How To Whiten Toenails With Fungus

How Do Dermatologists Treat A Fungal Nail Infection

Treatment usually begins with your dermatologist trimming your infected nail, cutting back each infected nail to the place where it attaches to your finger or toe. Your dermatologist may also scrape away debris under the nail. This helps get rid of some fungus.

To completely get rid of the infection, most people also need one or more of the following treatments:

Medicine you apply to the nail: If you have a mild infection, a medicine that you apply to your nails may get rid of the infection. This treatment helps keep new fungus out while the nails grow. Fingernails typically grow out in four to six months. Toenails take longer, usually takes 12 to 18 months.

Probably the most difficult part of this treatment is remembering to use it as often as prescribed. Some treatments must be applied every day. Others you apply once a week. To get the best results, its essential that you apply these medicines exactly as directed.

The US Food and Drug Administration has approved the following medicines that you apply to the nail to treat nail fungus:

• Amorolfine

• Efinaconazole

• Tavaborole

Side effects from these medicines are generally mild. Possible side effects include redness and swelling, an ingrown toenail, and stinging or burning when you apply the medicine. In clinical trials, none of these side effects caused patients to stop using the treatment.

The FDA has approved the following systemic medicines to treat nail fungus:

• Fluconazole

Pack The Area With Dental Floss Or Cotton

Mayo Clinic recommends tucking small bits of cotton or waxed dental floss under the edge of an ingrown toenail to encourage proper nail growth. Not every medical group agrees.

According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, placing cotton under your nail may increase pain and allow harmful bacteria to thrive. Soaking the cotton or floss in alcohol before application may help reduce this risk.

Leaving Nail Polish On Too Long

Leaving nail polish on too long can also cause discoloration of the toenails.

Dont leave nail polish on for longer than two weeks and give your nails a break from polish before reapplying, says Dr. Sutera. Also, try using a base coat, especially for highly pigmented colors like red, brown, blue, and black. This type of superficial discoloration can be gently buffed off as well.

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Best Medicated Nail Polish: Arishine Toenail Fungus Treatment

• Treats discoloration, brittleness, and cracked nails

• Easy, on-the-go treatment

• Only works on nail plates

• Treatment process can be slow

The Arishine Toenail Treatment has the design and convenience of a pencil. Perfect for storing in a bag or pocket while at work, the repair pencil allows you to use a paintable nail polish on your infected toenail three times a day with ease to treat a nail fungal issue.

The Arishine treatment uses two percent deacetylated chitin, three percent O-hydroxybenzoic acid, and Angelica dahurica as active ingredients to get rid of fungus and heal the damage. This solution can help treat discoloration, brittleness, split, rough, and cracked nails. Ultimately, this medicated nail polish can lead to stronger and healthier nails.

Arishine is made of natural ingredients and does not conduct animal testing. Treatment requires three applications a day and should be used for four to 12 weeks, although improvement may be visible in as few as two weeks. Arishine offers customers a satisfaction guarantee.

Active Ingredients: Deacetylated chitin , O-hydroxybenzoic acid , and Angelica dahurica | Dose: Applicator automatically delivers correct amount with two to three clicks. Apply around nail on cuticles and under nail bed. | Uses: Treats fungus infection on and around nails helps heal discolored, brittle nails

Make Sure Your Shoes Fit

Make sure that youre wearing shoes that fit appropriately and you have enough room in the toe box of the shoe, both in width and in height, says Dr. McEneaney. I think a lot of time people make sure that the shoe is wide enough but the top of it may narrow out a lot and may cause rubbing and problems.

If you do have fungus, you may want to throw out your shoes or treat them. Discard old shoes or treat them with disinfectants or antifungal powders, says Dr. Mendeszoon.

And keep socks in mind, too. Wear sweat-absorbing socks or change your socks throughout the day, says Dr. Mendeszoon.

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Thick White Stuff Under Toenails

That thick white stuff is a buildup of keratin and is most often a result of nail fungus.

However, its important to note that although nail fungus is a far more common cause, if you have psoriasis, it may not be fungus, but your psoriasis spreading to your nails.

If you have psoriasis, the only way to really know whether your affected toenails are a result of a fungal infection or psoriasis spreading to your nails is to see a dermatologist.

Natural Ways To Deal With Nail Fungus

Fight the funk.

This article was written by Hallie Levine and provided by our partners at Prevention.

That pedicure you shelled out big bucks for may have left you with an unwelcome gift: onychomycosis, otherwise known as nail fungus. Or maybe its a souvenir from the shared showers at your gym or your barefoot walks around the public pool. Although it starts innocuously enough, as a white or yellow spot underneath your finger or toenail, your nail can start to thicken and even crumble as the fungus penetrates deeper and deeper. Ick. And fungus is more likely to appear and persist in your toenails because your tootsies are often confined in the warm, moist environment of your shoes, where these little buggers can thrive.

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, dont always work, 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, 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.

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How To Cure Toenail Fungus With Snakeroot Extract

Snakeroot extract is obtained from plants of the sunflower family. Studies have shown that snakeroot extract is quite effective in treating the black toenail fungus. Its effect on the infection is similar to that of various prescribed medications.

How to use?

• Apply the snakeroot extract on the fungal growth.
• For the desired results use this remedy every third day of the week in the first month, then two times a week in the second month and only once a week in the third month.

Benefits of Snakeroot extract

Snakeroot extract has potent antifungal properties that make it an effective remedy for how to get rid of toenail fungus. Application of it in the prescribed manner will eliminate the fungus causing the infection.

Precautions

Use the snakeroot extract as prescribed. Do not overdo the application of the extract as it may cause an adverse effect.

Wear Footwear In Pool Areas Locker Rooms And Hotel Rooms

If youre walking around barefoot where somebody else has athletes foot or nail fungus, they can spread this to you, says Dr. McEneaney. You want to make sure if youre showering in a communal area that youre wearing a shower shoe or sandal if youre walking around barefoot poolside or even things like a hotel room. This type of stuff can be spread this way.

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How To Treat Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungal infections, no matter the type, rarely go away without prescription medical treatment. over-the-counter products might help soothe symptoms, but they dont kill the fungus. That usually takes several months or up to a year to fully cure.

Generally, oral and topical antifungal medications are prescribed.

The slowness of the treatment is due to the slow growth of the nails. Toenails grow on average only 1 millimeter per month, so it takes one year for the whole nail to grow out, says Dr. Lipner.

In addition to prescription medicine therapy, there are a few toenail foot soaks you can try to soothe symptoms and promote healing.

How To Use It

Apply mentholated ointment directly to the affected nail. Do this about once a day for several weeks or until the nail shows noticeable improvements.

Vinegar is a common household product found in cooking and some home cleaning solutions. Though no clinical evidence exists to date, there is anecdotal evidence to suggest that vinegar is an effective tool to help treat toenail fungus.

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How To Prevent Toenail Fungus

Following a healthy and hygienic lifestyle can prevent toenail fungus. Here are some tips that can be useful in avoiding the growth of fungus on toenails

• Wash your feet regularly to keep the microbes at bay.
• Keep your nails trimmed and smoothen their edges with a filer.
• If your feet sweat a lot, then wear sweat absorbing socks or change your socks at regular time intervals.
• Wear shoes made of breathable material
• Use sterilized tools for the pedicure.
• Wear footwear when in the locker rooms or at the poolside.

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.

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There Is A Wide Range Of Options With Varying Success Rates

Other than keeping your toenails trimmed and perhaps painted, you may not pay much attention to them unless a problem develops. Healthy toenails are pink, shiny and smooth, but a fungal infection can cause them to become discolored, thick, brittle and even painful.

Toenail fungal infection, known as onychomycosis, is a common but challenging condition toenail fungus treatments include a wide range of options with varying success rates.

Causes of toenail fungus

Fungal nail infections are usually caused by fungi called dermatophytes that infect the skin beneath the nail yeast is another common culprit. Toenails are especially vulnerable to infection when your bare feet contact damp surfaces such as showers, swimming pools and locker rooms. If you have athletes foot, the infection can spread to the nails.

Wearing closed shoes such as athletic shoes for extended periods also can contribute to infection if your shoes and/or socks are damp from perspiration or heat. Moreover, if your shoes fit snugly enough to put pressure on your toes, they can damage the nail bed, making it more susceptible to infection.

People with chronic diseases, such as diabetes or circulatory problems, also may be more prone to toenail infections.

Symptoms of toenail fungus

Toenail fungus symptoms can develop slowly over time and may go unnoticed at first. Symptoms can include:

Toenail fungus treatments

When to see a doctor for toenail fungus

Preventing toenail fungus

How Do You Get A Fungal Nail Infection

Most fungal nail infections occur as a result of the fungi that cause athletes foot infecting the nails.

These fungi often live harmlessly on your skin, but they can sometimes multiply and lead to infections. The fungi prefer warm, dark and moist places like the feet.

Youre more likely to get a fungal nail infection if you:

• dont keep your feet clean and dry
• wear shoes that cause your feet to get hot and sweaty
• walk around barefoot in places where fungal infections can spread easily, such as communal showers, locker rooms and gyms
• have damaged your nails
• have a weakened immune system
• have certain other health conditions, such as diabetes, psoriasis or peripheral arterial disease

Fungal nail infections can be spread to other people, so you should take steps to avoid this if you have an infection.

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What To Expect From A Toenail Fungus Soak

While some toenail fungus infections are easier to treat than others, we should be clear that you shouldnt solely rely on a toenail fungus soak to kill fungus permanently.

I havent seen any compelling evidence that soaks will help in the treatment of fungal infection of the nails, says dermatologist Rajani Katta, MD, who serves as volunteer clinical faculty at Baylor College of Medicine and McGovern Medical School at UT Health in Houston.

However, a soak may help ease symptoms such as itching and burning and help stave off bacteria. It could take weeks or several months of consistent soaks to see improvementor they might not work at all.

Be mindful that although your toes look and feel better, the fungus could still be alive and lingering and can spread to other toes and areas of the foot.

One caveat: if you have diabetes and notice changes in your toenails or feetthink redness, swelling, a color change, or a black vertical streak on your toenaildont try a foot soak. In fact, people with diabetes should check in with a doctor if they notice any foot-related changes at all.

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.

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How To Clear Up Fungal Toenails Fast

Nobody likes toenail fungus. The yellow, brittle toenails, however, are very common. Toenail fungus is not only embarrassing, but it can lead to further, more serious foot conditions if not treated.

If you have an event or maybe a beach vacation coming up, and you want to show off your cute and relaxing sandals, you want to get rid of your toenail fungus fast.

As toenail fungus is a common foot health issue, many treatment options are now available. There are over-the-counter creams, and pills as well as those prescribed by your podiatrist.

There are also natural, at-home toe fungal treatments as well that include the use of essential oils, spices, vinegar and a healthy diet.

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.

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How Do You Get Nail Fungus

Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments. Its no surprise that fungal infections most often occur in places on your body that tend to be warm and moist for extended periods of time. Places like between your warm toes, wrapped in insulating socks and shoes, or in your crotch area along the fold where your leg meets your body.

Places that often rarely see the light of day and cleansing UV rays.

Nail fungus, Athletes foot, Jock itch, and ringworm are all generally classified as tinea.

Nail fungus is a fungal infection in the nails, Athletes foot is tinea on your feet, jock itch happens in the crotch area and ringworm can occur anywhere on your body, but some of the most common places are on the scalp and under the breasts.

Why are we talking about Athletes foot, jock itch, and ringworm when you want to know about thick white stuff under your toenails?

Theres a very good reason! They are all the same classification of fungal infection and an infection on one part of your body can spread to another part.

All fungal infections are contagious.

Its thought that one of the most common causes of jock itch is due to athletes foot spreading from your feet to crotch simply by putting on underwear, where the fungus hitches a ride up and settles into an equally warm, moist environment where it takes hold.

Nail fungus is often contracted from the spread of athletes foot to the toenails.