How To Treat Foot Fungus At Home

April 27, 2022

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Here Are Some Other Conditions You May Have Instead Of Fungal Nails:

How to treat toenail fungus at home

Lines and ridges: These are common and may be considered normal. They may worsen during pregnancy. A large groove down the center of the nail can be caused by nail biting. Some people may develop these changes following chemotherapy.

Senile nails: As you age, the nails become brittle and develop ridges and separation of the nail layers at the end of the nail. To avoid this, try to clean solutions and dont soak the nails in water.

Whitish or yellowish nails can occur due to onycholysis. This means separation of the nail from the nail bed. The color you see is air beneath the nail. The treatment is to trim the nail short, dont clean under it, polish if you want to hide the color, and wait two to three months. Persistent onycholysis can make the nails susceptible to fungal infection.

Red or black nails due to a hematoma, or blood under the nail, usually occur from trauma. The discolored area will grow out with the nail and be trimmed off as you trim your nails. If you have a black spot under your nail that was not caused by trauma, you may want to see a dermatologist or a podiatrist if it involves a toenail to make sure it is not melanoma . A simple biopsy can rule out malignancy .

Pitted nails may be associated with psoriasis or other skin problems that affect the nail matrix, the area under the skin just behind the nail. This is the area from which the nail grows. Nails affected by psoriasis can also be tan in color.

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.

What Is The Outcome For Someone Who Has Nail Fungus

With treatment, many people can get rid of nail fungus. Even when the fungus clears, your nail may look unhealthy until the infected nail grows out. A fingernail grows out in 4 to 6 months and a toenail in 12 to 18 months.

To clear the fungus, its important to:

Use the treatment exactly as prescribed
Apply the medicine for as long as prescribed
Keep all follow-up appointments with your dermatologist

Nail fungus can be stubborn. If you had a severe infection, its possible to clear the infection. A healthy looking nail, however, may be unrealistic, but you can expect the nail to look better and feel more comfortable.

Even with clearing, nail fungus can return. Youll find steps to reduce your risk in Tips: 12 ways to prevent another nail infection.

ImageGetty Images

ReferenceGold LFS and Rosen T. Onychomycosis: Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies. Dermatology News . March 2016:2-15.

Home Remedies For Athletes Foot

Tea Tree Oil:

Touted for their strong antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-fungal properties, the essential oil obtained from tea tree leaves has been treating skin infections since ancient times. The presence of tannic acid in the oil not only gets rid of bacteria and germs but also acts as an astringent and helps dry out sweaty feet to prevent the growth and spreading of the infection. Also Read: Tea Tree Oil: 5 Health Benefits of This Incredible Essential Oil

Mix a few drops of tea tree oil combined with a carrier oil such as olive or coconut oil and apply it on the affected area 2-4 times a day to thwart off the infection.

Baking Soda:

Being a natural anti-fungal agent, they provide relief from many microbial strains that infect the skin and nails. This mixture of sodium and bicarbonate ions not only helps in absorbing unpleasant foot odours but also relieves the itchiness and burning sensation in between the toes or on the feet.

Make a paste of baking soda and water and apply in all over the infected skin to get rid of the foot infection.

Sea Salt:

Imbued with potent anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties, the sea salt granules provide an effective remedy for athletes foot. It also holds high significance in healing cuts and sores by reducing inflammation and prevents smelly foot.

Soak your feet in a tub containing warm water infused with sea salt for 5-10 minutes to assist healing and prevent the spreading of the infection.

Garlic:

Yogurt:

Foot Soak:

Green Tea:

How Do You Get Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungal infections are caused when different types of fungi, like yeast or mold, in the outside environment make their way underneath the nail. It thrives in warm moist areas. You can get it from letting your feet stay wet, either from sweat or residual water, for an extended period of time. You can also get it by coming in contact with the fungi and it making its way beneath your toenail.

Recommended Reading: How To Manage Toenail Fungus

Signs And Symptoms Of Foot Fungus

Itchy skin is an early sign of foot fungus, or scaly, peeling skin, or tiny blisters on the skin that will pop at times, says Sundling. The skin tends to break out in the shape of a moccasin, or the area of the foot that a moccasin would cover. You dont see foot fungus on the top of the foot very often. Its common to get a fungal infection between the toes as well, she adds.

Types Of Toenail Fungus And Symptoms

The symptoms of most fungal toenail infections are similar, says Dr. Zahn. The hallmark symptoms include nail discoloration, nail separation, brittleness, thickening of the nail, and sometimes pain.

Yet, those symptoms are present in other conditions like psoriasis or from banging your toenail. With the symptoms so similar, its difficult to identify the type of fungal infection on your own.

Your doctor or dermatologist may take a small sample of the debris beneath the nail, trim the nail, or scrape a tiny bit of skin to pinpoint the type of fungus.

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Home Remedies For Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis or tinea unguium, is a common nail condition affecting millions of people in the United States. Fungal nail infections can develop on the nail from various organisms such as molds, yeasts, and fungi. This usually occurs after these organisms come into contact with a cracked nail or skin surrounding the nail as the opening provides a portal of entry for these organisms.

Solutions To Stop Foot Fungus Growth And Minimize Risk

Athlete’s Foot Fungus Cure in 3 Minutes! **Simple Home Trick**

DO NOT use the same washcloth, sponge, or loofah on any other part of your body, as the fungal infection can easily be spread to places such as the groin, armpits, and face. Apply this same advice to the towel you use for drying your feet.

Because all plants are anti-fungal, plant-based lotions are fine to use after washing, especially hemp, but wait until youve read about the actual foot fungus treatment before considering applying lotion while the foot fungus is still a problem. After all, we want to minimize moisture accumulation until the fungal infection is healed.

Read Also: How To Cure Toe Nail Fungus

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.

How To Treat Toenail Fungus

You can use simple home remedies to get rid of toenail fungus, or a podiatrist can take care of toenail fungus, particularly if it is caught early.

Topical or oral treatments can also work on toenail fungus, as well as the removal of the infected nail. A temporary removal can work to treat the area, but a permanent removal so that the bad nail wont grow back can also be performed.

Recommended Reading: How To Cure Bad Foot Fungus

What To Look For In A Toenail Fungus Treatment

Severity

Toenail fungus, if left untreated, can become a tough problem to treat and will greatly influence what medications you need. If the toenails are thick, yellowed, and left untreated for a long time, that could indicate you need a prescription for oral medication.

Location

Fungal infections can start on the nails and transfer to this skin, or start on the skin and transfer to the nails. It is important to treat both as they will continue to spread.

Ingredients

Zinc undecylenate and undecylenic acid are both FDA-approved ingredients to treat toenail fungus Also, if you seek help from a professional, they will likely prescribe medications in the azole family. This compound interferes with the synthesis of the fungal cell membrane, which essentially kills the fungus.

Type

Toenail fungus treatments can come in a variety of forms, but oral, topical, and homeopathic medications are the most commonly used for treating toenail fungus.

Sprinkle On Talcum Powder

How to Get Rid of Toenail Fungus Fast at Home

Talcum powder wont cure foot fungus, but it could help by keeping your feet clean and dry. This, in turn, could keep the fungus from growing and spreading. Sprinkle talcum powder on your feet or in your shoes daily for a week and see if it helps. Baby powder or even corn starch may have similar effects.

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When To See A Doctor About Toenail Fungus

If you are experiencing persistent toenail fungus or pain is present, you may need to see a specialist. A dermatologist or podiatrist may be able to assess your symptoms and send a small sample of the affected toenail or flesh to a laboratory to be analyzed as there are various types of fungi and yeasts that cause onychomycosis. Knowing the specific cause of your foot fungus can help identify what route to take to treat your condition.

Nail changes can also be caused by underlying conditions, like psoriasis and diabetes, so its important to seek professional medical advice if your condition persists or worsens. Bacterial and fungal infection of skin in diabetes patients often result in hospital admissions, and in severe cases, can result in amputations. If you are at a higher risk for infection, you should skip home remedies and seek professional medical treatment.

Is Nail Fungus Easily Treatable

Toenail fungus infections often require diligent treatment to be successful. Early-stage toenail fungus may respond to home treatments, such as those listed below. Apply the treatment to the affected nail several times daily you may need to treat for six months or more to clear the infection as it takes 6-12 months for a full nail to grow out.

Tea tree oil: This oil has antifungal properties, and studies found they performed as well as some over-the-counter and prescription topical antifungal treatments.

Baking soda: Researchers found that baking soda prevented fungal growth in 79 percent of the specimens tested. Apply a paste of baking soda and water directly to the affected nail and let it sit for at least 10 minutes before rinsing.

Vinegar and hydrogen peroxide also are popular home remedies for toenail fungus, but have not been shown to be effective in clinical studies.

Over-the-counter treatments for toenail fungus include creams, ointments, sprays and liquids. Ask your pharmacist for a recommendation or look for these ingredients, and follow the directions carefully:

Tolnaftate
Terbinafine

Laser treatment

Laser treatment for fungal nail infections is the newest treatment option, though it has now been available for many years. It has shown significantly higher success rates and has been the delight of many patients. It should be noted that there are two variations of laser available, hot and cold laser, and its important to know the difference.

Change Your Socks Daily

When laundry is piling up, it may be tempting to pull a pair of socks out of the hamperbut try not to. Wearing clean socks each day is a key part of foot hygiene and can keep foot fungus from spreading. Be sure to change your socks daily to not re-infect your feet with dirty socks, Rodney explains. Moisture-wicking socks are another option, especially during workouts when your feet may get extra sweaty.

Making A Foot Soak With Epsom Salt For Toenail Fungus

6 Effective HOME REMEDIES To CURE Toenail FUNGUS | Holistic Toenail Fungus Cures Part 2 | Dr. Kim

Making Epsom foot soak is rather easy. Here is the step-by-step process:

First, you will have to buy a plastic tub or some other vessel. Make sure this tub is used exclusively for the foot soak. This is especially important if youre using Epsom salt to treat toenail fungus as you dont want for fungus to spread

Fill the tub with water and add Â½ cup of Epsom salt. Its better if you use lukewarm or hot water. There is no need to feel cold

You will need to soak your feet for at least 30 minutes. When treating toenail fungus, this treatment will have to be repeated each day

You can add essential oils to improve the smell. It is also possible to combine Epsom salt with other popular home remedies for toenail fungus

After the soak, you will have to dry your feet properly. Fungus loves humid environment so you will have to make sure your feet are dry at all times

If you notice any issues, pain, inflammation, make sure to contact your doctor immediately

Recommended Reading: How To Get Rid Of Fingernail Fungus Fast

Also Check: What Is Good For Fungus On Your Feet

Clean Socks And Shoes

Regularly changing your socks and shoes can also cut down on the growth of unwanted foot fungus. Both socks and athletic shoes can also be washed in hot water to rid the growth of yeasts and fungi that may be growing on the fabric. Some shoes can be machine dried. Drying shoes in the sun is another option when cleaning footwear.

Adding a half-cup of baking soda or one cup of vinegar to the washing machine can help eliminate bacteria or fungus on socks or shoes.

Boots and other footwear that are not machine washable could be wiped out with a vinegar and water solution or sprayed with an over-the-counter antifungal spray. Medicated powders are also helpful in treating shoes for foot fungus.

Allowing the feet to breathe by taking off shoes and socks when possible can prevent fungal growth. Protect your feet by wearing breathable footwear and clean socks. Antimicrobial socks and shoes made from bamboo, copper, or specialty fabrics are also available. They can help reduce unwanted bacteria and yeast from growing in your footwear.

A proactive approach to keeping your feet clean and dry can prevent the spread of toenail fungus. You can wash or soak feet with warm soapy water or a foot bath using everyday household items. Soaking your feet in an all-natural, homeopathic concoction can be beneficial in reducing or eliminating toenail fungus.

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:

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Your Options For Treating Toenail Fungus

If you think you may have toenail fungus, you should see a podiatrist or dermatologist, who will send a specimen or a piece of your nail to a lab. Different types of fungus are treated slightly differently, so its important to know which type you have, says Sundling.

Also, sometimes the root of the problem is not a fungus at all, but rather another condition, or some kind of trauma to the nail bed for instance, if you dropped something on your toe. There is no treatment for toenail trauma, but removing the nail may be an option if the nail is painful.

If you do have a toenail fungus, your doctor will likely recommend one or more of the following treatment options:

Treatments For Foot Rot Without Seeing A Doctor

9 Best Home Remedies for Toenail Fungus to Prevent Infection

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.