath the shadows of our socks lie our unsung heroes — the feet. These remarkable appendages bear the brunt of our everyday adventures, traversing the world with steadfast determination. But there, hiding inconspicuously, a tiny invader lurks, wreaking havoc on our toenails. Yes, we’re talking about the pesky toenail fungus that can turn our beautifully pedicured nails into a battlefield of discoloration and discomfort. Fear not, dear readers, for in this captivating journey, we will unravel the mysteries of toenail fungus and guide you towards the path of glorious fungal-free feet. From ancient remedies to modern therapies, we shall discover the secrets that lie within the realm of toenail care. So put your best foot forward and let us embark on this extraordinary quest to conquer the captivating world of toenail fungus!
Diagnosis
Your health care provider will examine your nails and perhaps take some nail clippings or scrape debris from under your nail. These samples are sent to a lab to identify the cause of your symptoms.
Other conditions, such as psoriasis, can mimic a fungal infection of the nail. Microorganisms such as yeast and bacteria also can infect nails. Knowing the cause of your infection helps determine the best treatment.
Treatment
Treatment for toenail fungus isn’t always needed. And sometimes self-care and nonprescription products clear up the infection. Talk with your health care provider if your condition doesn’t improve. Treatment depends on the severity of your condition and the type of fungus causing it. It can take months to see results. And even if your nail condition improves, repeat infections are common.
Medications
Your health care provider may prescribe antifungal drugs that you take by mouth (orally) or apply to the nail.
- Oral antifungal drugs. These drugs are often the first choice. One option is itraconazole (Sporanox). These drugs help a new nail grow free of infection, slowly replacing the infected part.
You typically take this type of drug daily for 6 to 12 weeks. But you won’t see the end result of treatment until the nail grows back completely. It may take four months or longer to eliminate an infection. Treatment success rates with these drugs appear to be lower in adults over age 65.
Oral antifungal drugs may cause side effects such as rash and liver damage. Or they may interfere with other prescription drugs. You may need occasional blood tests to check on how you’re doing with these types of drugs. Health care providers may not recommend oral antifungal drugs for people with liver disease or congestive heart failure or those taking certain medications.
- Medicated nail polish. Your health care provider may prescribe an antifungal nail polish called ciclopirox (Penlac). You paint it on your infected nails and surrounding skin once a day. After seven days, you wipe the piled-on layers clean with alcohol and begin fresh applications. You may need to use this type of nail polish daily for almost a year.
- Medicated nail cream. Your health care provider may prescribe an antifungal cream, such as efinaconazole (Jublia) and tavaborole (Kerydin). You rub this product into your infected nails after soaking. These creams may work better if you first thin the nails. This helps the medication get through the hard nail surface to the underlying fungus.
To thin nails, you apply a nonprescription lotion containing urea. Or your health care provider may thin the surface of the nail (debride) with a file or other tool.
Antifungal nail creams may cause side effects such as rash.
Surgery
Your health care provider might suggest temporary removal of the nail so that the antifungal drug can be applied directly to the infection under the nail.
The most effective but least used option is surgery to permanently remove the nail and its root.
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Lifestyle and home remedies
Often, you can take care of a fungal nail infection at home:
- Try nonprescription antifungal nail creams and ointments. Several products are available, such as terbinafine (Lamisil). If you notice white markings on the surfaces of the nails, file them off, soak your nails in water, dry them, and apply the medicated cream or lotion. Even if this clears up your symptoms, it’s common for the infection to come back.
- Trim and thin the nails. This helps reduce pain by reducing pressure on the nails. Also, if you do this before applying an antifungal, the drug can reach deeper layers of the nail.
Before trimming or using a nail file to thin thick nails, soften them with urea-containing creams. See a health care provider for foot care if you have a condition that causes poor blood flow to your feet.
Alternative medicine
Some research suggests that the nutritional supplement biotin might help strengthen weak or brittle fingernails. Talk with your health care provider if you have any questions or concerns about whether this is right for you.
Also, some research shows that tea tree oil has anti-fungal effects. It is often used to treat nail fungus.
Preparing for your appointment
You’re likely to start by seeing your primary care provider. In some cases when you call to set up an appointment, you may be referred immediately to either a doctor who specializes in skin conditions (dermatologist) or one who specializes in foot conditions (podiatrist).
Here are some steps you can take to prepare for your appointment:
- List your symptoms, including any that may seem unrelated to nail fungus.
- List key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes.
- List all the medications, vitamins and supplements you’re taking.
- List questions to ask your health care provider.
For nail fungus, your questions might include:
- What is likely causing my symptoms or condition?
- What are other possible causes for my symptoms or condition?
- What tests do I need?
- What is the best course of action?
- What are the alternatives to the primary approach you’re suggesting?
- I have other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
- Is a generic alternative available for the medicine you’re prescribing?
- Do you have any brochures or other printed material that I can take home? Do you recommend any websites on nail fungus?
1. Unveiling the Secrets to Taming Toenail Troubles: A Comprehensive Guide to Conquering Toenail Fungus
Toenail troubles can be a real pain, but fear not! We’ve got the ultimate guide to help you conquer that pesky toenail fungus once and for all. Say goodbye to unsightly and uncomfortable toenails with our comprehensive tips and tricks.
First things first, let’s dive into the causes of toenail fungus. Knowing how it spreads can be half the battle. Keep in mind that prevention plays a key role in taming toenail troubles. Here are some secrets to help you on your journey:
- Maintain good hygiene: Keeping your feet clean and dry is essential. Regularly wash your feet with mild soap and thoroughly dry them, especially between the toes.
- Trim and file with care: Trim your nails straight across and file down any thickness or roughness carefully, without going too short to avoid injuries.
- Avoid tight shoes and socks: Opt for breathable footwear and moisture-wicking socks to maintain proper airflow, reducing the risk of moisture and fungus accumulation.
Now that we’ve covered some preventive measures, let’s move on to treatment options. There is
2. Kick Itchy Toes to the Curb: Mastering the Art of Toenail Fungus TLC for Healthy Feet
You may be able to treat toenail fungus at home with certain essential oils and other products with antimicrobial and antifungal properties, like Vicks VapoRub.
Toenail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is a common fungal infection of the toenail. The most noticeable symptom is a white, brown, or yellow discoloration of one or more of the toenails. It may spread and cause the nails to thicken or crack.
Sandal season or not, toenail fungus typically isn’t what you want to see when you look at your feet. There are many treatments you can try, and some of them can be natural.
Prescription oral antifungals, such as terbinafine (Lamisil) or fluconazole (Diflucan), are traditionally used to treat toenail fungus. These treatments are often effective but may cause serious side effects such as upset stomach, dizziness, severe skin problems, and jaundice.
This may be why many people try home remedies instead. Here are 10 of these at-home treatments.
1. Vicks VapoRub
Vicks VapoRub is a topical ointment. Although designed for cough suppression, its active ingredients (camphor and eucalyptus oil) may help treat toenail fungus.
An older 2011 study found that Vicks VapoRub had a “positive clinical effect” in treating toenail fungus. Another 2016 studyTrusted Source on living with HIV confirmed this finding.
To use, apply a small amount of Vicks VapoRub to the affected area at least once a day.
2. Snakeroot extract
Snakeroot (Ageratina pichinchensis) extract is an antifungal made from plants in the sunflower family.
An older 2008 study showed that the remedy is effective against toenail fungus as the antifungal medication ciclopirox.
For the study, snakeroot extract was applied to the affected area every third day for the first month, twice a week for the second month, and once a week for the third month.
A 2020 studyTrusted Source on people living with diabetes mellitus confirmed these findings.
3. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil, also called melaleuca, is an essential oil with antifungal and antiseptic abilities.
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative HealthTrusted Source (NCCIH), some small-scale clinical studies showed that tea tree oil might be effective against toenail fungus.
Paint the tea tree oil directly onto the affected nail twice daily with a cotton swab.
4. Oregano oil
Oregano oil contains thymol. According to a 2016 review, thymol has antifungal and antibacterial properties.
To treat toenail fungus, apply oregano oil to the affected nail twice daily with a cotton swab. Some people use oregano oil and tea tree oil together.
Both products are potent and may cause irritation or allergic reactions. Combining them may increase this risk.
5. Ozonized oils
Ozonized oils are oils like olive oil and sunflower oil that are “injected” with ozone gas.
According to research from 2020Trusted Source, this type of ozone exposure in low concentrations for a short duration can then inactivate many organisms, such as fungi, yeast, and bacteria.
6. Listerine mouthwash
Listerine mouthwash can help treat toenail fungus because it contains menthol, thymol, and eucalyptus, which have antibacterial and antifungal properties. This may be why it’s a popular folk remedy for toenail fungus.
Supporters of the treatment recommend soaking the affected foot in a basin of amber-colored Listerine for 30 minutes daily.
7. Garlic
A study from 2019Trusted Source suggests that garlic extract could have antifungal properties, but more research is needed to confirm this.
You may treat toenail fungus with garlic by placing chopped or crushed garlic cloves on the affected area for 30 minutes daily.
It may be better, and less smelly, to treat it from the inside out with garlic capsules. Take as directed by the manufacturer.
8. Apple cider vinegar
Only anecdotal evidence exists supporting vinegar as a treatment for toenail fungus. There is one 2017 study on apple cider vinegar suggesting it has antimicrobial properties. That said, more research is needed on its actual effect on toenail fungus.
If you want to give vinegar a try, soak the affected foot in one part vinegar to two parts warm water for up to 20 minutes daily.
9. Probiotics
ResearchTrusted Source shows that probiotics may help prevent the growth of various fungi, which may be able to reduce the chance of an infection.
Consider eating more foods containing probiotics or taking probiotic supplements as a preventive strategy.
10. Other natural options
The are a few other plant-based remedies that may be effective in treating toenail fungus, according to research. These include:
In most cases, toenail fungus is considered a cosmetic problem. Still, it may cause serious complications for some people.
People living with diabetes have a greater chanceTrusted Source of getting toenail fungus. Infections may, in turn, contribute to the development of a diabetic foot ulcer.
You shouldn’t use home remedies for toenail fungus if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system. Contact your doctor for the appropriate course of action.
What kills toenail fungus the fastest?
If you want to get rid of a toenail fungus quickly, the best thing to do is to see a doctor for prescription medication such as fluconazole (Diflucan).
Natural remedies may be able to relieve your symptoms, but there isn’t certainty that they will work, and even if they do, it will likely take longer.
Home remedies may be more effective than prescription medications in treating mild-to-moderate toenail fungus. Although home remedies typically have fewer side effects, there’s less scientific evidence that they work.
Many factors come into play when treating toenail fungus, such as nail penetrability, infection severity, and overall health.
Home remedies may take longer to wipe out toenail fungus than topical prescription medications or oral systemic antifungals. You may not see results for several months. Reinfection is common.
Once the infection is gone, keep your toenails dry, clean, and well-trimmed.
Severe cases of toenail fungus may cause pain and irreversible toenail damage. If you try home remedies to treat the infection that doesn’t work or causes side effects, consult your doctor.
