How Do You Kill Foot Fungus

How To Heal Your Toenail Fungus At Home

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HOW TO HEAL YOUR TOENAIL FUNGUS AT HOME

If you have mild toenail fungus, theres a very good chance that a home remedy can help you get rid of it. Though you can definitely try these with moderate to severe toenail fungus, too, as long as youre healthy, it is recommended that you see a specialist if its a bad case of fungus.

As always, if your immune system is compromised or you have diabetes, its always best to see a podiatrist so you dont risk making things worse or needing surgery.

Without further ado, here are several home remedies you can try to heal your toenail fungus.

Skin And Nail Fungal Infections

Just like in your gut, there are bacteria on your skin that prevent Candida from growing uncontrollably.

All bacteria thrive in different conditions, including varying temperature, moisture or acidity levels.

Thats why a change in the environment on your skin can allow Candida to overproduce.

For example, cosmetics, soaps and moisturizers can alter skin conditions, especially the antibacterial varieties.

While skin candidiasis can affect any part of the body, areas that are warm and moist, such as the armpits and groin, are particularly prone to infection.

Itching and a visible rash are the two most common symptoms of skin fungal infections.

An overgrowth of Candida can cause conditions like athletes foot, ringworm and toenail fungus .

While not life threatening, skin fungal infections can be very uncomfortable and significantly decrease quality of life.

Summary: An overgrowth of Candida on the skin can cause conditions like athletes foot, ringworm and nail fungal infections.

Read Also: Does Tea Tree Oil Really Work For Toenail Fungus

Keep Clippers To Yourself

If you have been using a certain pair of clippers on your toes, you will very much want to disinfect or replace those as well. How best to do this?

• Let the clippers soak in boiling water for a few minutes.
• After removing them , scrub with dish soap and an old toothbrush to clean off any remaining dead skin cells or residues.
• Rise, then wipe down the clippers with a paper towel soaked in rubbing alcohol.
• Completely dry the clippers with a paper towel to avoid rusting.

You can also use Barbicide if you happen to have it around.

Now that you have a clean pair of toenail clippers, make sure to use them only on your toenails. They should be the larger kind designed for toenails, too. Sharing clippers runs another risk of fungal infection, and using the same pair of clippers on your fingernails and toenails can run the risk of transferring an infection from your feet to your hands, or vice versa.

Also Check: How Do You Cure Toe Fungus

How To Try It At Home

The resounding consensus when it comes to using Listerine as a foot soak is that while it might not be extremely effective, it won’t hurt you either . So if you want to try your hand at this at home, here’s how: To do a Listerine foot soak, you’re going to start by getting your hands on a foot bath or bowl thats large enough to fit your feet. Then you’ll mix equal parts of warm water and Listerine, and maybe even a bit of lemon juice. Make sure theres enough liquid so that your feet are covered. Soak your feet for somewhere between 15 and 20 minutes .

The water is important here for diluting the Listerineit’s definitely not a good idea to soak your feet in straight Listerine. And of course, if you have any medical concerns at all, its important to check with your doctor before trying something like this.

Best Ways To Treat A Nail Fungus

Nail fungus can cause thick, discolored nails, and, for some patients, it can even be painful. An Internet search will bring up plenty of ways to treat the condition, but which ones are best? Dermatologist Dr. Christopher Hull discusses what nail fungus actually is, why its so hard to get rid of, and which treatments work best.

Read Also: How To Get Rid Of Toenail Fungus With Vicks

Athletes Foot Succumbs To Household Products You May Already Have

Its that time of year. Your bodys natural reaction to heat and humidity is to sweat because when moisture evaporates it cools the skin.

Theres one place, however, where sweat cant evaporate easily. Inside socks and shoes, feet can get quite damp. That provides a hospitable environment for fungus. Athletes foot is a common fungal infection of the skin between the toes or on the soles of the feet.

Usually athletes foot is considered a simple condition to be treated with over the counter anti-fungal medicines. But not everyone gets relief from the itching and peeling. Some readers have found unusual ways to treat recurrent problems.

We heard this from one person:

Not everyone benefits from Absorbine jr. We heard this from a physician:

To learn more about other athletes foot remedies and solutions for foot odor, you may wish to consult our book, The Peoples Pharmacy Quick & Handy Home Remedies.

Read Also: How To Kill Foot Fungus Fast

White Vinegar Or Apple Cider Vinegar

Vinegar is slightly acidic, so natural remedies like apple cider vinegar work to balance the pH of the skin. It also helps to prevent the fungus from spreading and kills bacteria and fungi. Mix equal parts vinegar and water and soak the infected area for 30 minutes daily. Make sure to thoroughly dry your foot after.

Read Also: Can You Get Rid Of Nail Fungus

Doctors Weigh Best Treatments

The best treatment for fungal nail infections is a prescription that your dermatologist can prescribe that you take every day for two-to-three months. The pill is not for everyone, since oral antifungals can interact with other medications and can affect the liver.

Fortunately if you dont want to or cant take a pill, there are topical solutions to treat nail fungus. Although topical medications are desirable because of the low risk of side effects and interaction with other medications, they have much longer treatment regimens. Generally, topical medications have a lower clearance rate compared to oral pills.

Newer topical antifungals including Efinaconazole and Tavaborole have better penetration of the nail plate and so they work better compared to older topical medications, says Dr. Ng. She says the topical medications work best if you only have partial nail involvement.

Lasers are approved by the FDA to temporarily increase the amount of clear nail. However, the cure rates are lower than oral medications and topical solutions.

How To Kill Toenail Fungus With Bleach

Toenail fungus is an unsightly condition caused by yeast and other types of fungi. When a fungus infects the toenail, the result is yellowing and thickening of the nail. Eventually, the nail may begin to crumble, and the area beneath it may emit a foul smell. Doctors often prescribe oral medications for treating toenail fungus, but some people prefer home remedies, such as those that use bleach to kill the fungi.

If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.

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See A Dermatologist To Pinpoint The Problem

Foot fungus wont just go away on its own, Dr. Ng says. If you think you have foot or toenail fungus, see your dermatologist, she says. There are several tests that your dermatologist can perform to identify exactly whats going on.

Its important to be aware that there are other diseases which can cause nail changes, she says. For example, we do see things like squamous cell skin cancers in the nail beds and even melanomas, which have a brownish or blackish discoloration.

Toenail Fungus Home Care

Sometimes itâs possible to treat your toenail fungus at home. You can try:

• Over the counter antifungal creams or ointments. File or cut off any white markings on your nails. Soak your nails in water and dry off before you put on the medicated cream.
• Special nail care. If you keep your nails trimmed, it can reduce the pressure and pain you feel. You can also thin your nail bed by filing it down. This can help antifungal creams get to the problem easier.

Read Also: How To Treat Body Fungus

How To Get Rid Of Mold In The Shower

Before we get to the various ways toclean a moldy shower, I want to provide you with links to posts that I have writtenabout some of the specific mold removal products. This will give you a betteridea about why I am recommending them.

How to remove mold with:

I think it is also important for you to know why I do NOT recommend cleaning mold with bleach. You need to read that post but in short, it causes MORE mold growth and doesnt actually kill mold.

Ready? Lets go area by area.

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# 1 Soaking Feet In Diluted Bleach

One of the most common ways to use bleach for nail fungal infection is in the form of the soak. This is effective because the water dilutes the bleach which makes it less irritating on your skin.

Here is how to do it:

I had a more severe toenail fungal infection so the soaks did not work the best for me.

There are things you can add to the soaks to increase effectiveness.

This includes:

• Oil of oregano
• Other essential oils that fight fungus

There is a foot soak that I personally recommend. It is all natural and contains tea tree oil. If youre interested you can read what some people have said about this foot soak.

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Potential Risks And Complications

If untreated, athletes foot can result in a bacterial infection if skin is broken. This can happen due to scratching or when blisters pop or ulcers become infected. Any type of infection can be very serious and requires prompt treatment.

Athletes foot is also very contagious. It can easily spread to your hands, especially if youre scratching at the affected area. This fungus can also infect the area under your nails, which can be more difficult to treat, or the groin area.

When Should I See A Podiatrist Or Foot Doctor

Fungi, yeast, and molds tend to spread over time if left untreated. The best thing to do is seek the help of an expert podiatrist to get a proper diagnosis, treatment, and preventive interventions for your condition.

Your podiatry specialist will perform a physical exam of your toenails and a medical history check to diagnose your condition. They might also do other tests to confirm their diagnosis, such as

• Microscopic examination of nail clippings or scrapings.
• Fungal culture

If you think you might have a fungal problem with your nails, then you should visit one of our many podiatric offices right away. Use our practice locator tool to find the doctors office closest to you.

Recommended Reading: How Do You Treat Nail Fungus

What Does Athlete’s Foot Look Like

Fungal athlete’s foot may cause a rash on one or both feet and even involve the hand. A “two feet and one hand” pattern is a very common presentation of an athlete’s foot, especially in men.

• Hand fungal infections are called tinea manuum.
• Fungal athlete’s foot may also be seen along with ringworm of the groin or hand.
• It is helpful to examine the feet whenever there is a fungal groin rash called tinea cruris, or jock itch.
• It is important to treat all areas of fungal infection at one time to avoid reinfection.
• Simply treating the soles and ignoring the concurrent fungal infection of toenails may result in recurrences of athlete’s foot.

Barberry Goldenseal And Coptis Chinensis

Warning: Do not use if pregnant. And limit use to 7 days for adults3 days for children.

Barberry, goldenseal, and Coptis Chinensis are all recommended for Candida. Berberine is the alkaloid each contains, which is highly effective in fighting Candida. It also boosts and stimulates the immune system.

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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.

How Long Does Toenail Fungus Live On Surfaces

It is not known exactly how long toenail fungus canlive. That said, fungus in itself can live on surfaces for up to six months.The belief is that the spores causing toenail fungus would follow the samepattern.

Because some people show no initial signs of atoenail fungus infection, they may not even know their shoes are carrying thespores. You go to a friends house and borrow a pair of seemingly clean shoesand the next thing you know you now have acquired a memorable case of toenailfungus. Not so much fun, nor a gift worth getting.

To keep yourself safe, do not wear borrowed shoesand regularly disinfect your own shoes. If you must wear shoes belonging tosomeone else, bring your own socks and wash your feet as soon as you can.

Recommended Reading: Does Hydrogen Peroxide Help With Toenail Fungus

Will Bleach Kill Athletes Feet

Q: You have sometimes written about ways to treat athletes foot, but you havent mentioned the best one: bleach. On the rare occasion that I get a toe fissure or itchy sole, I just pour several glugs of bleach into the shower and slosh about in it for a minute before I turn on the water. One treatment is all it takes.

Precautionary Measures And Some Healthy Habits To Remove Foot Fungus

Are you worried about how you can prevent foot fungus? You dont need to worry as here are some of the precautionary measures that I take to prevent my feet from fungus:

When you are at home, let your feet be free by wearing open shoes so that the air is contacting them as much as possible. Wash them with soap every day and afterward dry them off well. Make sure that after your bath or shower, you dry appropriately between your toes so that the water does not remain.

2. Avoid going barefoot

Fungus loves to grow in warm and wet places. So, if you are walking on damp grass, around pools, or anywhere where there can be moisture, make it a habit to wear shoes.

3. Wear good socks

I learned the hard way that the poor material of socks can also cause foot fungus. You should assure before buying socks that they are made of natural material, such as cotton and wool. A synthetic fiber sock is designed in such a way that it can help to drain the moisture away from feet. I highly recommend checking out our article on Moisture Wicking Socks

4. Change socks regularly

Every day put on a clean pair of socks. During a walk or workout, if I feel that my feet are getting sweaty, I change my socks to avoid excess moisture remaining between the toes. So, it is preferable to change your socks twice a day, if needed.

5. Use light, well-ventilated shoes

6. Alternate the pair of your shoes regularly

7. Disinfect your shoes and socks regularly

9. Powder your foot

Also Check: How To Remove Toenails With Fungus

Treatment For Fungal Infections

Unlike bacterial and viral infections, fungal infections are very much straightforward to treat.

Treatment for fungal infections usually depends on the type of fungal infections, the severity of the infection, and if the affected person has any other health problems.

Some fungal infections can be treated in a matter of days while others could take weeks or months for the affected person to be cured.

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The Danger Of Waiting To Treat The Fungus

The greatest danger of not treating the foot or toenail fungus is that it can spread to other parts of the body, such as the hands and groin.

If for some reason you cant treat your toenails or your feet right away, at least use an antifungal topical cream on the surrounding skin, Dr. Ng says. That will help keep it from spreading and keep the skin intact.

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When To See A Bethesda Md Or Springfield Va Podiatrist

If you try several of these remedies and see no results, its time to see a podiatrist. Toenail fungus is notoriously stubborn, so dont be too surprised if home remedies dont quite work. It can also take quite a long time for these home remedies to work because you have to continue doing them consistently until the new nail has fully grown out.

If youve tried the homeopathic route and arent satisfied with the results, you can always come see Bethesda, MD & Springfield, VA Podiatrist, Dr. Paul Ross! If you have moderate to severe foot fungus, it is recommended that you see a doctor anyway because there can be complications if the infection is left untreated. Call us at . We offer same day appointments if you dont want to wait.

The Podiatry Centers treat all medical and surgical foot and ankle conditions. Licensed Bethesda, MD Podiatrist, Dr. Paul Ross can help bring you foot and ankle pain relief.

Our Bethesda, Maryland and Springfield, Virginia Podiatry offices offer the most effective and state-of-the-art, quality podiatry care services with a smile to patients in our local community, including: Woodbridge VA, Fairfax VA, Annandale VA, Arlington VA, Alexandria VA, Burke VA, Gaithersburg MD, Potomac MD, Silver Spring MD, Rockville MD and Chevy Chase MD.

Return to a pain-free life and get back to the things you love!