Can Toenail Fungus Lead To Any Other Issues In The Future
Toenail fungus might look like a superficial cosmetic issue, however, if it goes untreated for a long time, the infection might become widespread and lead to more serious skin conditions such as athleteâs foot or jockâs itch. Leaving toenail fungus unattended for a long period of time can lead the nail to become misshapen, yellow and gnarly and might even lead to loss of the nail. For people suffering from chronic ailments such as diabetes and weak immune system, the fungus can lead to serious condition if it manages to slip through skin cracks or cuts which is fairly common with people suffering from diabetes and chronic immunity issues. If the bacteria/fungus finds its way into the body, it might lead to cellulitis. In severe cases of this ailment, bacteria might enter the bloodstream and might lead to life threatening conditions.
How To Cure Athletes Foot
As you battle with athletes foot, know you can fight back the infection with home remedies and over the counter-interventions. , however, is if you have diabetes or circulation problem you should see a doctor. Below are natural ways to treat athletes foot.
Soak your foot in vinegar
To treat athletes foot, soak your feet in equal portions of vinegar- you can use white or apple cider- and water for fifteen minutes at least twice in a day. Dry your feet thoroughly after each soak and moisturize with petroleum jelly.
Vinegar socks wash to kill athletes foot
Put in a cup of white vinegar to your wash loads and soak your socks for about ten minutes. Wash them thoroughly to kill any fungus present in the socks.
Air your shoes out to prevent and cure athletes foot
Let your shoes air out in the sun to kill any fungus that is inside them. It is best to intersperse shoes so that you can give them enough time to air out.
Soaking feet in bleach and vinegar
Different Methods To Use Chlorine Bleach For Toenail Fungus
To use chlorine bleach for toenail fungus, you can use two main methods:
- Soak your feet in chlorine bleach
Soaking your feet in chlorine bleach is one of the common ways to treat nail fungus. It is also the most effective method because it does not irritate the skin. Here is how to prepare chlorine bleach soak.
Fill up a tub or pan with water. At least one of your feet must fit easily in this tub or pan. Take about one cap of chlorine bleach and pour it into the tub. The exact quantity to prepare the soak is to mix one tablespoon of bleach for every gallon of water.
Place your foot in the tub for about fifteen to twenty minutes. Dry your feet after this. You must soak your foot in this soak at least twice a day. If it causes discomfort or itching, then stop foot soak.
Adding essential oils to this foot soak can make it more effective. It includes tea tree oil, oil of oregano, or Epsom salt.
- Application of Chlorine Bleach to the nail
This is the second way to treat toenail fungus with chlorine bleach. Here is how to apply the chlorine bleach directly
STEP ONE: Apply petroleum jelly to your nail and its surrounding skin.
STEP TWO: All you have to do is dip a cotton bud or cotton in undiluted chlorine bleach.
STEP THREE: The take this cotton bud and apply it to the toenail with fungal infection.
STEP FOUR: Use the other end of the cotton bud or a clean, dry piece of cotton to remove extra bleach from the skin.
- Bleach pen
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Benefits Of Doing It This Way
- Ease of use- You just need to mix one tablespoon of bleach with a gallon of water and you have a powerful toenail fungus treatment solution. Anyone can do it
- Effectiveness- Bleach is a great antiseptic that works against a variety of microbes. It has been used for decades as a great buster. You can rest assured that you are using an effective solution to cure your condition. Its a popular treatment option that has been used for many years
- Cost effective- Compared to other medications and remedies available, bleach is a much cheaper option. You can mix in at home without consulting your doctor. In addition using the solution does not cause side effects like other antimicrobial prescription medicines
Laser Treatment For Fungal Nails
A promising option for toenail fungus, laser treatment may be an option for you. Laser treatment does not have any of the associated risks of anti-fungal medicine. Some podiatrists have found that it is effective long-term with proper care and hygiene habits. Laser treatment does not show quick healing. But the fungus should be dead in time and not return unless reintroduced by your environment.
If you believe you have a toenail fungus, you should make an appointment with a licensed podiatrist as soon as possible. Best Foot Doctor is available to listen to your concerns and identify the cause of your toenail discoloration or thickness. Our caring team will help you create a treatment plan and work with your care team to assess the situation. We can help you make informed decisions about your foot care. Please get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment.
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Dangers Of Using Bleach For Toenail Fungus
Bleach may actually cause toenail fungus to worsen and increase the likelihood of a toenail infection.
According to an article in the Asian Journal of Research in Dermatological Science, use of topical bleach can increase the risks for fungal infections because it can damage the skin and nails. This allows opportunistic fungus to come in through the damaged skin or nail and cause an infection.
Clean Socks And Shoes
Regularly changing your socks and shoes can also cut down on the growth of unwanted foot fungus. Both socks and athletic shoes can also be washed in hot water to rid the growth of yeasts and fungi that may be growing on the fabric. Some shoes can be machine dried. Drying shoes in the sun is another option when cleaning footwear.
Adding a half-cup of baking soda or one cup of vinegar to the washing machine can help eliminate bacteria or fungus on socks or shoes.
Boots and other footwear that are not machine washable could be wiped out with a vinegar and water solution or sprayed with an over-the-counter antifungal spray. Medicated powders are also helpful in treating shoes for foot fungus.
Allowing the feet to breathe by taking off shoes and socks when possible can prevent fungal growth. Protect your feet by wearing breathable footwear and clean socks. Antimicrobial socks and shoes made from bamboo, copper, or specialty fabrics are also available. They can help reduce unwanted bacteria and yeast from growing in your footwear.
A proactive approach to keeping your feet clean and dry can prevent the spread of toenail fungus. You can wash or soak feet with warm soapy water or a foot bath using everyday household items. Soaking your feet in an all-natural, homeopathic concoction can be beneficial in reducing or eliminating toenail fungus.
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When To See A Doctor About Toenail Fungus
If you are experiencing persistent toenail fungus or pain is present, you may need to see a specialist. A dermatologist or podiatrist may be able to assess your symptoms and send a small sample of the affected toenail or flesh to a laboratory to be analyzed as there are various types of fungi and yeasts that cause onychomycosis. Knowing the specific cause of your foot fungus can help identify what route to take to treat your condition.
Nail changes can also be caused by underlying conditions, like psoriasis and diabetes, so its important to seek professional medical advice if your condition persists or worsens. Bacterial and fungal infection of skin in diabetes patients often result in hospital admissions, and in severe cases, can result in amputations. If you are at a higher risk for infection, you should skip home remedies and seek professional medical treatment.
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What Kind Of Fungi Grows Indoors
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency explains that molds include microscopic fungi that are called hyphae and mildew. These grow in multicellular filaments and can spread quickly. Mold and mildew thrive in moist environments, like shower walls, but they can also grow along windowsills and ceilings and in moist basements. Mold can produce a strong, musty smell, especially when there is little air circulation.
Mold or fungus can also grow on food, paper, clothes and even leather. According to the New York Times, the spores latch onto surfaces and produce dark, fuzzy growth and oftentimes a stinky odor. People with compromised immune systems can become extremely ill when exposed to certain molds, and the fungus can enter the lungs. This can lead to severe health problems. Milder symptoms include sneezing, coughing, watery or itchy eyes, exacerbated asthma symptoms and a runny nose.
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How Do Dermatologists Diagnose Nail Fungus
To find out if a patient has nail fungus, a dermatologist examines your nails and nearby skin. Its important to check the skin because the fungus can spread. You may already have a skin infection caused by fungus like athletes foot.
To get rid of the infection, you will need to treat all infected areas.
Before giving you the diagnosis, your dermatologist may also take some samples. Collecting a bit of debris from beneath a nail, trimming off part your nail, or scraping off a bit of skin can be very helpful. In a lab, these samples can be examined under a microscope to find out whats causing the problem.
Are you hiding an infected nail with nail polish?
Be sure to ask your dermatologist if you can wear nail polish while treating nail fungus.
B Direct Application Of Bleach
You can also get rid of toenail fungus with bleach by directly applying bleach to the infected toenail. To use this method, you need just bleach and a q-tip.
Some other things you should know if you want to get rid of toenail fungus with bleach
- Foot soak might not be sufficient for people with chronic toenail fungus hence they should apply bleach directly to the nail.
- Use a cotton ball to apply bleach to the infected nail.
- Any excess bleach on the skin should be properly wiped off.
- Apply with extra caution to avoid unnecessary contact with your skin. Use it just a few times per week to avoid reactions.
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Popular Nail Fungus Treatments
There are several treatment routes for nail fungus, including over-the-counter products, prescription topical treatments, oral medications and home remedies, according to Harvard Health Publishing. In order for a product to successfully treat toenail fungus, it must seep into the nail and nail bed.
Over-the-counter products are a common solution, as they can be easily bought in drugstores and are relatively inexpensive. Often, OTC toenail fungus treatments are applied with a brush, like nail polish. While many of these treatments don’t promise a cure, they can at least provide temporary relief or improve the appearance of your nails.
A doctor may prescribe an oral medication to treat a fungal infection. Common medications include itraconazole and terbafine, which can eliminate the fungus in about 10 months, according to Harvard Health Publishing. These drugs can be harmful on the liver, though, and your doctor may take steps to check your liver function before you begin taking them.
Home remedies for toenail fungus may seem simple, but they can quickly become unsafe or irritate the infection. Before you try at-home treatment, consult a doctor. Bleach, a common household disinfectant that’s also been used as a DIY fungus treatment, is no guarantee to fungus-free toenails and is not recommended by medical professionals.
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Apple Cider Vinegar And Epsom Salt
Another foot soak method, this is said to work really well for toenail fungal infections. Apple cider vinegar has a number of healing and antibacterial properties if its organic, making it a go-to for many homeopathic treatments.
- 1/3 cup full strength ACV
- 2 cups hot water
- 1/3 cup Epsom salt
Mix and soak your toes/feet for at least 30 minutes every day. Apple cider vinegar is also a good supplement to take internally for overall health and to promote healing of fungus and bacteria from the inside out.
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How Bleach Actually Works On Toenail Fungus
Bleach is a popular household cleanser and sterilizer. A powerful antiseptic works against microbes, bleach is an effective and popular treatment for toenail fungus.
The solution is readily absorbed into the affected skin area where it works quickly to get rid of the fungus. When used correctly you will be able to see significant changes after a few weeks or months.
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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Does Bleach Work For Toenail Fungus Watch The Video Below
Toenail fungus is extremely hard to get rid of once you have a severe infection.
Many turn to the most powerful thing that they can think of bleach. But you are probably wondering Does it work? How do I use it for my feet?
In this article, we will go over how some people use bleach to treat toenail fungus and some cautions to look out for.
What Kills Toenail Fungus Fast
These drugs are often the first choice because they clear the infection more quickly than do topical drugs. Options include terbinafine and itraconazole . These drugs help a new nail grow free of infection, slowly replacing the infected part. You typically take this type of drug for six to 12 weeks.
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How To Use Bleach For Nail Fungus
There are many methods of using bleach for nail fungus, but they are all very harsh. It is recommended that you do not use bleach if you have any broken skin at the site of where your toenail fungus used to be.
It is also recommended that if your feet are wet or moist before putting on your socks, wait until they are dry to put on socks.
With that being said, here are the various ways you can use bleach for nail fungus.
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Can Bleach Cure Toenail Fungus We Found The Answer
So can bleach cure toenail fungus effectively? Toenail fungus, also known as Onychomycosis is a common fungal infestation that affects a toes nail bed. The condition occurs when fungi affects the skin on the toes and around the nail bed leading to small white spots under the nail that eventually spread to the entire nail. The infestation causes discoloured toenails and often makes the nails weak.
Toenail fungus is a fairly mild and non-serious condition. However, it is aesthetically unappealing and can make it impossible and unsightly to wear your favourite sandals and open- toes shoes.
Studies show that around 5- 10% of adults will experience the condition at some point in their lives. However, the good news is that toenail fungus can be easily treated using normal bathroom and kitchen products. One popular and effective treatment for toenail fungus is bleach.
Contents
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Can I Use A Bleach Pen For Toenail Fungus
Bleach pens are convenient for removing stains from fabric quickly. The good news is that you can use them for toenail fungus just as conveniently. Not only will it help to get rid of discoloration, but it will kill the fungus thats underneath the nail.
There have been many success stories that suggest using a bleach pen can clear up toenail fungus faster. Of course, you can choose to use one or the other. But, combining the two may yield faster results in your healing process.
A bleach pen is easy to use. You remove the cap and apply it directly to the nail and surrounding skin. Bleach pens are easy to find and relatively inexpensive. You may already even have one in your home and can try it right away.
So, why dont you have to dilute a bleach pen for toenail fungus? Most bleach pens contain a lower concentration of sodium hypochlorite . They also include several ingredients not typically found in liquid bleach.
This is because the pen releases a thicker, gel-like substance. These extra ingredients help to lower the concentration of the potent chemicals, so its safer to use directly on your nails and skin.
If you experience any irritation, stop using bleach to treat toenail fungus immediately.
Treatment Tips and Advice
If you want to get the best results when using a bleach foot soak or bleach paste, you need to prepare your toenails ahead of time. Use these tips to make the treatment more effective.