What To Do If Your Toenail Is Falling Off
Firstly, stay calm! This happens to the best of us.
If your nail is falling off but is still attached — donât rip it off. This can invite a pretty nasty infection. Just let the nail naturally detach itself or see a doctor for the removal.
If itâs bleeding, apply pressure and cold water until the bleeding stops.
How To Use Hydrogen Peroxide To Treat Toenail Fungus
Hydrogen peroxide kills fungus instantly.
The fungus is caused by microscopic organisms called dermatophytes that cause deformation and thickening of the toenail over time.
Hydrogen peroxide works to bleach out the yellow spot and slowly kills the fungus within a week.
It quickly disinfects the affected skin as well as the nail bed by eradicating fungus, bacteria, and discolored dead skin.
As a quick bleaching agent, you can apply some on the affected nail bed and watch the discoloration go away in no time.
But what makes it great is that its a super gentle and safe germicidal remedy.
You can use it in two ways. If only one toenail is affected, then simply rinse it thoroughly with warm water and dry it off completely.
Next, take a soft cotton pad or sanitary gauze and soak it in the hydrogen peroxide solution.
Place the cotton pad directly onto the infected nail, making sure to cover the surrounding skin as well.
Allow the toenail bed and the skin to absorb the solution for about 5 minutes. Then take a clean cotton pad and dry the area.
Repeat this at least 4 times a day until you can visibly see improvements. The fungus will slowly start to go away and the discoloration will fade.
However, even when the fungus is completely gone, treat your toenail to this solution once a week for the next 2-3 months for permanent results.
If more than one toenail is infected with fungus, then you need a larger solution.
It will go back to its original color in a few minutes.
Cover The Affected Area In Oregano Oil
Believe it or not, the tasty herb can also work wonders for treating toenail fungus at home. According to a 2020 study published in the Journal of Skin Appendage Disorders, researchers found that oreganos antibacterial properties are able to inhibit fungal growth in nails when included in an essential oil blend.
While the effectiveness of oregano oil has only been known anecdotally, thymola common component of oregano oilhas been reviewed to be an effective antibacterial and antifungal agent, Hayag says. People with toenail fungus can apply the product to affected areas twice daily and can expect no improvement, partial improvement, or complete improvement of their toenail fungus after using oregano oil. That said, she mentioned that oregano oil is quite potent and can cause an adverse reaction if you have particularly sensitive skin. For this reason, she recommends starting with a patch test. Additionally, to prevent an adverse reaction, consider mixing oregano oil with a carrier oil, such as olive or avocado oils, to dilute its potency.
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When To Contact A Doctor
Toenail fungus is typically not a significant problem for most people. However, if there are no improvements or complications occur as a result of home remedies, people should speak with a doctor and stop using the home remedy as soon as possible. It is also advisable to contact a podiatrist if a person notices any discoloration, thickening, or abnormality of the toenails.
Furthermore, people at higher risk for complications should seek medical treatment for their toenail fungus and avoid home remedies altogether. This includes those with diabetes or with weakened immune systems.
Whos At Risk For Fungal Infections
There are many different causes of fungal nail infections. Each cause has a treatment of its own. Although many of the causes of a fungal nail infection are preventable, some risk factors increase the likelihood of developing one. Youre more likely to develop a fungal nail infection if you:
- wear closed-toe shoes, such as tennis shoes or boots
Nail infections occur more often in men than in women, and the infections are found in adults more often than in children. If you have family members who often get these types of fungal infections, youre more likely to get them as well.
Older adults have a high risk for getting fungal nail infections because they have poorer circulation. The nails also grow more slowly and thicken as we age.
A fungal infection of the nail may affect part of the nail, the entire nail, or several nails.
Common signs of a fungal nail infection include:
- a distorted nail that may lift off from the nail bed
- an odor coming from the infected nail
- a brittle or thickened nail
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Treatment Of Onychomycosis With Dilute Topical Povidone
Capriotti K
Dermatologist, Bryn Mawr Skin and Cancer Institute, Rosemont, Philadelphia, USA Veloce BioPharma LLC, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
Veloce BioPharma LLC, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA Ophthalmology Consultants, PC Christiansted, VI, USA
Pelletier JP
Veloce BioPharma LLC, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA Ophthalmology Consultants, PC Christiansted, VI, USA
Capriotti J
Veloce BioPharma LLC, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA Ophthalmology Consultants, PC Christiansted, VI, USA /p>
DOI: 10.15761/CRT.1000162
What Is Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus is usually an infection of the toenail caused by opportunistic fungi, explains Oliva. It may cause your nail to turn a yellow or white hue, thicken, or crumble at the outer edges.
While toenail fungus can occur in people of all ages, board-certified dermatologist Marie Hayag, MD, says that its most common in older folks. As the nail ages, it is prone to becoming brittle and dry, which can result in cracks in the nails that make it susceptible to fungal infections, she explains, noting that all of the aforementioned causes can be even more of a concern as a result.
Meet the Expert
- , MD, is a board-certified dermatologist practicing in Manhattan. She is an assistant clinical professor at Mount Sinai Hospital and also teaches in the Dermatology Departments surgery clinic.
- Francisco Oliva, DPM, is a Miami-based podiatrist who has been in private practice for 25+ years.
Nevertheless, because developing a toenail fungus can occur at all ages, we reveal the best ways to treat toenail fungus at home, below.
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How To Kill Fungus With Bleach In One Day
Related Articles
Scientists are not exactly sure how many varieties of fungus are on the planet, but Microbiology Society divides them into three categories: multicellular filamentous molds, macroscopic filamentous fungi and single-celled, microscopic yeasts. That last grouping is what causes fungal infections in humans. There are different ways to eliminate this problem, including prescription medications, antifungal creams and oral medications.
How Can Clorox Help
Bleach is a harsh water solution that can kill 99.99% of bacteria and fungi. As most bleach concentrates are really harsh, they can wipe out the surface of the toenail and ensure no fungi survives.
Clorox bleach is often diluted before using. Since bleach is a good home remedy to treat toenail fungus, Clorox is used the same way. It can help clear signs of toenail fungus when you dip your feet in the Clorox solution.
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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.
There are further benefits to a vinegar soak. It could remove dry, cracked or dead skin cells from your feet. Its also thought that giving your feet a vinegar bath could help tackle other fungal infections, like athlete’s foot.
But will vinegar kill toenail fungus? Theres no concrete clinical evidence to suggest that soaking feet in 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. You could also use Loceryl 5% nail lacquer, which is a prescription treatment you apply directly to your infected nail.
How To Prevent Both Foot And Toenail Fungus
While toenail fungus and foot fungus arent the same condition, the following tips can help you prevent both, says Sundling:
- Practice good hygiene, such as keeping your feet clean.
- Alternate your shoes during the week. Your feet sweat all day long. Alternating your shoes allows them to dry out, so the fungus cant survive.
- Wear moisture-wicking socks that help dry out shoes and kill fungus. You can find these at running stores and athletic stores. If your socks are exceptionally sweaty, changing them more than once per day can help.
- Wear shoes in public places like locker rooms, pools, and gyms to limit exposure to fungus.
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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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What About Bleach Baths
Bleach baths are an approach dermatologists may recommend for treating skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis and recurrent Staphylococcus infections on the skin. These involve mixing a very small amount of bleach in bath water typically a half cup of bleach to a full-sized bathtub of water.
While its true that bleach baths may temporarily kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses, the effects arent long-lasting and arent likely to treat an existing toenail fungal infection.
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Soak Your Feet In Vinegar
Heres another pantry item that can deliver optimal results for toenail fungal infections. According to Hayag, applying white vinegar to the fungal-infected areas can prove worthwhile, thanks to its antibacterial properties.
Similar to oregano oil, applying white vinegar topically on fungus-infected toenails has some anecdotal evidence that supports its antibacterial benefits. Soak your foot in one part vinegar to two parts warm water for up to 20 minutes daily, she suggests, saying that this can help with the fungus, help with just the discoloration, or it may not help at all, depending on how your toes react.
Treatment From Your Gp
Your GP can prescribe antifungal tablets. You’ll need to take these every day for up to 6 months.
Tablets can have side effects including:
- headaches
- loss of taste
- diarrhoea
You cannot take antifungal tablets if you’re pregnant or have certain conditions. They can damage your liver.
If your nail has a very bad infection, you may need to have it removed. This is a small procedure done under local anaesthetic.
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Blends Of Essential Oils
The essential oils are very effective in treating toenail fungus. There are several essential oils from tea tree oil to jojoba oil you can pick any oil you like. Mix it with a carrier oil, apply it every day and wait for the results. Essential oils can be harsh on the skin, but the best part is the moisture, the moisture that will keep the toenail nourished throughout the treatment.
Will Clorox Kill Toenail Fungus
Fact Checked
Toenail fungus is an infection caused by the presence of fungi. Nail fungus often begins as a simple white or yellow area beneath the nail but can quickly progress to causing the entire nail to discolor, thicken and even crumble. There are several treatment options available for toenail fungus, but the use of standard Clorox bleach is a time-tested remedy that many people decide to use.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
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What The Experts Say
The most common presentation of toenail fungus is a white/yellow discoloration of the nail that is thick and filled with yellow/white keratin debris. The more severe the toenail fungus, the thicker the nail, and the more nails involved makes it that much harder to treat the nails even with effective therapies.Orit Markowitz, MD, founder and CEO of OptiSkin treatment center in New York City.
Treatment Options For Nail Fungus
Interviewer:
Dr. Hull:
Interviewer:
Dr. Hull:
Most of my conversation is usually discussing medical therapy, so things that are available by prescription only. And those come in two main forms, which are topical antifungal medications, and then oral antifungal medications. There are other surgical or procedural options, so you can remove nails as well. And then there’s starting to be more interest in technologies like lasers for nail fungus.
Interviewer:
Dr. Hull:
Interviewer:
Dr. Hull:
Interviewer:
Dr. Hull:
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The Benefits Of Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is obtained by the process of fermentation. This process releases healthy bacteria and yeasts, which give it a particularly acidic flavor.
According to this study by the Postgraduate Program in Dentistry in Sao Paulo, Brazil, this also gives the apple cider vinegar its powerful antifungal and antibacterial properties.
- Contains malic acid and acetic acid, two alkaline substances that help to stop yeast infections.
- Regular application disturbs the environment that fungus needs to reproduce.
- It also contains an interesting amount of bioflavonoids, vitamins, minerals and fibers which, among other things, are great for the skin.
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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What Should I Ask My Healthcare Provider About Toenail Fungus
If you have toenail fungus, you may find it helpful to ask your provider:
- What type of infection do I have?
- Do you recommend I treat it? Why or why not?
- How long will I need treatment?
- What steps can I take to stop it from coming back?
- Should I be aware of any potentially serious complications or treatment side effects?
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Toenail fungus is an incredibly common infection that can be difficult to treat. The condition usually isnt painful, but it may make you feel self-conscious about how your foot looks. If it bothers you, talk to your provider about your treatment options. A trained specialist can provide guidance on whats most likely to address your concerns while protecting your overall health.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 12/17/2020.
References
Side Effects Of Using Hydrogen Peroxide On Your Nails
Hydrogen peroxide may effectively heal your fungal infection, however, it may also cause some side effects in the process. If you have particularly sensitive skin, you must consult with a physician before carrying on these treatments.
The risk of using hydrogen peroxide is as follows:
- There is a high likelihood of skin irritation, even with concentration levels as low as 3%. This will include redness, stinging, and mild itching.
- It may result in dried feet and cracked heels.
- Hydrogen peroxide may also cause your skin to peel.
If you have been experiencing any of the above symptoms, we advise that you use a concentration level lower than 3%. You can also further dilute hydrogen peroxide with water to reduce its concentration level.
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