How To Kill Fungus Under 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.

Causes Of Keratin Build Up Under Toenails

The matrix is a part of nail bed which is not visible as it lies beneath the nail fold.

There are several causes that may lead to excess of keratin under the toe nail. One of the main causes is fungal infection in toe nail. Nail fungus destroys the keratin present in nail. Thus debris of keratin forms under the nail. Since the process is gradual and it does not cause pain, patient may not detect it until the nail becomes discolored or get separated from the nail bed.

Trauma to the toe nail or certain health conditions such as lichen planus, thyroid disease, side effects of medicines and chemical contact all can result in nail damage and subsequently a buildup of keratin beneath the nail. Usually, keratin debris develops only in one toe nail but sometimes more than one toenail is affected.

How Do You Get Rid Of Black Toenail Fungus

• The best way to get rid of black toenail fungus is to trim the toenail and remove the dry blood underneath the toenail.
• A good healthy toenail should grow back over time if you can successfully get rid of the black toenail fungus.
• Our favorite way to do this is to use a strong toenail clipper and trim the black toenail.
• We would also strongly recommend coming to see us if you are in Michigan.
• We are podiatrists that specialized in treating black toenail fungus and ruling out black toenail cancer!

Don’t Miss: What Is The Best Otc Toenail Fungus Medicine

Can I Wear Nail Polish If I Have Toenail Fungus

You may feel tempted to cover up a discolored toenail with nail polish. If you are using a topical antifungal, you probably should not use polish. Some providers may tell you not to wear it in any case. Polish traps in moisture from the nailbed . Because fungi thrive in moist environments, wearing nail polish may make a fungal infection worse. However, the nail continues to grow with or without polish.

Does Toenail Fungus Turn Black After It Dies

Yes, a detached toenail can turn black after it dies.

• The most common pathway for this to happen is for fungus to an infected toenail. The toenail then can start to rip away from the toe after it gets thick and black.
• This can cause dry blood to form between the toenail and the skin, and eventually, the toenail dies.
• The toenail then starts to rot and become overrun by bacteria and toenail fungus.
• This eventually can make toenail fungus turn black after it dies.

Read Also: Is Laser Toenail Fungus Removal Covered By Insurance

How Do I Get Rid Of Black Toenail Fungus

• The best way to get rid of black toenail fungus is to trim the toenail.
• It is also a good idea to clean out the underlying callus underneath the toenail.
• The key to curing black toenail fungus is to make sure the new toenail can grow back in safely without more fungus underneath it.
• A podiatrist can help you do this, and this can greatly help remove the toenail fungus.

How Did I Get Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus usually enters the nail bed when there has been an injury to the area, such as a crack or a split.

Once the fungus enters, the warm, dark environment that it finds in shoes and socks allow it to grow and spread. The fungus starts by growing under the nail bed, making it very difficult to reach with any sort of medication.

The standard treatment usually involves prescription medication or partial or full removal of the toenail.

The fungus first appears as a black spot on the toenail. This spot can start to grow and your nail can start changing color as it progresses.

If you let it go, your nail may thicken, change color further, and even produce a foul odor . It is best to deal with the early signs before it turns into something really serious.

One of the main causes of toenail fungus is poor hygiene, and the chances of getting toenail fungus increase with age men being more likely to get it over women.

This could be due to many factors, but most likely because men typically dont take care of their foot/nail hygiene as much as women do.

Don’t Miss: How Effective Is Laser Fungus Removal

Can Black Socks Because Of Toenail Fungus

• In some ways, black socks can cause toenail fungus.
• If the socks are occlusive and make you sweat more, this could create a good environment for black toenail fungus to flourish.
• But if some of the pieces of the black sock get caught underneath the toenail, this is not officially the fungus exclamation part.
• The first thing we would do is try to trim the toenail and make sure the small fibers of the black sock are not getting caught underneath the toenail.

What Is The Best Cream For Psoriasis

Just like with any medication, the best cream for your psoriasis may be vastly different from the best cream for someone else. There are many different topical therapies on the market for treating psoriasis. You may need to try a few different ones before finding your perfect cream. Always consult your dermatologist or healthcare professional on what the best treatment for your psoriasis may be.

You May Like: How To Get Rid Of Bad Toenail Fungus Fast

What Are The Side Effects Of Hydrogen Peroxide

Side effects of Hydrogen Peroxide depend on how it is used, how much is used, and how much of Hydrogen Peroxide is absorbed or taken into the body.

Used topically, the most common side effects of Hydrogen Peroxide are site reactions, such as irritation, redness, blistering, peeling, burning, itching, rash, and swelling. These effects typically last for only a few minutes after application. Hydrogen Peroxide is caustic, so high concentrations can cause first and second-degree skin burns.

Breathing in Hydrogen Peroxide can cause nose and throat irritation, coughing, and trouble breathing. Ingestion of low doses of low concentration Hydrogen Peroxide, such as toothpaste and mouthwash containing Hydrogen Peroxide, usually do not have effects. However, it’s never a good idea to swallow toothpaste or mouthwash no matter what the ingredients.

Related drugs

What Is Black Fungus Under Toenail

Patients routinely ask us, what is black fungus under the toenail?

• Black fungus under the toenail is caused by a toenail fungus-infected toenail detaching from the skin.
• This can usually result from the rupture of the small blood vessels called capillaries.
• When the capillaries rupture, they will create bleeding between the toenail and the skin.
• This small amount of blood flow between the nail and the underlying skin will eventually turn black and form a scab.
• This prevents the toenail from re-attaching to the skin.
• This essentially results in a dead toenail.
• Watch the video below to see how to fix black fungus under the toenails.

Also Check: How To Get Fungus Off Toenails

Sizing Up Risk Factors

People who have chronic athletes foot are at risk for developing toenail fungus, and there seems to be a genetic predisposition. Sometimes the fungus gets into the nail bed after the nail was cracked or cut too short. The fungus also lurks in shared showers, around pools and a lot of Vlahovics patients tell her their troubles started after getting a pedicure.

The very place where people go to beautify their feet and toenails is often responsible for spreading disease, says Tennessee podiatrist Dr. Robert Spalding. He has written a book called Death by Pedicure and has been on a decade-long crusade to make nail salons safer.

They use contaminated instruments, in some cases, or they dont take the time to properly disinfect and follow their state protocols, Spalding said. Nail fungus and other microorganisms are really tough to kill, and Spalding says the only sure-fire way to sterilize the instruments is to use something called an autoclave.

An autoclave is basically a pressure cooker, he said. Its steam under pressure, for a certain amount of time. Its how instruments are cleaned for surgery.

The foot-soaking tubs are another cesspool of infection that Spalding says some salons are eliminating. Now they are going to tubs that have liners. They dont use the jets as much. And they are coming up with something called a dry pedicure, where they just take hot towels and soak the feet, Spalding said.

What Is A Fungal Infection

Fungus, plural fungi is a class of organisms with over 144,000 known species. Fungus holds great importance for the environment and medical sector. Fungi are considered as one of the most widely distributed organisms worldwide Some are found free-living in soil or water others from parasitic or symbiotic relationships with plants or animals. Some common examples of fungi include Mushroom, mildews and mold. However, not all types of fungi are harmful but some can cause severe suffering for human beings and other living organisms.

Fungal infections are common all over the world and it only occurs when an invading fungus captures over the human body and the immune system of human is too weak to combat. Fungi are populated in our environment and are found flying freely in the atmosphere, they also divide and reproduce in the tiny spores that are present in the air. These fungi that are not visible to eh naked eye can enter into the human body through our respiratory system and can land inside to form a parasitic relationship within our lungs, throat, liver or any other hospitable part of the body causing a severe infection. In some cases, fungi also attack the intestines or the genital area of the human body causing severe hazard to health however, almost all the infection caused by fungus are curable with proper care and treatment.

Recommended Reading: How Do You Get Rid Of Green Nail Fungus

The Black Line On Toenail Fungus

A black line on the toenail fungus is called melanonychia.

This means that you have brown or black lines on your toenails.

A black line associated with toenail fungus might be melanoma, but this is usually unlikely.

If the black line extends into your skin, this is called a Hutchinson sign. A Hutchinson sign is much more likely to signal toenail cancer or toenail melanoma relating to your black toenail fungus. This might be something called subungual melanoma.

Black toenail cancer, such as subungual melanoma, is sporadic. Personally, in our clinic, we have seen thousands of black toenails and black lines on toenails. Between all those cases, we have rarely seen toenail melanoma.

But there are cases where we do perform biopsies if the toenail does appear suspicious. A toenail biopsy with a podiatrist can be one of the most effective ways to confirm no melanoma underneath the toenail.

It is essential to always check with your podiatrist and get a biopsy if you are worried about melanoma.

There is no 100% foolproof method to ensure that there is no melanoma underneath her toenail.

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.

Read Also: How To Treat Grass Fungus Naturally

Dangers Of Traditional Treatment Options

Fungal nail infection is treatable with oral anti-fungal drugs, topical medications, surgery, or laser treatments. The problem with these modern treatments, however, is that they can sometimes cause complications. Depending on the chosen treatment, some of the possible side effects that may occur include skin rashes, blisters, loss of appetite, gastrointestinal issues, headaches, respiratory problems, abnormal nail growth, or liver damage.

Due to the many risks associated with modern treatments for fungal nail infection, many people are now opting for alternative remedies that are relatively safer. As an added bonus, its also possible to treat fungal nail infection using just a few basic ingredients one already has available at home.

Epidemiology Of Toenail Fungus

The occurrence of onychomycosis has been reported 23% across Europe and 20% in East Asia. In north America the statistics are found to be 14%, with fungal infections constituting the 50% of nail related diseases. Since this infection is contagious and can be transmitted directly or by using the belongings of an infected person, this serves as the reason for such wide spread rate of this infection.

Recommended Reading: How Do I Get Rid Of Toenail Fungus Quickly

What Are Common Side Effects Of Toenail Fungus Medication

Topical medications often prescribed to treat toenail fungus can potentially irritate the skin. Itchy, peeling, red flesh and blisters may also occur with many topicals. Consult your doctor if your medication is causing an unwanted skin reaction.

Liver damage is one of the most concerning side effects of some toenail fungus medications. Due to the nature of onychomycosis, many of the medications need to be taken for long periods of time to completely resolve nail fungus. Gastrointestinal issues, dizziness, and trouble breathing are also listed as potential side effects. In addition, if the individual treating the toenail fungus suffers from heart conditions, the medication could interfere with heart health.

Laser Procedure For Toenail Fungus Under The Nails

Using a laser directly on the toenails helps to reach those areas underneath and inside the nail. This is because the type of light used can penetrate through the tough layers of the nails. Laser procedures are very convenient because they can be completed in under 10 minutes per foot.

The PinPointe foot laser is FDA-approved for the temporary increase of clear nail in patients with onychomycosis.

This machine can be used on almost all patients because it has virtually no side effects. In one study, over 83% of people who received three sessions with a laser and improved their foot hygiene had no fungi after 18-months.

Some people start to see visible improvement after just one visit, although you may need to return a small number of times for follow-up.

The laser works by targeting the fungi without hurting your skin and nails. Its designed to be at the right level to penetrate your nail and damage the infecting fungi, while not being too high to cause burning or pain for your feet. Most people dont feel anything, or they just feel a warming sensation.

At the time of the procedure, the toenail will usually not become instantly clearit takes time to grow out. As long as your infection is treated and you dont get re-infected, you should see new healthy, clear nail as it grows out within 12-18 months.

You May Like: How Do You Cure Toe Fungus

A Pharmacist Can Help With Fungal Nail Infections

Speak to a pharmacist if the look of your nail bothers you or it’s painful.

They may suggest:

• antifungal nail cream it can take up to 12 months to cure the infection and does not always work
• nail-softening cream it’s used for 2 weeks to soften the nail so the infected part can be scraped off

The infection is cured when you see healthy nail growing back at the base.

How Is Toenail Fungus Treated

Toenail fungus is notoriously tricky to treat. You may need to treat the condition for several months to get rid of the fungus. Still, toenail fungus often comes back.

A dermatologist or podiatrist can explain your treatment options. If you have a mild case that doesnt bother you, your provider may recommend no treatment.

Toenail fungus treatment options include:

• Oral antifungal medication: You take prescribed medication, such terbinafine , itraconazole and fluconazole , to treat the fungi. You will need to take this medication every day for several months . Your provider may use blood tests to check for potential medication side effects. These medications can affect the liver and interact with other medications, so oral antifungals are not for everyone.
• Topical medication: You regularly apply a medication right on the nail. The medication treats the fungi over time. Topical medications are most effective when paired with oral medications.
• Laser treatments: Your provider directs a high-tech laser beam and special lights at the toenail to treat the fungus. Lasers are FDA approved for temporary increase of clear nail in nail fungus but is not a cure. Cure rates for laser treatment are lower than oral and topical mediations so they are not typically used as first line treatments for nail fungus.
• Surgery:

Don’t Miss: Does Vicks Vapor Rub Help Toe Fungus