Home Remedies For Toenail Fungus
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Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis or tinea unguium, is a common nail condition affecting millions of people in the United States. Fungal nail infections can develop on the nail from various organisms such as molds, yeasts, and fungi. This usually occurs after these organisms come into contact with a cracked nail or skin surrounding the nail as the opening provides a portal of entry for these organisms.
How Can You Get Infected With Toenail Fungus
Anyone can find themselves with toenail fungus and it doesnt necessarily reflect on your cleanliness or lifestyle as we mentioned, its very common and very contagious.
You will be more prone to pick up toenail fungus if you fit the following risk profile:
- Coming into contact with others who have toenail fungus
- Keeping your feet in a dark and humid environment like wearing socks and shoes all day. Fungus thrives in darkness and humidity
- Wearing ill-fitting shoes or having nail injuries
- Having circulation problems
- Being over the age of 60
- Having long toenails this allows plenty of space for the fungus to grow and thrive
Can I Get A Pedicure To Get Rid Of The Toenail Fungus
If you find out that you do have toenail fungus, make an appointment with your doctor before attending a nail salon.
Fungal infections can last a lifetime and be very difficult to get rid of, even with medical assistance.
Medical intervention will be much more effective on fungus than a sparkly new paint job.
A pedicurist, no matter how skilled at their job, is not a medically trained professional that can eliminate toenail fungus, and they could actually make things worse.
If you dont fancy blasting that fungus with medicine, you may want to experiment with some home remedies instead. Vinegar solution, for instance, is thought by many to slow down the fungal growth and is known as natures cleaner.
All you need to do is fill a bowl with hot water, add a cup of any kind of vinegar, and a few sprinkles of tea tree oil.
Soak your feet for 15 minutes twice a day, and after a few weeks, youll start to notice a difference. If your condition gets worse, however, go to a doctor immediately.
Another, more effective, way to get rid of toenail fungus is with laser treatment. It is a lot more expensive than your average home remedy, but it eliminates the fungus completely and quickly.
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Pedicures And Toenail Fungus Tips
If you love getting a pedicure but you have toenail fungus, you wont be able to visit your salon for several months or more. But you can turn your bathroom into a soothing spa zone without hygiene risks by taking a few simple precautions. If you live with other people, following these tips to contain your fungal infection is especially important.
Wear Clean Socks And Protect Your Feet
If you exercise regularly or find yourself sweating a great deal while wearing closed shoes, its best to wear sweat-absorbing socks and switch to a pair of breathable shoes.
Fungus thrives in dark and humid conditions so sweaty socks are the ideal habitat for it to grow.
Make sure to wash them regularly!
Keep your feet fresh and barefoot when youre inside although make sure to cover up and keep them protected when youre outside.
Some places are particularly notorious for picking up toenail fungus as well as other foot infections like plantar warts so be sure to protect your feet with specialist socks or shoes when in areas such as pools and locker rooms.
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How Is Toenail Fungus Treated
Toenail fungus is notoriously tricky to treat. You may need to treat the condition for several months to get rid of the fungus. Still, toenail fungus often comes back.
A dermatologist or podiatrist can explain your treatment options. If you have a mild case that doesnt bother you, your provider may recommend no treatment.
Toenail fungus treatment options include:
- Oral antifungal medication: You take prescribed medication, such terbinafine , itraconazole and fluconazole , to treat the fungi. You will need to take this medication every day for several months . Your provider may use blood tests to check for potential medication side effects. These medications can affect the liver and interact with other medications, so oral antifungals are not for everyone.
- Topical medication: You regularly apply a medication right on the nail. The medication treats the fungi over time. Topical medications are most effective when paired with oral medications.
- Laser treatments: Your provider directs a high-tech laser beam and special lights at the toenail to treat the fungus. Lasers are FDA approved for temporary increase of clear nail in nail fungus but is not a cure. Cure rates for laser treatment are lower than oral and topical mediations so they are not typically used as first line treatments for nail fungus.
- Surgery:
Can Otc Products Like Antifungal Nail Polish Cure An Infection
Substances like tea tree oil, coniferous resin lacquer, snake root extract, or ozonized sunflower oil have shown antifungal activities in invitro studies, but their action is minimal and not recommended, says James McGuire, D.P.M., associate professor at Temple Universitys School of Podiatric Medicine. In general, you are probably wasting your money and would do better to consult your podiatrist when you first notice a problem arise.
Unfortunately, antifungal nail polish is almost a definite no-no. If you have a fungal infection you want treatment, and nail polish is not treatment, says Dr. Andersen. It can even block light and air, which helps fight the infection, and it can make it harder for any topical treatment you are using to penetrate and do its job.
The one time its OK to paint one on: For a night out. This is when you could use an antifungal polish product, says Dr. Andersen. They provide a better environment than general nail polish, but dont use them for treatment and remove as soon as you get home. For special events, try Dr.s Remedy polish.
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How To Give Yourself The Perfect Pedicure With Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus is unsightly and difficult to heal. If your toenail fungus makes you self-conscious about your feet, follow these tips to safely give yourself a pedicure at home.
Youre ready to give yourself a relaxing pedicureand then you see your toenail is yellow-tinged, discolored with spots, or peeling. Before you think about buffing or filing off those unsightly marks, its more likely than not that youre dealing with an infection.
Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common but embarrassing foot infection caused most often by dermatophyte fungi. This type of fungus multiplies in warm, moist environments and within cracks and cuts. Rough, unhealthy feet are particularly prone to developing toenail fungus, but healthy people of all genders can also suffer from this infection. In fact, professional athletes commonly suffer from fungal foot infections like onychomycosis.
Though notoriously difficult to treat, fungal infections can be eliminated with time and patience. This guide explains how to give yourself a pedicure with toenail fungus as you navigate the healing process.
Nail Removal Home Remedies And Laser Treatment
In the most serious instances of toenail fungus infection, the toenail may be removed surgically or dissolved with acid. This can be done to just a portion of the nail in the hope that the remaining nail will grow back healthy. In cases where the entire toenail has to be removed, artificial nails and products using light-cured resins to form a temporary covering can be used to protect the underlying tissue until the nail grows back.
If you prefer to go the home-remedy route, such as applying tea tree oil or Vicks VapoRub to your nails, keep in mind that the effectiveness of these products for treating toenail fungus hasn’t been well studied, and they are not recommended by podiatrists.
Finally, the Food and Drug Administration has approved several laser devices for temporary increase in clear nails in patients with onychomycosis. But while laser treatments are vigorously marketed, clinical trials of lasers have reported mixed results, and the treatments may not be covered by health insurance. If you wish to try laser treatment of toenail fungus, speak to your doctor about what to expect from the treatment, and call your insurance carrier to find out whether the treatment will be covered.
Additional reporting by Susan Jara.
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Avoid Having Damp Feet
Always ensure your feet are completely dry after youve bathed them in the foot basin and certainly before putting on shoes.
If not, the damp, enclosed space will be a perfect area for bacteria to thrive in, and fungus will start to grow between your feet and around your nails.
A good pedicurist will dry your feet completely before she paints your nail, including between the toes.
What Tests Might I Have For Toenail Fungus
Your provider will probably take a small sample from underneath your nail to further analyze it. Viewing the cells under a microscope can confirm a toenail fungus diagnosis. If the initial test is negative, a scraping can be sent to see if the fungus grows out in a culture. It also helps your provider identify the type of fungus.
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Scroll For Disturbing Toenail Fungus Pictures Below
The first symptom you may notice is a small white or yellow spot on the nail, this spot may be very small making it hard to notice. The small spot on the nail is the beginning stages of the fungal infection and with time will grow and progress to a much larger area, sometimes engulfing the whole nail. The lack of discomfort, and the use of nail polish in women, can allow this minor change to go by un-noticed.
Myth: Nail Polish Can Prevent Toenail Fungus
Not only can nail polish prevent you from noticing the beginning stages of a fungal infection, but it can also make the infection worse. Heavy nail polishes tend to trap moisture on your nail, creating ideal conditions for fungus to form, says Dr. Engelman. Its best to avoid continuously wearing nail polish especially during the warm summer months, taking a break for a few weeks in between.
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Dani Pro Doctor Formulated Nail Polish
This one is a unique formulae having undecylenic acid, it is an anti-fungal acid that is commonly used to treat the toenail fungus. Unlike the regular nail polishes, it does not contain any toxic chemicals. So that you should not get any type of severe infection.
How is it?
Its formula is quite simple. All the ingredients are toxicity free, and cruelty free. you can safely use it even when you have some nail injury. The undecylenic acid is good for the health of your toenail as it is antifungal and antibacterial.
These are available in different metallic shades too, mostly the hotter colors.
Pros
How To Apply Antifungal Nail Polish
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The Urgent Fungus Destroyer A Supplement To Get Rid Of The Toenail Fungus
Urgent fungus destroyer is a famous supplement having different exotic extracts to kill toenail fungus fast. It has cats claw, marshmallow root, and various vitamins.
The best thing about urgent fungus destroyer is the mixture and quantities. It has more than twenty plants and herb extract, and none of them are in higher concentration, which means that the supplement will not harm anyone.
It not only kills the toenail fungus, but also improves the immune system, so that the toenail fungus should not spread. It locates the toenail fungus within the body, and oxygenates the blood, to kill the fungus.
Can You Really Pick Up Infections Or Nail Fungus At Salons
You can. Anytime your nails are getting wet, cut or filedor your cuticles are being trimmedit is an opportunity for bacteria and fungi to get in under the nail.
Both bacteria and fungi can cause nail infections and are very common in the environment. You can easily pick up a nail fungus, for example, at a swimming pool, from the gym floor, the dirt outside or even from a family member.
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Drs Remedy Enriched Nail Polish Best Antifungal Nail Polish
Dr.s Remedy Enriched Nail Polish is one of the most powerful antifungal nail polish on the market today. When it comes to hiding toenail fungus, Dr.s Remedy Enriched Nail Polish will give you a look you want with the treatment that you need. It is available in a variety of aesthetically pleasing colors, such as Playful Pink, Brave Berry, Amity Amethyst, Resilient Rose and more.
If you want to cover up your nails then we strongly recommend using Dr.s Remedy Enriched Nail Polish on Amazon. If your nail fungus is at an early stage, which would be discolored nails, you can apply one or two coats and have a very attractive nail in no time. This polish can also be worn on your toenails up to three weeks and up to a week on your fingernails.
What Else Can Fingernails Tell A Dermatologist About Your Health
Nails say a lot about your health. Your dermatologist can look for changes in the nail texture, brittleness, lunula , overall shape and color of your nails.
Seeing changes in the shape and color of nails can mean chronic lung or heart diseases. Sometimes whitening might indicate kidney or heart disease. Brittleness alerts us to consider if the thyroid is working properly or if the person may have anemia. If theres clubbing of the tip of the nail and texture changes, there could be an underlying lung problem. If I see concerning nail symptoms, I will look into it further. Often dermatologists are the first doctors to notice not-yet-diagnosed health problems.
Also, if you notice a new brown or black stripe, theres a risk of melanoma under the nailor it may just be a freckle or due to a nail infection or inflammation. Its important to understand that most melanomas under the nail are not caused by sun damage, but by random mutationsif you have one, you just got unlucky.
New stripes going down the nail need to be checked out by a dermatologist. A red stripe or lifting of nail from the nail bed could indicate another type of skin cancer.
Yale Medicine is unique in that our staff includes highly trained dermatologists also trained in pathology, called dermatopathologists, who look under the microscope to confirm whether the problem is a nail fungus or another skin disease such as melanoma or another skin cancer. And if so, they help us make the right diagnosis.
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Is It Okay For A Nail Technician To Cut My Cuticles
They should not be cutting your cuticles or pushing them back. But you will have to ask them not to do this. Cutting the cuticle interrupts the protective barrier function it serves to keep the nail safe from infection.
Also, regularly pushing cuticles back causes permanent damage and can change the nail shape. Besides, its an unnecessary stepthe cuticle stops growing naturally after a few millimeters.
Treating Toenail Fungus The Right Way
Once a fungus has started to grow, it can take months for it to go away. The longer you wait to treat it, the harder it will be. So, covering it up with polish might seem like a sound option. Unfortunately, that will probably only make things worse.
The best thing you can do to hide the symptoms is to start treating toenail fungus without delay. It will not go away on its own. Continuing to cover up toenail fungus with polish wont help.
There are various antifungal options. You can find an over-the-counter treatment or use a home remedy to get rid of the infection. If your toenail fungus doesnt seem to be going away even with treatment, you may need to consult a podiatrist .
If you want to use nail polish while you have a fungus, you should use an antifungal polish. Avoid using regular nail polish if you currently have an infection or youve used it for an infection in the past. The tools used to apply the polish, or anything it touches can become infected.
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Can You Wear Nail Polish While Treating Toenail Fungus
If you apply non-medicated nail polish over a toenail fungus treatment, its likely that the fungal infection will worsen. Cheap over-the-counter polishes always appeal to the pocket, but being overly frugal is likely to damage your foot and nail health in the long term.
Dont apply an antifungal toenail polish . However, you can apply a coat of medicated polish once your toenails have been treated. Just allow time for the cream to be fully absorbed. That way, you can have great-looking feet while you heal toenail fungus.
When you return from work or a social occasion, remove the polish as soon as possible. Give your toenails time to breathe during the evenings and weekends. This will help to speed up your recovery.
Dr.s Remedy Enriched Nail Polish
When it comes to painting your nails when you have toenail fungus, Dr.s Remedy Enriched Nail Polish will give you a look you want with the treatment that you need.
Infused with essential oils, or oils that are known to have healing properties including antifungal, this is a good two-in-one treatment. It contains Vitamins C and E, which are both essential for skin and nail health. It also includes tea tree oil, which has been used for centuries to heal many health ailments. This oil is potent, so it is best when mixed with other ingredients.
DaniPro AntiFungal Infused Nail Polish
NuWave Antifungal Nail Polish
Weve also identified some ways to get pretty toenails without polish. Find out more about the bare nail trend.
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