Staying One Step Ahead Of Toenail Fungus
An established fungal infection is hard to eradicate, but you can stop its spread and improve your toenail’s appearance.
Toenail fungus isn’t a pressing health problem. Yet a fungal infection can ruin the appearance of your nails and cause pain as it lifts the nail away from the nail bed. And fungal infections are notoriously difficult to get rid of. “You may want to consider fungal toenail a condition to be managed rather than cured,” says Dr. James P. Ioli, chief of the podiatry service at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
+ Vitamins & Minerals To Help Overcome Toenail Fungus
In searching for a nail fungus cure, many people forget the most important one already in their possession: their immune system. Nail fungus lives under the nail plate, which can make it challenging for topical toenail fungus medication to reach it. However, one fighting force the fungus cant run away from is the bodys internal fungal killers the white blood cells. There are a number of vitamins and minerals you can consume that will boost weekend immune system function and strengthen nails which, in turn, will assist in eradicating the fungal infection.
For healthy clear nails, you will need to do a few things simultaneously will treating them to stimulate fungus free growth. Firstly, vitamins and minerals in your diet or as a supplement will promote nail growth. Specifically, keep a check for vitamin A, Niacin , Pantothenic acid vitamin C and vitamin E and biotin that nourish your nails and strengthen nails from the inside. Secondly, exfoliating your fungi infested nails will also remove dead cells.
What Are Treatments For Toenail Fungus
Do you need to treat your nail fungus? Maybe it doesn’t hurt, and the yellow, thick nails don’t bother you.
But nail fungus doesn’t go away by itself. And if you don’t treat it, there’s a chance it could get worse. It could spread to other nails or through your body. It could cause pain when you walk.
There are a number of ways to take care of it, including:
Nonprescription options. You can buy antifungal creams, gels, and nail polish at the store and online without a prescription. You might want to try one of them first if the infection doesn’t look bad. Some people also swear by home remedies like menthol rub, tea tree oil, mouthwash, or snakeroot extract — but studies show mixed results.
Prescription polish and creams. Your foot doctor will likely trim your nail and file away its dead layers. They may also take a piece of your nail and send it to the lab to make sure itâs really a fungus and to find out what type it is.
The doctor might suggest an antifungal drug that you paint on your nails. This may work on its own, or they may suggest you take it with antifungal pills.
Prescription medications. One of several antifungal pills may help. They work, but it may take many months to do the job. They also come with side effects like nausea, vomiting, and headaches. They may cause liver damage too, so your doctor will watch you closely while you take them. Be sure to tell them about any other meds youâre taking — some antifungal pills might not work well with them.
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Hydrogen Peroxide With Iodine
Peroxide and iodine are commonly used to disinfect cuts and wounds and to kill germs on the skin.
A recent study found that peroxide combined with iodine killed 16 different fungi. The two used together were more effective than using them separately.
To try this remedy, mix iodine solution and hydrogen peroxide in a bucket or large bowl. Iodine solution is available at most drugstores in the wound care section. Dip the feet directly in the solution or use a cotton pad to apply it to the affected areas.
Do not use iodine on the skin without diluting it because it can damage the skin if used by itself.
Peroxide may sting if the skin is broken or irritated, and it can bleach hair and fabrics. Iodine may also cause stains.
Applying this mixture in a bathtub or shower may prevent unwanted stains, bleaching, and spills.
Does Exposure To Sunlight Treat Toenail Fungus
UVB from the sun is a very potent germicidal agent and, if you suffer from a common and chronic nail infection known as onychomycosis, you could find a daily dose of sunlight would finally get rid of your problem. Nail fungus is a very stubborn condition because it lives deep under the nail and not on the nails surface with the infection growing off as a healthy nail grows in. The treatment you use to treat your nail fungus needs some help and the regular sunlight to the feet provides the best rescue plan. You might have to use this method for several months or the whole of the summer. But would that be such a hardship? Carry out your foot sunning on grass or perhaps a sandy shore and you get triple benefits a treatment for nail fungus, attractive tanned feet and all the good things that come with grounding or earthing!
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The Supplements And Medicine For Fungus Removal
You can treat the toenail fungus through internal treatments. It is possible by working on your immune system, and letting the body clean the toenail fungus on its own.
Many supplements are exclusively designed to treat toenail fungus or any other skin infection. They may contain probiotics, immunity boosters, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant compounds. These supplements are going to make your body stronger and treat toenail fungus internally.
Iodine: A Great Antifungal And Disinfectant Against Mold
Iodine has been used medicinally for well over 2,000 years. Many medical doctors in the 19th century claimed it as an empirical remedy, a real heroic remedy -a true present from the science of medicine to mankind.
Nobel Laureate Albert Szent Györgyi, the physician who discovered Vitamin C in 1928, commented: When I was a medical student, iodine in the form of universal medicine. Nobody knew what it did, but it did something and did something good.
Many people who read the Mold Safe Inspections website have issues with toxic mold illness and fungal infections. The good news is that iodine is a great antifungal.
When it is directly applied directly to a mold growing on your skin, nails, and teeth, it will kill the mold and bacteria often within 90 seconds and prevent further growth.
It will also kill mold in your body if you take it internally. I know this because I have personally done this myself and have witnessed its powerful antifungal properties on numerous occasions.
But before I get into detail about the medical science behind this great mineral, let me explain the
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Using Apple Cider Vinegar For Nail Fungus
Apple cider vinegar is an effective treatment for nail fungus. It will create an acidic environment around the nail fungus and make it difficult for the fungal spores to grow. You can make a foot soak, make a spray, or apply it by making a paste of baking soda an apple cider vinegar. It will take almost five months to treat toenail fungus with apple cider vinegar.
Betadine Foot Soak For Toenail Fungus
If you ever had toenail fungus, you know how persistent it can be. Like most similar conditions, it takes quite a while to treat. Some patients have to continue their treatment for months and months until they see the first results. Even then, there is a good chance that the fungus will resurge if you leave it as it is.
One of the main things to keep in mind is that you need to be patient and persistent. It is something that can be resolved quickly, but with a high risk. Most people treat their toenail fungus by using various topical creams and home remedies. One of the efficient ways to treat it is by using betadine foot soak.
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What Is Athletes Foot
Athletes foot is characterized by a scaly red rash. It can be quite itchy, especially immediately after you take off your shoes and socks. One form of athletes foot, called moccasin, can be mistaken for eczema, as it extends up the sides of the affected foot. Skin becomes dry and scaly. Athletes foot is caused by the same fungus that causes jock itch and ringworm the only difference is the affected skin area.Men are at higher risk for developing athletes foot, especially if they wear tight-fitting, sweaty shoes and socks for extended periods. Sharing bed linens and/or shoes with an affected person increases the risk, as does walking barefoot in locker rooms, public showers, or saunas. Note that you can cross-infect yourself by touching other areas of the body after scratching the affected foot. Even a towel used to dry the feet can transmit the fungus to other parts of the body.
Mold Safe Inspections Conclusion
As you can see from this extensive research, iodine is crucial to our health. Not only do we need this mineral to function properly, we need it to thrive and defend ourselves from harmful organisms such as pathogenic mold, bacteria, and viruses.
I will leave you with a quote from David Derry M.D., Ph.D., a thyroid expert and researcher, based in Victoria, British Columbia, says iodine is by far the best antibiotic, antiviral and antiseptic of all time.
He had written that it is effective for standard pathogens such as Staphylococcus, but also iodine has the broadest range of action, fewest side effects and no development of bacterial resistance.
Dr. Derry concluded, There is a world of difference between using an antibiotic anti-life substance and an antibiotic, antiviral and antifungal substance like iodine, which is life serving because it is a basic and most necessary nutritional substance.
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Treating Nail Fungus With Home Remedies:
Q. I found decolorized iodine works remarkably well for toenail fungus. Applied to the top of the nail and around the cuticle, it dries quickly and does not stain stockings or bedding. Cost: about $2.50.
I used it five times a week starting out. After the nail was once again normal, I started using it about once a week for maintenance and prevention. I dont want ugly toenails ever again.
A. Iodine has broad-spectrum antibacterial activity that has been recognized since the early 19th century. It also is active against yeast, mold, viruses and fungi. Readers have reported that iodine can be effective against warts and nail fungus.
Mayo Clinic Q And A: Treatment For Toenail Fungus Isnt Always Necessary
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I am in my late 50s, and a few of my toenails have turned a yellowish color and seem to have thickened. Is this something I should be concerned about? Is there anything I can do to fix this?
ANSWER: What youre likely experiencing is a fungal nail infection. Fungal nail infections are common, especially among older adults. As nail growth slows with age, its easier for fungus to establish in the nail bed. Treatments are available, although they may take some vigilance and are not always necessary.
Toenail fungus usually is caused by a microscopic organism called dermatophyte fungus. It often begins as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your toenail. But as the infection goes deeper, nail fungus may cause your nail to discolor, thicken and crumble at the edge. These fungal infections are more likely to happen in your toenails than in your fingernails because toenails often are confined in a dark, warm, moist environment, where fungi can thrive. Toes also have less blood flow than fingers, making it harder for your bodys immune system to detect and stop the infection. But it is possible for fingernails to be affected.
The older you are, the more likely you are to get toenailfungus. Thats because as you age, your immune system changes. Inaddition, your nails become more brittle and drier over time, creating morecracks where fungus can live.
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What Happens If You Leave Toenail Fungus Untreated
All fungal infections are contagious.
Apart from toenail fungus being unsightly, that toenail fungus can spread to the surrounding tissue and cause athletes foot. Not only is it important to treat toenail fungus, its important to treat any fungal infection you may have.
It can easily spread to other parts of your body including your toenails.
Toenail fungus can be especially dangerous if you have diabetes. It can lead to foot ulcers or other foot problems.
And chronic toenail fungus was shown to significantly increase the risk of bacterial cellulitis of the leg, according to a 2012 study published by the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
An Abundance Of Pseudoscience
A tough problem that embarrasses people makes for a fertile breeding ground for pseudoscience and old wives tales which Liz found when researching online.
Hydrogen peroxide, bleach. I mostly use tea tree oil and lavender, she said.
The abundance of miracle cures touted online makes Tracey Vlahovics life difficult at times.
Oh, dont get me started. If I had a dollar for everything I had heard, Id be a millionaire at this point, she said. From benign treatments such as essential oil, vinegars and mouthwash to the noxious bleach option, Vlahovic has seen it all. Its not just about applying something to the nail, it has to be something that will get through the nail plate and into the nail bed where the infection is. So, it doesnt matter what you use, it has to be able to penetrate.
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Important Precautions To Consider
- If youre allergic to betadine, avoid this remedy right away.
- Keep the betadine out of your kids reach.
- Pregnant and lactating women must consult a podiatrist before trying out this remedy.
- Seek immediate medical attention in case of incurring side effects such as swelling, skin irritation, and redness.
- In case of severe onychomycosis, do visit a podiatrist.
Treating Nail Fungus With Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a light blue chemical that is an essential part of every household and is increasingly becoming a go-to solution for all sorts of problems.
It started as a mere house cleaning supply but is now being used for extensive purposes, including hair-bleaching, drain unclogging, teeth whitening, and nail and foot treatment.
According to Cleveland Clinic, nail fungus accounts for 50% of all nail issues and affects 1 in every ten people. Therefore, there is a high chance that you are scouring through this guide in search of a nail fungus solution.
Whats alarming is that toenail fungus is contagious, which means there is a high likelihood of you affecting a family member or friend. Therefore, we recommend that you jump right onto the hydrogen peroxide treatments to avoid any more troubles.
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How Long Does Apple Cider Vinegar Take To Kill Fungus
As with any toenail fungus treatment, how long ACV takes to work will much depend on the severity of the fungal infection. If you managed to catch your toenail fungus quickly and started to treat it, it may only take a few weeks for it to go away.
But, if youve been living with toenail fungus for a long time, it could take several weeks or even months for it to be gone entirely. A good rule of thumb to remember is that since your toenail fungus didnt get severe overnight, it also wont go away overnight. Youll have to wait for the infected part of your nail to grow out. Because everyones toenails grow at a different rate, there is no one concrete answer on how long this will take.
The most important thing to remember is that you keep using ACV as a treatment until the fungus is completely gone. After a few weeks, you may start to notice that your symptoms have become less severe. Thats a good sign, but it doesnt mean the infection is completely gone.
Unfortunately, toenail fungus can be quite relentless. Unless it is completely killed off, it can come back quickly. If you stop treatment too early, you put yourself at risk for the infection returning. Then, youll have to start the treatment process over.
It can be frustrating having to wait for a toenail fungus to clear up completely. But, following this ACV treatment every single day will help with the process and will keep the infection from spreading.
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Toenail Fungus Prescription Medications
Sometimes prescription medications are needed to treat a toenail infection that just wont go away with natural remedies or over-the-counter medication in a few months. In this case, prescription-strength antifungal medication can eradicate stubborn onychomycosis.
Topical medications often are effective in treating mild to moderate toenail fungus. Topical solutions may include medicated nail polishes or liquid medications. Loprox , Penlac , Kerydin , and Jublia are among the top prescription drugs for toenail fungus.
Oral medications can come in capsules, tablets, or liquid. Some common prescriptions are Diflucan , Lamisil , Onmel , and Sporanox .
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Vitamins & Minerals To Kick Nail Fungus Out
Here are just a few vitamins to take that may provide assistance in your quest to eliminate your toenail fungus infection: