Ozonized Sunflower Oil And Other Ozonated Oils
Ozonized sunflower oil combines sunflower oil and ozone and is made by treating the sunflower oil with ozone which leads to an ozone reservoir that slowly releases into the skin or nail area. Ozone is one of the best bacteriacidal, antifungal, and antiviral agents known and represents a promising and needed alternative to current antimicrobials, because it is cheap to make and can avoid resistance. A laboratory study showed ozonized sunflower oil inhibited the growth of 5 different strains of fungi, although this was less than with conventional agents such as fluoconazole or itraconazole. Another study that compared ozonized sunflower oil twice a day for three months to ketoconazole 2% cream, found 90.5% were cured and 9.5% reported an improvement in their nail fungus with Oleozon compared to only 13.5% cured with ketoconazole and 27.5% improved. 59% remained the same.
Verdict: Ozonized oils including ozonized sunflower oil are promising antifungal agents that appear significantly more effective than conventional agents when used to treat toenail fungus.
What Is Toenail Fungus Exactly
Toenail fungus happens when tiny microscopic organisms called fungi get underneath your toenails, causing an infection, according the American Academy of Dermatology .
Not-so-fun fact: The same fungus that causes jock itch and athletes foot can also cause toenail fungus, which can infect your nails and the skin underneath, says Gary Goldenberg, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York.
Depending on the type of fungus youre dealing with, an infection can cause a slew of unpleasant symptoms, including:
- Nail discoloration
- Debris buildup underneath the nail
- Lifting of the nail from the skin
- Nail thickening or crumbling
- Nail thinning or splitting
Toenail fungus is highly contagious and, if you have a fungal infection on your foot, the fungus can spread to one or more of your nails.
How To Get Rid Of Toenail Fungus With Onion
Onion, like garlic, is a potent remedy for treating toenail fungus. Those unsightly yellow toenails can be effectively corrected by using onion. So what are you waiting for? Head to your kitchen and grab an onion.
How to use?
- Take an onion and cut its slices
- Rub a slice of onion gently on the affected toenail
- Repeat this process daily to get rid of the toenail fungus.
Benefits of onion
Rubbing onion on the infected nail inhibits the growth of fungus on the toenail. It fights off the build-up and clears the infection fast.
Precautions
If you have sensitive skin or a history of allergy, then do a skin patch test before using this remedy. In case of intense burning sensation, wash off the area immediately.
Dont Miss: How To Treat Body Fungus
Don’t Miss: How To Treat Toenail Fungus Over The Counter
Know About Surgical Treatment
If you are serious case of toenail fungus infection then you need to fix it with surgical treatment. In this case, the options include partial or complete nail removal. When the nail gets removed, then antifungal creams are applied to ward off the infection on the affected area for reinfection of new nails. Total nail removal is not usually needed.
What Worked For You
This content is accurate and true to the best of the authors knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.
You May Like: How Do You Get Rid Of Toenail Fungus Fast
Recommended Reading: How To Get Rid Of Fungus Nail At Home
Home Remedies For Nail Fungus
Treating nail fungus doesnt have to mean relying on a doctors prescription. Instead, patients can take control of their health with these easy home remedies for toenail fungus.
This pantry staple can help cure nail fungus and is also a wonderful home remedy for foot rot when applied topically or taken internally.
Apple Cider Vinegar Antifungal Recipe
- 1 part apple cider vinegar
- 1 part Epsom salts
Use Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is an excellent home remedy to treat any fungal disorder whether it is toenail fungus, or other skin problems. It is helpful in managing the pH level of the skin by diluting extra acid of the stomach. Dilute apple cider vinegar with water as it sometimes causes irritation. Apply some apple cider vinegar with help of cotton swab on your affected areas. Rest it for a few minutes and then remove the cotton swab. Do this 3 to 4 times a day until the infection disappears.
Don’t Miss: Can I Kill Toenail Fungus With Bleach
Natural Ways To Defeat Toenail Fungus
Dont let this sometimes painful condition sideline you. Treat it early with these easy, natural solutions.
The showers at the local gym may have left you with an unwelcome gift: onychomycosis, otherwise known as nail fungus. Or maybe its a souvenir from a barefoot run or just a sign that you arent changing your running socks often enough. Although it starts innocuously enough, as a white or yellow spot underneath your toenail, the nail can start to thicken and even crumble as the fungus penetrates deeper and deeper. And, while it can can appear on your fingers, the fungus is more likely to appear and persist in your toenails because of the warm, moist environment of your shoes, where these little buggers can thrive, and unfortunately, where its most likely to affect your running.
If you see a dermatologist, youll most likely get a prescription for an antifungal oral medication such as Lamisil or Sporanox, which tend to be expensive and carry side effects ranging from skin rashes to potentially toxic liver damage. Thats not pleasant, which is why so many people look for a drug-free alternative, says Joe Graedon, MS, a pharmacologist at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy at Chapel Hill and author of The Peoples Pharmacy. There are newer topical treatments, such as Kerydin, but they also require a prescription and can take up to a year to work. Here are some of Graedons top drug-free remedies for toenail fungus.
Prevention Tips For Toenail Fungus
I must let you in on a little secret the key to support healthy and strong nails and to stop hair loss is not limited to the substances you apply locally.
Here is a list of strategies that can effectively help you support your nails and your general health and enhance your mood at the same time!
- Keep Your Feet Clean And Dry
- Keep Your Nails Thin
- Wear Lightweight And Breathable Socks
- Dont Walk Barefoot
You May Like: Does Vinegar Kill Toenail Fungus
You May Like: Can Apple Cider Vinegar Help Toe Fungus
Make Use Of Olive Oil
Olive oil helps in providing moisture to the skin of toe lost due to toenail. It heals and make skin smooth as it is rich in vitamin E and antioxidants. It reduces itching and redness of the skin too. Rub a few drops of extra virgin olive oil or a combination of olive oil and honey on your toenail. Gently massage for few minutes two times a day. You can also add a pinch of turmeric powder to some olive oil and apply on your toenail.
Doctor Prescribed Ways To Treat Nail Fungus
Fortunately, there several ways to get rid of nail fungus. Most treatments aim to eradicate the causative organism and restore the normal appearance of healthy nails. Treatment options range from self-care remedies, to medications recommended by a general practitioner, to ointments bought over-the-counter without a prescription.
Its important to note that repeat infections are common even with treatment. Whats more, remedies are not all equally effective with some even causing possible side effects.
With that in mind, here are some of the top ways to treat and get rid of nail fungus at home.
Recommended Reading: Can You Put Bleach On Toenail Fungus
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.
Is Cellulitis Contagious
Cellulitis usually doesnt spread from person to person. It is possible to catch a bacterial skin infection if you have an open cut on your skin that touches skin that has an active infection.
If you do develop cellulitis from a transmitted infection, it could be dangerous if you dont treat it in a timely manner. This is why its important to tell your doctor as soon as you notice symptoms of cellulitis.
Complications of cellulitis can be severe if left untreated. Some complications can include:
- severe tissue damage
Your doctor will likely be able to diagnose cellulitis just by looking at your skin. A physical exam might reveal:
- swelling of the skin
- redness and warmth of the affected area
- swollen glands
Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your doctor may want to monitor the affected area for a few days to see if the discoloration and swelling spread. In some cases, your doctor may take blood or a sample of the wound to test for bacteria.
Recommended Reading: How To Treat Big Toenail Fungus
Causes Of Toenail Fungus
- Onychomycosis stems from a number of fungal pathogens, primarily a certain group of fungi known as dermatophytes. Other relatively less common carriers of this infection are yeast and mold.
- Your susceptibility to this type of infection increases with age as older people tend to have increasingly brittle and dry nails that may allow the fungus to slip in through the cracks.
- Direct skin-to-skin contact with people grappling with fungal infections like athletes foot or ringworm on their hands can transmit the fungus onto you, paving the way for a toenail infection.
- A warm, moist environment such as a pool deck or a locker room provide the ideal breeding grounds for these infection-causing fungi. Therefore, people who walk barefoot in such areas tend to pick up this infection quite easily.
- Another common way of catching a fungal nail infection is by sharing an infected nail clipper or towel.
- Moreover, people who are prone to having moisture-ridden nails or often wear sweaty socks and shoes are increasingly predisposed to getting a fungal nail infection all by themselves.
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.
Recommended Reading: What Is The Best Otc Medicine For Toenail Fungus
How Do Dermatologists Treat A Fungal Nail Infection
Treatment usually begins with your dermatologist trimming your infected nail, cutting back each infected nail to the place where it attaches to your finger or toe. Your dermatologist may also scrape away debris under the nail. This helps get rid of some fungus.
To completely get rid of the infection, most people also need one or more of the following treatments:
Medicine you apply to the nail: If you have a mild infection, a medicine that you apply to your nails may get rid of the infection. This treatment helps keep new fungus out while the nails grow. Fingernails typically grow out in four to six months. Toenails take longer, usually takes 12 to 18 months.
Probably the most difficult part of this treatment is remembering to use it as often as prescribed. Some treatments must be applied every day. Others you apply once a week. To get the best results, its essential that you apply these medicines exactly as directed.
The US Food and Drug Administration has approved the following medicines that you apply to the nail to treat nail fungus:
-
Amorolfine
-
Efinaconazole
-
Tavaborole
Side effects from these medicines are generally mild. Possible side effects include redness and swelling, an ingrown toenail, and stinging or burning when you apply the medicine. In clinical trials, none of these side effects caused patients to stop using the treatment.
The FDA has approved the following systemic medicines to treat nail fungus:
-
Fluconazole
-
Itraconazole
-
Terbinafine
Tea Tree Essential Oil
Recent controlled trials using tea tree oil show promising opportunity for people suffering from stubborn toenail infections.
This is one of the few problems that uses 100% tea tree oil for maximum results. After several months of testing, doctors found that tea tree oil was on par with the results seen after using standard topical antifungal treatments.
Why use medical treatments with mystery ingredients when there is an all natural alternative that is just as effective?
Paint the oil on the affected nails twice a day for at least two months. The nail has to grow out for the fungus to be eradicated, so you may not see results for a several months.
You can find here more medicinal uses for tea tree oil or if you are interested to learn more about essential oils you can find useful information in my e-book Magical Aromatherapy. This e-book will help you to discover the power of essential oils and the most effective ways to use them.
Read Also: Can You Get Rid Of Foot Fungus
Easy Home Remedies For Summer Toenail Fungus
In the midst of toe-baring sandal season, fungal nails are the last thing anyone wants to see! Toenail fungusalso known as onychomycosisis a common summer infection featuring yellow, white, or brown discoloration on one or more or your toenails. Though commonly thought of as a cosmetic issue, nail fungus can become painful and inhibiting, causing toenails to thicken and crack.
Fortunately, there are a number of easy home remedies that may help you to treat and prevent the development of toenail fungus.
Coconut Oil
The fatty acids in coconut oil are natural warriors against toenail fungus, breaking down the fungal membrane by inserting themselves in its lipid layer. Simply rub a dime-sized dollop of coconut oil into the affected area 2-3 times a day.
Oregano Oil
Oregano oil contains a special antibacterial ingredientthymolthat is key to fighting toenail fungus. To disinfect and treat your toenail fungus, apply a few drops of oregano oil to a cotton ball or swab and gently dab it over your nails.
Tea Tree/Olive/Orange Oil Rub
Heres a great recipe for a 3-part disinfectant made from tea tree, olive, and orange oil. Mix together:
- 1 teaspoon of tea tree oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of orange oil
As with the oregano oil, apply this antiseptic rub to your nails using a cotton ball or swab.
Olive Leaf Salve
Baking Soda Soak
- 4-5 teaspoons of baking soda
- 1 cup of apple cider vinegar
- 2 cups of warm water
How To Heal Nail Fungus At Home
Conventional treatments for nail fungus involve various antifungal creams, ointments, and oral medications. Oral antifungal medications can have significant side-effects. Be sure not to take them if youre pregnant or breastfeeding.
Laser treatment can be performed to remove nail fungus, but its expensive, and there are doubts as to whether its really effective. Its not normally covered by insurance.
Thankfully, there are also a number of useful natural remedies that can solve the problem. Before using any of these remedies, trim your nails so that the remedy has the best chance of working.
Dont Miss: What Causes Fungus Under Your Toenails
Don’t Miss: What Spice Treats Toenail Fungus
What Will Happen If Athlete’s Foot Is Left Untreated
Although athlete’s foot doesn’t cause any serious problems in people who are otherwise healthy, it normally doesn’t go away on its own. If left untreated, it can spread to a nail and cause a fungal nail infection. The infection can spread to other areas of skin, such as the hands, but that rarely happens.
How To Get Rid Of Toe Fungus
This article was co-authored by . Dr. Mark Co is a Podiatrist who runs his own private practice in San Francisco, California. Dr. Co specializes in treatments for bunions, ingrown toenails, toenail fungus, warts, plantar fasciitis and other causes of foot pain. He also offers custom orthotics for the treatment and prevention of foot and ankle issues. Dr. Co completed a Master of Business Administration at New York University and an MA in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Co also completed his DPM at the California School of Podiatric Medicine and a residency and internship at the Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Santa Clara, California. Dr. Co was awarded San Francisco’s “Top 3 Podiatrists” in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Dr. Co is also a member of the CPMA .There are 15 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 96% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 1,481,677 times.
Don’t Miss: Can A Dermatologist Treat Toenail Fungus