What Should I Ask My Healthcare Provider About Toenail Fungus
If you have toenail fungus, you may find it helpful to ask your provider:
- What type of infection do I have?
- Do you recommend I treat it? Why or why not?
- How long will I need treatment?
- What steps can I take to stop it from coming back?
- Should I be aware of any potentially serious complications or treatment side effects?
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Toenail fungus is an incredibly common infection that can be difficult to treat. The condition usually isnt painful, but it may make you feel self-conscious about how your foot looks. If it bothers you, talk to your provider about your treatment options. A trained specialist can provide guidance on whats most likely to address your concerns while protecting your overall health.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 12/17/2020.
References
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.
The Breathing Foot Soak
For this method, you will soak your toenails in 2% hydrogen peroxide for approximately 5 minutes using the breathing method.
You may be asking what is the breathing method?
When you are soaking your foot in the solution you will press on the affected nail and then release it. Perform this technique multiple times during the soak on each affected nail. This will almost act like your nail is breathing and ensure that you will get hydrogen peroxide in every nook and cranny of your nail.
This essentially increases effectiveness of the soak. Repeat this daily until you see improvement. People have seen results within as little as 3 weeks.
Read Also: What Are The Symptoms Of Toe Fungus
Making The Vinegar Foot Soak
Vinegar will not hurt your feet, but you should still dilute it for a foot soak. Generally, using 1-part vinegar to 2-parts water is a good ratio. If youre tolerating the diluted vinegar soaks, and not noticing any difference, you can use a stronger soak.
While the soak will smell strong, the odor will dissipate after the vinegar dries from your feet. You can also use essential oils to change the scent slightly.
Toenail Fungus Treatment Options
Treatment of onychomycosis will vary, depending on the severity of the infection and the type of fungus that initially triggered the infection. Topical treatments like antifungal creams and medicated nail lacquers are among the most effective treatment options for toenail fungus.
Laser treatment or the surgical removal of the toenail may be necessary in more severe cases of toenail fungus. Over-the-counter products and home remedies are also methods used alone or in conjunction with prescription drugs to treat nail fungus and prevent reinfection.
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Nail Removal Home Remedies And Laser Treatment
In the most serious instances of toenail fungus infection, the toenail may be removed surgically or dissolved with acid. This can be done to just a portion of the nail in the hope that the remaining nail will grow back healthy. In cases where the entire toenail has to be removed, artificial nails and products using light-cured resins to form a temporary covering can be used to protect the underlying tissue until the nail grows back.
If you prefer to go the home-remedy route, such as applying tea tree oil or Vicks VapoRub to your nails, keep in mind that the effectiveness of these products for treating toenail fungus hasn’t been well studied, and they are not recommended by podiatrists.
Finally, the Food and Drug Administration has approved several laser devices for temporary increase in clear nails in patients with onychomycosis. But while laser treatments are vigorously marketed, clinical trials of lasers have reported mixed results, and the treatments may not be covered by health insurance. If you wish to try laser treatment of toenail fungus, speak to your doctor about what to expect from the treatment, and call your insurance carrier to find out whether the treatment will be covered.
Additional reporting by Susan Jara.
What Are Common Side Effects Of Psoriasis Medication
There are a variety of medication types and drug classes used to treat psoriasis. This means that side effects can vary greatly depending on your lifestyle and other medications youre taking. This is not a full list and you should discuss any possible side effects with your healthcare professional.
Some of the most common side effects of psoriasis medication include:
- Application site redness
- Stinging
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Using A Mixture With Vinegar
Like in the previous case, you will have to use a bit weaker version of the product. Going with 3% H2O2 will do the trick. You will have to prepare the same items as before, but now, you will also need vinegar.
Also read: How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar For Toenail Fungus?
There are two approaches to this method. Generally speaking, experts recommend using the second method instead of the first. This is because, during the first method, you will directly mix vinegar and hydrogen peroxide which leads to the creation of peracetic acid, a substance that doesnt create proper results.
- Method 1 can last anywhere from 1 to 10 minutes. You will have to mix water, vinegar, and hydrogen in a tub or a vessel. Stir the mixture and soak your feet. Although this method can take a few minutes, we recommend that you soak your feet for at least 10 minutes. Finish by properly drying your feet.
Does Hydrogen Peroxide Kill Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus is a really nasty condition.
Perhaps the only positive thing about it is that it’s easy to diagnose. Even you can notice the discoloration of the toenails, which may turn white, yellow, or brown. The condition is mostly visual, but if left untreated, there is a good chance that it will affect other toenails as well.
Also read: Why Are My Toenails Yellow?
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Different Methods To Use Chlorine Bleach For Toenail Fungus
To use chlorine bleach for toenail fungus, you can use two main methods:
- Soak your feet in chlorine bleach
Soaking your feet in chlorine bleach is one of the common ways to treat nail fungus. It is also the most effective method because it does not irritate the skin. Here is how to prepare chlorine bleach soak.
Fill up a tub or pan with water. At least one of your feet must fit easily in this tub or pan. Take about one cap of chlorine bleach and pour it into the tub. The exact quantity to prepare the soak is to mix one tablespoon of bleach for every gallon of water.
Place your foot in the tub for about fifteen to twenty minutes. Dry your feet after this. You must soak your foot in this soak at least twice a day. If it causes discomfort or itching, then stop foot soak.
Adding essential oils to this foot soak can make it more effective. It includes tea tree oil, oil of oregano, or Epsom salt.
- Application of Chlorine Bleach to the nail
This is the second way to treat toenail fungus with chlorine bleach. Here is how to apply the chlorine bleach directly
STEP ONE: Apply petroleum jelly to your nail and its surrounding skin.
STEP TWO: All you have to do is dip a cotton bud or cotton in undiluted chlorine bleach.
STEP THREE: The take this cotton bud and apply it to the toenail with fungal infection.
STEP FOUR: Use the other end of the cotton bud or a clean, dry piece of cotton to remove extra bleach from the skin.
- Bleach pen
Whos At Risk For Fungal Infections
There are many different causes of fungal nail infections. Each cause has a treatment of its own. Although many of the causes of a fungal nail infection are preventable, some risk factors increase the likelihood of developing one. Youre more likely to develop a fungal nail infection if you:
- wear closed-toe shoes, such as tennis shoes or boots
Nail infections occur more often in men than in women, and the infections are found in adults more often than in children. If you have family members who often get these types of fungal infections, youre more likely to get them as well.
Older adults have a high risk for getting fungal nail infections because they have poorer circulation. The nails also grow more slowly and thicken as we age.
A fungal infection of the nail may affect part of the nail, the entire nail, or several nails.
Common signs of a fungal nail infection include:
- a distorted nail that may lift off from the nail bed
- an odor coming from the infected nail
- a brittle or thickened nail
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How Can I Prevent Toenail Fungus
Theres no way to guarantee that you wont get toenail fungus. But you can take several steps to help prevent it:
- Avoid going barefoot in communal areas such as hotel rooms / showers, public showers, locker rooms and swimming pools. Most people pick up fungus in these situations. It helps to wear flip flops in these public areas.
- If you have a family member with foot fungus or nail fungus, try to use different shower or wear flip flops in the shower to avoid coming in contact with it.
- Trauma due to accidental or aggressive clipping of the nails can turn into portals of entry for the fungus.
- Clean your nail trimmer before using it.
- Do not tear or rip your toenails on purpose.
- If you have diabetes, follow all foot care recommendations from your healthcare provider.
- Keep your feet dry. Make sure to fully dry your feet after a shower.
- Soak toenails in warm water before cutting them. Or you can cut your nails after a shower or bath.
- Trim toenails straight across .
- Wear shoes that fit correctly. They should not be too loose or tight around the toes.
Will Clorox Kill Toenail Fungus
Fact Checked
Toenail fungus is an infection caused by the presence of fungi. Nail fungus often begins as a simple white or yellow area beneath the nail but can quickly progress to causing the entire nail to discolor, thicken and even crumble. There are several treatment options available for toenail fungus, but the use of standard Clorox bleach is a time-tested remedy that many people decide to use.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
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What Is The Most Effective Treatment For Toenail Fungus
The most effective toenail fungus treatment for you will largely depend on your symptoms and situation. Your provider will consider several factors before recommending a treatment plan thats customized to you.
Overall, oral antifungal medications may offer the most treatment potential. Pairing oral drugs with topical antifungal medication may make treatment more effective.
Does Antifungal Nail Polish Really Work
The answer is Yes! This is because the antifungal nail polish utilizes natural ingredients such as tea tree oil, lavender oil and more to the treat the nail fungal infection. We dont recommend covering up your nails with a normal nail polish, because polishing your nails with a normal nail polish can make the infection a lot worst and can even be harder to treat even with the most effective treatment.
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Nu Wave Nail Polish Affordable
Nu Wave Nail Polish is one of the most popular antifungal nail polish on the market today. This product is not only antifungal but also antibacterial and antiviral, making it much more effective. It contains an ingredient called undecylenic acid, which is able to fight against fungus for up to a week. You will enjoy the benefits of this natural treatment and will be able to enjoy attractive, natural looking nails once more.
Nu Wave Nail Polish is developed by two women podiatrists in the US who wanted to establish a cure for their patients. If you want to treat and cover up your toenail fungus with an affordable treatment, then Nu Wave Nail Polish is the way to go.
Using Hydrogen Peroxide For Nail Fungus
Currently, there are 35 million people affected by toenail fungus. The side effects of this are not only physical but also psychological since it directly impacts the appearance of the nails.
After having the first-hand experience with this type of fungal infection for over 6 years, I know exactly how it feels not wanting to wear flip flops or sandals because my nails were so ugly. After doing some research I heard about using hydrogen peroxide on nail fungus. Turns out I actually had some in my bathroom.
Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical compound that is typically used as a disinfectant for wounds. However, people have reported successes online using hydrogen peroxide for their fungal infections.
In fact, I even used on a very thick and brittle nail and watched the fungus begin to bubble a little when I applied hydrogen peroxide on my nail. In this article, you will learn 3 reasons you should be using hydrogen peroxide for fungus.
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Drs Remedy Enriched Nail Polish Best Antifungal Nail Polish
Dr.s Remedy Enriched Nail Polish is one of the most powerful antifungal nail polish on the market today. When it comes to hiding toenail fungus, Dr.s Remedy Enriched Nail Polish will give you a look you want with the treatment that you need. It is available in a variety of aesthetically pleasing colors, such as Playful Pink, Brave Berry, Amity Amethyst, Resilient Rose and more.
If you want to cover up your nails then we strongly recommend using Dr.s Remedy Enriched Nail Polish on Amazon. If your nail fungus is at an early stage, which would be discolored nails, you can apply one or two coats and have a very attractive nail in no time. This polish can also be worn on your toenails up to three weeks and up to a week on your fingernails.
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
-
Itraconazole
-
Terbinafine
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Tips To Prevent Fungal Nail Infections
Making a few simple lifestyle changes can help prevent a fungal infection of the nails. Taking good care of your nails by keeping them well trimmed and clean is a good way to prevent infections.
Also avoid injuring the skin around your nails. If youre going to have damp or wet hands for an extended amount of time, you may want to wear rubber gloves.
Other ways to prevent fungal infections of the nails include:
- washing your hands after touching infected nails
- drying your feet well after showering, especially between your toes
- getting manicures or pedicures from trustworthy salons
- avoiding being barefoot in public places
- reducing your use of artificial nails and nail polish
Products to help you avoid nail fungus
If youre prone to excessive moisture around your fingernails or toenails, consider buying:
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