What Is The Treatment Like For Laser Therapy
If you come to our Premier Podiatry and get our non-thermal cold laser therapy, youll start with a nail fungus evaluation to determine if you have onychomycosis and what the best course of treatment is.
The treatments are done in our office, which makes it easy for you. The treatment lasts about 12 minutes and is pain-free.
And theres no downtime. Well laser your fungus and youll get up and leave as nothing happened. Typically, youll come in for four treatments. But it depends on you and what your podiatrist recommends.
The laser destroys the fungus but the effects it had on your nail dont go away until the new nail grows in and pushes it off the nail bed so it can be cut off like you would when you trim your nails. It usually takes six to 12 months for a full new nail to grow in.
In addition to treatment, you can get basic care techniques from your podiatrist to keep fungus at bay going forward.
Also Check: How Do You Cure Toe Fungus
How To Apply Apple Cider Vinegar For Toenail Fungus Infection
For good result when using apple cider vinegar for toenail fungus treatment, you want to make sure you buy raw, unpasteurized, and organic vinegar. To use Apple cider vinegar for toenail fungi infection, all you need to do is to soak your feet in a bowl of warm water and vinegar for a between 20-30 minutes. Do this twice a day till the fungus clears from your toenail.
Application
- Step 1 Fill a bucket or basin or a foot tub with water enough to completely cover your feet. You could add the water using cups for measurement purpose.
- Step 2 If for instance 4 cups of water was used in step one, use two cups of ACV here. You want to make sure the apple cider vinegar added is at least half of the water to be used.
- Step 3 Immerse your feet in the bowl of water and leave them there for at least 20-30 minutes. Note that it is important that your feet are completely immersed in the water, if the water is not enough, you must add more water and ensure half the quantity of water added as extra is also added in form of Apple cider.
Once done you can then wipe your feet properly and repeat the process for at least two times per day in order to see better results.
How Does White Iodine Affect Yeast
White iodines use as an antifungal is not well-studied, even though many people swear by it for treating toenail fungus. However, according to one study published in the Postgraduate Medical Journal, iodine may be beneficial in reducing symptoms of vaginal yeast infection.
Vaginal yeast infections are caused by the same species of yeast that are also responsible for certain fungal infections. Inflammation diminished quickly during the treatment, and no side effects or complications were found in the 7-day treatment.
You May Like: How Do You Get Dip Nails Off
Recommended Reading: How To Stop Toenail Fungus Pain
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 Franciscos 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 1,477,639 times.
How Do I Know If I Have Toenail Fungus
A toenail fungal infection has a slow, eroding effect on your toenail but usually takes a while to develop and spread so you might not notice it at first.
Here are some of the toenail symptoms you may encounter:
- Change in color often the toenail turns yellow, brown, white, or eve green
- Nails become thicksometimes so thick you cant get a toenail clipper to work
- Toenail shape becomes curved, twisted, or ingrown on the sides
- Initially, a white dot may show itself which then slowly grows larger
- Toenails become brittle and break easily, sometimes they seem to crumble or get chalky
- Toenails become flaky and break off
- Sometimes the toenail has a âcottage-cheeseâ type substance especially under the hard-outer shell
- Toenails may loosen and separate off the nail bed occasionally they may even fall of entirely
- You get pain around the toenail as the hard, curved nail digs down into the sides
- There is a bad-cheese smell coming from your toenails
- Eventually, the fungus spreads to your other toes and even out onto the skin on your feet
If left untreated, you can develop a secondary bacterial infection and even get ulcerations, which are extremely dangerous if you are diabetic or have poor circulation. For some people, toenail fungus has even ultimately led to the surgical amputation of toes or even leg amputations.
Also Check: Does Anything Really Cure Toenail Fungus
Creams & Topical Treatments For Toenail Fungus
Over-the-counter fungal creams like clotrimazole dont work well for treating toenail fungus. Prescription nail polishes are available, but they take longer to work and arent effective for severe cases. Thats because they dont penetrate the nail very well. That said, they are still a good option for people with mild cases of toenail fungus, or for those who cant take the oral antifungals. Examples include:
Side effects are usually minor and include redness or burning at the application site.
You might hear or read about medicated chest rub as a treatment for toenail fungus, but its mostly hype. Its a tempting option because its so safe, easy to use, and cheap. But its not likely to help.
Does Vinegar Kill Fungus
Vinegar contains acetic acid, and this particular compound makes it acidic enough to kill microorganism such as bacteria and fungus. Vinegar kills fungus by modifying the pH levels on the skin hence killing unwanted growths. In some cases of fungal infections, such as toenail fungus, the fungus forms a protective coating, thus preventing the immune system from killing it. Needless say, it can become drug resistant, meaning even though you follow your medical prescription, there is no improvement on your condition.
To effectively kill fungus using vinegar you can treat affected areas with pure apple cider vinegar. Alternatively, you can make vinegar soak bath and add hydrogen peroxide, tea tree oil, or olive oil. Repeat the vinegar treatment procedure at least twice a day until your symptoms of fungal infection have subsided. It is advisable that before applying any home remedies for toenail fungus, you should clean the affected toenails well and trim them so that the vinegar solution can easily get deeper into the nail and kill any fungus present. Another treatment method you can consider is doing a vinegar sock soak. All you have to do is put on a pair of cotton socks and then pour the vinegar and some water over the socks. Let the socks stay on for about 10-15 minutes and after removing them, you can apply any tropical antifungal cream or ointment.
Donât Miss: Where Does Nail Fungus Come From
Don’t Miss: What Gets Rid Of Toe Fungus
When Should I Call The Doctor
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.
What Is The Treatment Like For Laser Therapy Does It Hurt
When you come to Greater Washington Advanced Podiatry for Lunula laser treatment we like to make things easy. First, we have a NO CONTACT laser visit option, where you stay 6 feet away from anyone the whole time. We also have a full-service option, while stills adhering to social distancing and CDC guidelines. With this approach, you get a nail fungus evaluation including nail culture. A consultation with one of our podiatry specialists will allow you to decide which approach is best for you and have all your questions answered. Your doctor can even smooth down those ugly thick toenails to make you more comfortable and happy with your toes.
Also Check: How To Cure Black Toenail Fungus
Why Does It Work A Look At The Ingredients
In order to answer the question of why does VICKS work? we first need to take a look at the ingredients it contains.
It has some proof of working, so what it is exactly that makes it effective?
The ingredients included in the normal VICKS VapoRub include the following:
Active Ingredients
- Used commonly for pain relief, anti-irritant, against coughs, and yes even as an antifungal.
- Reduces pain and swelling and increases blood flow when applied topically.
- 2014 study published in the journal Biological Research shows it does indeed have antifungal activity, although not particularly when dealing with toenail fungus. It has been shown to inhibit growth of fungi better than other essential oils.
Inactive Ingredients
- Turpentine oil
Signs Of A Toenail Fungal Infection
- Discolored toenails. Nails can be brown, black, white, or yellow. Usually a small area changes color at first and it slowly spreads.
- Thickened toenails. Over time, the nail becomes thick, material builds up under the nail, and the nail can develop an irregular shape, grooves, or a crumbling appearance.
- Affects one or more toenails. The fungus may spread to other toenails. The big toe is most commonly affected. The fungus can also occur in fingernails.
- Starts at the end or side of the toenail. The infection gradually spreads toward the cuticle.
- Usually painless unless there are skin changes or injury to the nail bed or if shoes press on the thick nail.
- Athletes foot. Some people will also have skin fungus on their feet, which looks like red, peeling skin between the toes.
Dr. Rx
Patients may say that they are embarrassed to go to the pool or the beach, or they avoid wearing sandals. They describe their nails as thick, crumbling, and abnormally colored. One patient described their nails as looking like an animals horn, which is pretty accurate. But they are so thrilled when they see results from treatment! Dr. Anne Jacobsen
Also Check: Does Tea Tree Oil Help With Nail Fungus
How Long Does Apple Cider Vinegar Take To Cure Toenail Fungus
The antifungal properties also make vinegar soaks a good idea for people who have toenail fungus. Soak your feet for 10 to 15 minutes daily in a vinegar bath until the infection subsides. You can increase the length of time in the soak gradually. It may take two to three weeks or longer to see improvement in symptoms.
You May Like: How Do I Get Nail Polish Out Of Clothes
Alternatives To Oral Medicines
With the side effects that come with taking oral medications, its understandable why many people prefer other alternatives in treating finger and toenail fungus infections. These include topical treatments, essential oils, surgery, and laser therapy.
Anti-fungal topical ointments are traditionally used for mild to moderate nail fungus infections. These are applied on the nails and the skin surrounding them. The main criticism of topical medicines is that they are apparently not as effective as oral drugs because they cannot penetrate the nails to get to the fungus.
However, there are modern and improved topical ointments that address this concern. Products with 10% undecylenic acid effectively heal nail fungus infection with the help of penetrating agents, usually essential oils.
Surgical removal of the nail, on the other hand, is used for severe or recurring fungal infections. After the infected nail is removed, a topical anti-fungal ointment is applied to the nail bed to prevent the regrowth of the fungus.
As for laser treatment, it takes about six months before visible results can be seen. The treatment is expensive as it takes several sessions of therapy during the prescribed period.
Recommended Reading: Does Apple Cider Vinegar Help With Foot Fungus
Don’t Miss: Why Do I Have Toe Fungus
What Does Soaking Your Feet In Apple Cider Vinegar Do
First, it is important to note that you have toenail fungus infection as a result of the pH of the surrounding skin and nail becoming very basic, or alkaline. It is proven that fungus of any kind thrives in an alkaline environment. This means to get rid of toenail fungus, you need to ensure the surrounding skin and or nail turns from basic or alkaline to acidic as fungi dont survive in acidic environments.
This is why apple cider vinegar is useful. ACV is acidic enough to get rid of fungi but not acidic enough to cause harm to humans hence it is used as a preservative. Researches show ACV has antifungual qualities that help in slowing down the growth of all types of foot fungus which makes it ideal for toenail fungus infection treatment
How Fungi Infect The Nail
Onchomycosis, or toenail fungal infection, is an invasion by a microscopic organism that thrives in warm, damp environments. Fungal spores are in the air, and they will grow if they land on a receptive surface like your toenail. They feed off the nail tissues, burrowing into the skin under the nail. Over time the nail thickens and may lift off the nail bed as fungal debris accumulates. Once your nail is raised off the nail bed, it won’t reattach, and a new nail won’t grow from that part of the nail bed. However, your nail will continue to grow from the root at the base.
Recommended Reading: Does Chlorine Kill Foot Fungus
When Should I See My Doctor About A Rash
Most rashes are not serious. But its always a good idea to see your healthcare provider if you have skin changes. Your provider can recommend a course of treatment to help you feel better and diagnose any underlying conditions.
- Is all over your body.
- Starts suddenly and spreads quickly.
- Is painful, blistered or infected.
- Happens along with a fever.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Fungal skin rashes can be uncomfortable and itchy, but they are treatable. See your healthcare provider if you notice any rashes or changes in your skin. Typically, a course of antifungal creams will clear up the rash and relieve the itchiness. Your healthcare provider can also discuss preventive steps to keep the rash from coming back.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 09/25/2020.
References
Recommended Reading: Does Tea Tree Oil Really Work For Toenail Fungus
Is Oregano Oil Good For Nail Fungus
Oregano oil contains antibacterial, antiparasitic, antiseptic, analgesic and antifungal properties which make it an amazing remedy to remove the nail fungus.
The compound carvacrol is the main reason behind the fungicidal properties of oregano oil.
When taken internally, it can fight off the candida virus within the body.
Also Check: How To Get Rid Of Green Toenail Fungus
You May Like: How To Treat Toenail Fungus Naturally
About Fungal Nail Infection
Many people develop a fungal nail infection at some point in their life. Itâs not usually serious, but can be unpleasant and difficult to treat.
The infection develops slowly and causes the nail to become discoloured, thickened and distorted.
Toenails are more frequently affected than the fingernails.
The medical name for a fungal nail infection is onychomycosis.
You May Like: How To Kill Finger Nail Fungus
Findings From Lab Studies
A 2013 laboratory study found that tea tree oil is effective in treating the fungus Trichophyton rubrum. This particular fungus commonly affects the toenails and can cause athletes foot.
The study showed that tea tree oil was significantly more effective at inhibiting the growth of T. rubrum than a placebo.
However, the researchers experimented using lab-grown T. rubrum cultures and human nail clippings. It is not clear whether tea tree oil would have the same effects on infected nail tissue in humans.
The researchers also administered the tea tree oil in a nanosuspension. A contains small particles of a drug suspended in water, which makes the drug easier to absorb. It is not clear whether widely available forms of tea tree oil would have the same effects on nail fungus.
Read Also: Can Toenail Fungus Spread To Other Parts Of The Body