How Can I Get Rid Of Fungus Toenail

January 4, 2022

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Preventative Treatment Options For Toenail Fungus

How to Get Rid of Toenail Fungus Effectively

Although there are some preventative measures you can take to avoid developing toenail fungus, your body might not make it so easy. Often, toenail fungus can develop as a result of the fungi that are naturally in your body. If you have a weakened immune system or poor circulation, you may also be more prone to fungal infections. However, when taking the proper preventative steps, you may be able to avoid contracting toenail fungus. Here are some ways to avoid toenail fungus:

Maintain proper foot hygiene by washing your feet with water and mild soap, then completely drying your feet afterwards.
Avoid showering barefoot in communal showers, such as those in gyms, dorms, or pools.
Avoid frequently swimming in public pools.
Change your socks regularly.

Do Vinegar Soaks Help Toe Fungus

In short, there is a lot of anecdotal evidence to suggest vinegar foot soaks can help you to get rid of fungal toenail infections over time and with repeated use.

However, there is no concrete clinical evidence to suggest that vinegar will definitely work, though some users do report that the treatment can work on mild cases of fungal infections. It is also a low-risk treatment, so it is unlikely to cause you any harm if you do decide to test out this home remedy.

Usually, your doctor will recommend using medication to treat toe fungus rather than relying on a home remedy.

There are two main types of medical treatment that are normally recommended for fungal nail infections: nail paints and tablets.

Amorolfine nail paint is available from our online pharmacy for the topical treatment of fungal toenail infections. The antifungal nail paint works by stopping the growth of fungus that causes infections. It also breaks down the fungi cells and removes the fungus as the nail grows out. Amorolfine is the cheaper generic version of the branded Curanail antifungal treatment.

Antifungal tablets like Terbinafine also treat fungal nail infections but have to be prescribed by a GP or nurse and may require an initial blood test before you start treatment.

Mayo Clinic Q And A: Toenail Fungus Often Difficult To Eliminate Completely

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: What causes toenail fungus, and what can be done to treat it? Is it contagious?ANSWER: Toenail fungus is an infection thats usually caused by a microscopic organism called dermatophyte fungus. These infections can be contagious, and they are often difficult to eliminate completely. Fortunately, for most healthy adults toenail fungus doesnt pose any serious health risks.

Toenail fungus is a common condition that begins as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your toenail. As the infection goes deeper, nail fungus may cause your nail to discolor, thicken and crumble at the edge. 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 inside your shoes 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.

The older you are, the more likely you are to get toenail fungus. Thats because as you age, your immune system changes. In addition, your nails become more brittle and drier over time, creating more cracks where fungus can live.

You may see ads publicizing laser treatments for toenail fungus. I usually dont recommend them. They tend to be quite expensive, and at this time most medical insurance does not cover that type of treatment.

Also Check: Can Tea Tree Oil Cure Toenail Fungus

Does Toenail Fungus Turn Black After It Dies

Yes, a detached toenail can turn black after it dies.

The most common pathway for this to happen is for fungus to an infected toenail. The toenail then can start to rip away from the toe after it gets thick and black.
This can cause dry blood to form between the toenail and the skin, and eventually, the toenail dies.
The toenail then starts to rot and become overrun by bacteria and toenail fungus.
This eventually can make toenail fungus turn black after it dies.

What Tests Might I Have For Toenail Fungus

Natural Remedies To Get Rid Of 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.

Also Check: How To Fix Yellow Toenail Fungus

What Other Conditions Can Be Mistaken For Fungal Nails

Here are some other conditions you may have instead of fungal nails:

Lines and ridges: These are common and may be considered normal. They may worsen during pregnancy. A large groove down the center of the nail can be caused by nail biting. Some people may develop these changes following chemotherapy.

Senile nails: As you age, the nails become brittle and develop ridges and separation of the nail layers at the end of the nail. To avoid this, try to clean solutions and don’t soak the nails in water.

Whitish or yellowish nails can occur due to onycholysis. This means separation of the nail from the nail bed. The color you see is air beneath the nail. The treatment is to trim the nail short, don’t clean under it, polish if you want to hide the color, and wait two to three months. Persistent onycholysis can make the nails susceptible to fungal infection.

Red or black nails due to a hematoma, or blood under the nail, usually occur from trauma . The discolored area will grow out with the nail and be trimmed off as you trim your nails. If you have a black spot under your nail that was not caused by trauma, you may want to see a dermatologist or a podiatrist if it involves a toenail to make sure it is not melanoma . A simple biopsy can rule out malignancy .

Trichophyton

How To Save On Hydrogen Peroxide

The manufacturers of Hydrogen Peroxide rarely offer Hydrogen Peroxide manufacturer coupons. As an over-the-counter and inexpensive product, Hydrogen Peroxide patient assistance programs are not available at this time.

Your SingleCare Hydrogen Peroxide coupon, though, is probably a better alternative to a Hydrogen Peroxide manufacturer coupon. Our current price for Hydrogen Peroxide with a prescription is only $3.05.

Recommended Reading: Does Bleach Cure Toenail Fungus

Home Remedies For Toenail Fungus

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.

The Black Line On Toenail Fungus

How To Get Rid of Toenail Fungus FAST!!!

A black line on the toenail fungus is called melanonychia.

This means that you have brown or black lines on your toenails.

A black line associated with toenail fungus might be melanoma, but this is usually unlikely.

If the black line extends into your skin, this is called a Hutchinson sign. A Hutchinson sign is much more likely to signal toenail cancer or toenail melanoma relating to your black toenail fungus. This might be something called subungual melanoma.

Black toenail cancer, such as subungual melanoma, is sporadic. Personally, in our clinic, we have seen thousands of black toenails and black lines on toenails. Between all those cases, we have rarely seen toenail melanoma.

But there are cases where we do perform biopsies if the toenail does appear suspicious. A toenail biopsy with a podiatrist can be one of the most effective ways to confirm no melanoma underneath the toenail.

It is essential to always check with your podiatrist and get a biopsy if you are worried about melanoma.

There is no 100% foolproof method to ensure that there is no melanoma underneath her toenail.

Recommended Reading: Is Peroxide Good For Nail Fungus

Treatments For Fungal Nail Infections

Treatment isn’t always needed for a mild fungal nail infection because it’s unlikely to cause any further problems and you may feel it’s not worth treating.

Whether you decide to have treatment or not, you should still practise good foot hygiene to stop the infection getting worse or spreading to others.

Speak to your GP or pharmacist if you’re bothered by the appearance of the affected nail, or it’s causing problems such as pain and discomfort. They’ll probably recommend:

antifungal tablets tablets taken once or twice a day for several months
antifungal nail paints special paints applied directly to the nail over several months
nail softening kits where a paste is used to soften infected parts of the nail, before they’re removed with a scraping device

A procedure to remove the nail completely may be recommended in severe cases. Laser treatment, where a high-energy laser is used to destroy the fungus, is also an option. But this is only available privately and can be expensive.

You can reduce your risk of developing a fungal nail infection by:

Nail salon equipment can sometimes be the source of fungal nail infections. If you regularly visit a salon, make sure any equipment used is properly sterilised between uses.

Know It Need Not Be Your Only Option

As already mentioned, nail removal is usually a last resort, after other methods have failed to be effective. As such, your doctor is not likely to recommend or even mention nail removal before trying oral and topical medications, ointments, and various other treatments.

Depending on the precise issue, many people have found great success and healing using all kinds of other treatments. Because nail fungus is a very common reason for toenail removal, look at these different options for how to safely and effectively treat toenail fungus.

However, the more severe the case and the longer it has gone without treatment, the more likely your doctor will insist on nail removal as the only possible option.

Recommended Reading: How To Treat Nail Fungus On Hands

Toenail Fungus Treatment Complications

Here are some things to think about when deciding on a nail fungus treatment.

If you have a disease like diabetes, your doctor will make sure you treat nail fungus. This illness often makes you more likely to have other problems from minor foot issues.

You may not be able to take antifungal pills because of side effects or because they donât work well with other drugs you take. If that’s the case, try a product that goes onto your nail. Your doctor will call this a topical treatment.

Be patient. Your nails may not look “normal” after treatment. It can take as long as a year to 18 months for your nail to grow out a fungus.

When Should I Call The Doctor

How Can I Get Rid Of Nail Fungus Naturally

In rare cases, toenail fungus can cause an infection called cellulitis. Without prompt treatment, cellulitis may pose a serious danger to your health.

You should seek treatment guidance from a trusted healthcare provider if you have:

Circulation problems.
Redness, pain or pus near the toenail.
Weakened immune system.

Read Also: How To Quickly Kill Toenail Fungus

Suggested Treatments For Nail Fungal Infections

Topical Anti-fungal Solutions
Topical solutions are widely used to treat nail fungus because they are easily available as over-the-counter medicines. Topical remedies that contain undecylenic acid and tea tree oil are seen to effectively treat nail fungal infection. Prolonged and regular application can result to ultimately killing the nail fungus and preventing reinfection.

Prescription Treatments

Prescription treatments may come in either oral or topical forms. A physician will look into the severity of your nail problem, and when the infection becomes serious, the need for prescription anti-fungal medicines may be considered. Oral and topical prescriptions, though effective, do not provide quick relief from nail fungus and may take as long as a year to show results. They also cause side effects that may be harmful for pregnant and lactating women or those with liver diseases. Close supervision with a physician is a must so that it may not lead to further complication.

Surgical Treatment

A painful and damaged nail may require mechanical treatments, such as surgical nail removal. Commonly, this is done for people suffering from painful and stubborn onychomycosis that do not respond well to the previous forms of treatment mentioned. Postoperative, antibacterials, and anti-fungal medications will be prescribed to prevent recurrence.

Laser Treatment

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Read Also: How To Avoid Foot Fungus

What Is The Outcome For Someone Who Has Nail Fungus

With treatment, many people can get rid of nail fungus. Even when the fungus clears, your nail may look unhealthy until the infected nail grows out. A fingernail grows out in 4 to 6 months and a toenail in 12 to 18 months.

To clear the fungus, its important to:

Use the treatment exactly as prescribed
Apply the medicine for as long as prescribed
Keep all follow-up appointments with your dermatologist

Nail fungus can be stubborn. If you had a severe infection, its possible to clear the infection. A healthy looking nail, however, may be unrealistic, but you can expect the nail to look better and feel more comfortable.

Even with clearing, nail fungus can return. Youll find steps to reduce your risk in Tips: 12 ways to prevent another nail infection.

ImageGetty Images

ReferenceGold LFS and Rosen T. Onychomycosis: Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies. Dermatology News . March 2016:2-15.

How Do Dermatologists Diagnose Nail Fungus

how to get rid of toenail fungus with bleach

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.

Recommended Reading: How Long Does Toenail Fungus Take To Go Away

Ways On How To Get Rid Of Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus is very unsightly. It is a common problem which can lead to discoloration of the toenails. If left untreated, it causes the toenail to crack, crumble, or create a dead toenail. The worst thing is, it can create a foul smell. So you can see now why people having a toenail fungus are so eager to get rid of it. Well it is impossible not to wear shoes so as to avoid the occurrence of infection. The best thing you can do is to do other ways to get rid of toenail fungus.

Give your Toenails Good Hygiene

You can avoid and minimize toenail fungus by keeping yourself always clean as well as your feet. Keep them always dry and groomed too. Fungus likes to stay in a moist place rather than a dry one. Keep your feet dry from water and sweat, change your socks often and wear dry shoes and for sweaty feet, wear open-toed shoes. Avoid going to public pools, showers and locker areas. If you cant avoid to, you can use shower shoes in this areas.

Give Feet a Smart Foot Care

Oral Medication

There are some oral medications that can be purchased to kill toenail fungal infection. You can consult your physician regarding this method. These oral medications must contain an active ingredient like terbinafine or itraconazole. These will enhance a new and healthy nail growth and stop the infection from spreading only you wont be completely fungus-free until the new nail has grown out fully and this takes several months.

Topical Medications

When To Refer To Podiatry

Before initiating topical or oral therapy, patients should ideally be referred to a podiatrist for nail trimming and debridement. This assists with removing as much fungus as possible and improves topical drug penetration. Debridement alone cannot be recommended for the treatment of OM patients using a combination of debridement and topical nail lacquer have shown a significant improvement in mycological cure compared with debridement only. Patients with nail trauma owing to footwear, dystrophic toenails affecting other toes or who describe discomfort when walking owing to thickened toenails should also be referred.

When there is treatment failure with topical, oral and combination therapies, a podiatrist may be able to carry out a chemical or surgical nail avulsion .

If there is doubt over the original diagnosis, or where no improvement has been seen with treatment, pharmacists should refer patients to a podiatrist or their GP.

Supported by RB

RB provided financial support in the production of this content.

The authors were paid by The Pharmaceutical Journal to write this article and full editorial control was maintained by the journal at all times.

Recommended Reading: How To Rid Nail Fungus

How To Use Baking Soda For Toenail Fungus

Most people will tell you that toenail fungus shouldnt be ignored. The condition is primarily esthetic, but if left untreated, it can lead to some nasty complications.

Things get even more complicated when you realize that fungus has high adaptability. It thrives in a humid environment, and given that our feet are often sweaty, you can easily see why some people deal with this condition for months and months.

But, this is just the beginning of our troubles. It is tough to treat the condition, which is why some people opt for alternative treatments, such as using baking soda for toenail fungus.