Hair Dryer And Talcum Powder
If fungi do not have an ideal environment to live in, they cannot continue to grow and thrive. Getting rid of moisture from the feet, especially between the toes, can help keep the fungus from spreading and getting worse.
People can remove moisture from their feet by thoroughly drying them with a hair dryer after bathing, making sure that no moisture remains but being careful not to burn the skin. People with loss of sensation or feeling in the feet should not use this method.
When the feet are dry, follow up by sprinkling them with talcum powder to help absorb sweat. Many foot powders contain talc and help keep the feet dry.
In addition to these steps, wearing socks that absorbs moisture away from the skin can help keep the feet dry. The following types of socks can help keep feet dry throughout the day:
- wool
- bamboo
- synthetic wicking fabric, often called tech socks
Changing socks at least once a day when feet feel sweaty or damp is also helpful. Or, in warmer weather, wear open shoes or sandals to increase airflow to the feet.
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.
You Can Also Follow Certain Precautions To Prevent Or Treat Fungal Infections:
- Always wear clean clothes since since fungal spores can stick to clothing for a long time, especially when it is unwashed.
- Avoid using harsh detergents to clean clothes.
- Avoid wearing clothes that are too tight since these can reduce airflow to your skin and increase local sweating, which together will increase the risk of fungal infection. Prefer breathable cotton clothes.
- Avoid scratching the affected area as it can worsen the infection and also increase the chances of spreading.
- Wash the affected area at least 2 to 3 times a day, as mentioned earlier, this can control and manage the intensity of the fungal growth.
- Keep the affected area as dry as possible, the less moisture the lower chance for the fungus to grow.
Read Also: Why Does Toe Fungus Keep Coming Back
Choose Proper Shoes And Socks
Avoid plastic shoes and footwear that has been treated to be waterproof, says Dr. Levine. They trap perspiration and create a warm, moist spot for the fungus to grow. Natural materials such as cotton and leather provide the best environment for feet, while rubber and even wool may induce sweating and hold moisture.
Hydrogen Peroxide With Iodine
Peroxide and iodine are commonly used to disinfect cuts and wounds and to kill germs on the skin.
A recent study found that peroxide combined with iodine killed 16 different fungi. The two used together were more effective than using them separately.
To try this remedy, mix iodine solution and hydrogen peroxide in a bucket or large bowl. Iodine solution is available at most drugstores in the wound care section. Dip the feet directly in the solution or use a cotton pad to apply it to the affected areas.
Do not use iodine on the skin without diluting it because it can damage the skin if used by itself.
Peroxide may sting if the skin is broken or irritated, and it can bleach hair and fabrics. Iodine may also cause stains.
Applying this mixture in a bathtub or shower may prevent unwanted stains, bleaching, and spills.
Don’t Miss: Can Toe Fungus Go Away On Its Own
How To Get Rid Of Toenail Fungus With White Vinegar
Do you that white vinegar can also treat those awful and unsightly discolored nails? The common kitchen ingredient can help you get rid of the toenail fungus easily at home. So what are you waiting for? Try this effective home remedy and clear the fungal growth quickly.
How to use?
- Mix white vinegar with warm water in the ratio 1:2
- Soak your toe in the solution with the infected nails dipped correctly in it for around 15 minutes
- After that wash your toe with plain water and dry the infected nail.
- Repeat this remedy at least two times a day to get the desired results.
Benefits of White Vinegar
White Vinegar has potent properties that fight the fungal growth on the toenail. It helps restore the pH level of the skin inhibiting the growth of the fungus. Use this remedy to get rid of the yellow toenail fast.
Precautions
White Vinegar has acidic properties that may cause burning sensation. Avoid using it on open cuts and wounds.
Also Check: Will Lotrimin Cure Nail Fungus
Apple Cider Vinegar And Hydrogen Peroxide
Vinegar cure for toenail fungus is very popular. It is recommended to soak the feet in vinegar and water for at least 30 minutes, twice a day or more in order to help kill the fungus.
It is explained that the acidity of vinegar restores pH balance of nails and helps in soothing the discomfort caused due to toenail fungus. Though most types of vinegar can be used in toenail fungus treatment, the recommendation is to use apple cider vinegar as it is known to be the most effective.
You can also soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and apply it directly to the nail, but ensure that vinegar stays on your nails for a significant amount of time. Apple cider vinegar is the most commonly used solution for curing fungal infections.
It is a strong astringent and has anti-fungal properties. It is also known to reduce inflammation and pain linked with some stages of fungal infections. It is also recommended to combine vinegar with hydrogen peroxide to form an even more effective solution in wiping out bacteria and viruses.
Soak toes or fingers in a 50/50 solution of 3% hydrogen peroxide and vinegar every day and fungus will be history in no time. Find here more information on how apple cider vinegar can revolutionize your health and about 11 amazing uses for hydrogen peroxide.
You May Like: What Doterra Oil Is Good For Toenail Fungus
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.
Treatments For Foot Rot Without Seeing A Doctor
Source: Informed Health
Fortunately for most people, foot rot is easily managed and curable with home remedies and over-the-counter medication once symptoms are recognised. Here are a few ways on how to cure Foot Rot without having to make a doctors visit, provided that you dont have an existing medical condition, such as diabetes.
Recommended Reading: What Is The Most Effective Home Treatment For Toenail 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.
Common Symptoms Of Nail Fungus
Although fungal nails are usually cosmetic concerns, some patients do experience pain and discomfort due to the thickness of the nails. These symptoms may be exacerbated by footwear, activity, and improper trimming of the nails.
There are many species of fungi that can affect nails. By far the most common, however, is called Trichophyton rubrum . This type of fungus has a tendency to infect the skin and manifests in the following specific ways.
There are different types of nail fungal infections:
You May Like: How To Get Rid Of Toenail Fungus With Home Remedies
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.
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.
Don’t Miss: How To Get Rid Of Fungus Nail At Home
Remedies And Treatments For Toenail Fungus
Over-the-Counter Antifungals
Antifungal remedies help to stop the growth of the fungus. Over-the-counter options do not claim to cure toenail fungus, but they can help to improve the look of the affected nail. These products do not work as well as prescription medications. To cure toenail fungus, a remedy has to penetrate the nail and nail bed. Most over-the-counter remedies for nail fungus are topical and do not penetrate deeply enough.
Trim, Buff, and Thin the Affected Nail
Keeping your nails trim, buffed, and clean helps to prevent the spread of the fungus to other nails. Additionally, buffing the nail can allow topical antifungals to penetrate more deeply. Make sure to wash your hands promptly after touching the affected nail, especially before touching other nails.
Vicks VapoRub
Vicks VapoRub is a product marketed for people with coughs. However, it may also be effective against toenail fungus. One small study showed that after applying it topically each day for 48 weeks, 27.8% of participants fully cured their nail fungus â and 55.6% of participants saw partial improvement. However, more study is needed.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil comes from the Australian tea tree. It is an essential oil traditionally used as an antibacterial and antifungal treatment. Early research shows that it may help with nail fungus when used topically. However, more research is needed. If you do use tea tree oil for toenail fungus, only use it topically.
- Confusion
- Coma
Wash With Antifungal Cleanser
Antifungal washes, such as Nizoral, can help dry, scaly moccasin type foot fungus, Rodney says. Gently lather it onto the entire feet, let sit for 15 minutes, then rinse off with water, she adds. As it is a wash, the medication can penetrate through all the dry, scaly skin and easily get to the fungus.
Healthy Now Newsletter
Recommended Reading: How To Treat Fungus In Bermuda Grass
Toenail Fungus Prescription Medications
Sometimes prescription medications are needed to treat a toenail infection that just wont go away with natural remedies or over-the-counter medication in a few months. In this case, prescription-strength antifungal medication can eradicate stubborn onychomycosis.
Topical medications often are effective in treating mild to moderate toenail fungus. Topical solutions may include medicated nail polishes or liquid medications. Loprox , Penlac , Kerydin , and Jublia are among the top prescription drugs for toenail fungus.
Oral medications can come in capsules, tablets, or liquid. Some common prescriptions are Diflucan , Lamisil , Onmel , and Sporanox .
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.
Read Also: How Long Does It Take For Fungus To Go Away
When To See A Doctor
In most cases, toenail fungus is considered a cosmetic problem. Still, it may cause serious complications for some people.
If you have diabetes, toenail fungus may lead to foot ulcers or other foot problems. According to a 2012 study, chronic toenail fungus is a significant risk factor for bacterial cellulitis of the leg.
If you have diabetes or a weakened immune system, you shouldnt use home remedies for toenail fungus. Contact your doctor for the appropriate course of action.
Home Treatments For Toenail Fungus Don’t Always Work
How long does it take to know if your home treatment remedy option has worked? It depends on the remedy and the severity of the fungal problem. While it usually takes 2 to 3 months for a toenail fungus infection to go away, it can take up to a year to completely heal. Most people will try at least 1 of the above home antifungal treatments before choosing to seek foot care from a professional.
Don’t Miss: What Is The Best Foot Fungus Medicine
Maintain The Good Hygiene
To reduce the chances of nail fungus, start taking care of your feet. Allow as much air as possible to reach your nails. You can take of simple things that will help you to prevent the symptoms of toenail fungus. You can follow simple preventative measure to get rid of nail fungus. Wearing sandal or flip flops in the public area can help. Clean and wash your feet everyday. If you want to make your nails dry all time then do not wear tight shoes, hosiery and tights that will give moisture to your skin and sweaty environment to your nails. Go for open toed shoes.
Natural Toenail Fungus Treatment
Step 1: Eliminating the Source of Yeast and Fungus
The first step in treating toenail fungus is using one of the most effective and natural ways to fight candida. In other words, youll likely need to make some changes in your diet and adopt a candida diet. The most crucial tactic for treating candida overgrowth is to eliminate what feeds the yeast and candida virus living in your digestive tract in the first place: sugars and conventional grain products.
Candida albicans is a common yeast that grows inside the human body. In healthy people, other bacteria and immune cells keep this yeast under control so it doesnt cause any problems, but in some people candida can become overgrown and cause infections in various areas. One of the ways candida shows up is through the skin where it can cause noticeable reactions or infections. Other ways are on the mouth, vagina and anus.
What triggers candida in the first place? This overgrowth of yeast can develop from a number of factors, including antibiotic use, poor digestion, low immune system function, a high sugar and grain diet, stress or hormonal changes. All these create an acidic environment that encourages yeast growth and the presence of candida. Many people opt for over-the-counter anti-fungal creams or even medications, but they only treat the symptoms, not the environment that allows candida to flourish.
Step 2: Replenishing Healthy Bacteria
Step 3. Consume More Fiber, Protein and Quality Fats
Foods to Eat Plenty Of:
Read Also: How To Get Rid Of Internal Fungus Naturally
How Does Athletes Foot Occur
It may be surprising to learn that athletes foot isnt just something that teenage boys catch. In fact, there is more to the root cause of athletes foot than infected showers or towels.
The bodys microbiome may actually have a lot to do with susceptibility to any infection, including athletes foot. Lets first look at what really causes athletes foot.
You May Like: Can You Sue A Nail Salon For Fungus
Think Twice About Footwear
Shoes made out of breathable materials are perfect in the prevention of fungus infections. It is also best to alternate your footwear, wearing each pair every other day and disinfecting them after each use with disinfectant or antibacterial wipes or sprays. This allows your shoes to dry out completely before wearing them again, reducing moisture that can be trapped after usage. While it is recommended to wear sandals around public areas, such as swimming pools and shower rooms, try not to share footwear with others due to the highly contagious nature of the Foot Rot infection.
For socks, natural fibres such as cotton or wool are popular choices but not the best ones as the materials tend to retain moisture. Thus, synthetic fibre socks are the better choice as they do a good job in wicking sweat and moisture from the feet. Washing your socks after each use or a heavy workout session is a good prevention method as well.
Recommended Reading: Can Dermatologist Treat Nail Fungus