What To Do About Toe Nail Fungus
Dear Sunny,
What can I do for toe nail fungus? Im afraid to take the prescribed medications and Id like to get into my sandals this summer.
Sandal-less
Dear Sandal-less,
Fungi are very hardy and virulent creatures that thrive in moist, wet areas. Often times, you see fungus in the form of ringworm and athletes foot. These are relatively easy to cure because they are only on the surface of the skin. Toe nail fungus is harder to conquer because your toe nail acts as a shield to protect the fungus from being harmed. There are several things you can try, but you need to be just as tenacious as the fungus and remember this requires daily attention.
One of the simplest items to use on toe nail fungus is Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar. Braggs vinegar has the Ômother in it, which is rich in enzymes from the fermentation process. So dabbing a cotton ball or soaking your toe in vinegar can help kill the fungus. Another popular remedy is to use tea tree oil. This anti-fungal and anti-viral herb has an aromatic scent and should not be used on open cuts. Always use caution with these two products because they can cause drying action to the skin around the toenail if exposed for lengthy periods of time. Oil of Oregano is another popular very potent anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-viral that can be used to treat many fungal infections. This supplement may be taken both internally and applied externally.
Make your day a sunny day, Sunny
Mayo Clinic Q And A: Toenail Fungus Often Difficult To Eliminate Completely
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: What causes toenail fungus, and what can be done to treat it? Is it contagious?ANSWER: Toenail fungus is an infection thats usually caused by a microscopic organism called dermatophyte fungus. These infections can be contagious, and they are often difficult to eliminate completely. Fortunately, for most healthy adults toenail fungus doesnt pose any serious health risks.
Toenail fungus is a common condition that begins as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your toenail. As the infection goes deeper, nail fungus may cause your nail to discolor, thicken and crumble at the edge. Fungal infections are more likely to happen in your toenails than in your fingernails because toenails often are confined in a dark, warm, moist environment inside your shoes where fungi can thrive. Toes also have less blood flow than fingers, making it harder for your bodys immune system to detect and stop the infection.
The older you are, the more likely you are to get toenail fungus. Thats because as you age, your immune system changes. In addition, your nails become more brittle and drier over time, creating more cracks where fungus can live.
You may see ads publicizing laser treatments for toenail fungus. I usually dont recommend them. They tend to be quite expensive, and at this time most medical insurance does not cover that type of treatment.
Laser Therapy For Fungal Toenails
Now, by many requests from patients, WE HAVE ACQUIRED THE FDA APPROVED LASER THE HYPERBLUE 1530 SYSTEM. This is approved for temporary clearing of fungus of the nail. The laser light penetrates through the nail and soft tissue to both kill fungus in its path, and promotes new nail growth. Once the living fungus is zapped by the laser, healthy nails begin to grow from the cuticle of the nail. This utilizes infrared radiation which is not painful and it is safe to gently heat the base of the nail. This area of the nail is where the fungus survives.
This system eradicates the fungus. It will require repeat visits for treatment over a 3 month period. The treatment is typically 5-15 minutes, spaced 30 days apart for 3 months. As the nail grows slowly, it can take approximately 6-12 months for the new nail to replace the old infected nail. It is VERY EFFECTIVE.
Clinical studies show that the laser kills toenail fungus and promotes clear nail growth with a single treatment in better than 80% of cases. The laser treatment is safe, effective, and most patients improve usually after their first treatment.
There are several advantages of applying laser treatment to toenail fungus. They are:
-
Safe, painless treatment
-
No side effects or drugs
-
No liver enzyme test required
-
No recovery time – just walk in and walk out
-
Only 15 minutes required to treat the toenail fungus on both feet, if all 10 nails are being treated.
You May Like: What Really Gets Rid Of Toenail Fungus
What Is The New Pill For Psoriasis
The most recent developments in psoriasis medication tend to be related to injections and newer injectable treatments. A few new treatments have received FDA approval in 2017 and 2018 after completing clinical trials. However, two oral medications Otezla and Xeljanz have recently become available as oral treatments for psoriasis. Otezla is recommended by doctors and dermatologists for plaque psoriasis whereas Xeljanz is typically being recommended for psoriatic arthritis.
Visit A Dermatology Or Podiatry Healthcare Practice
If you suspect you have developed a skin condition such as fungal growth that has affected your nail beds, a dermatologist or podiatrist may be needed to help. In some cases over-the-counter treatment or topical may be needed to help the affected nail. Topicals help stop the growth of nail fungus or candida. Topical treatments may be recommended by a dermatologist. If you experience any side effects to any treatment options, see your doctor to prevent any severe cases or worsening of the fungus. Check with your dermatologist or podiatrist on what the best treatment options are for you.
Also Check: Where Does Toenail Fungus Live
Toes Arent All That May Turn Purple:
Gentian violet was developed as a medicine and was not used to dye clothing. However, it will stain nearly any tissues it touches. Several years ago, we wrote about gentian violet for treating Candida infections. Although it is effective, patients ended up with purple in some interesting spots.
Q. I have been breastfeeding my baby for seven months and have suffered through recurring infections with Candida albicans. The antifungal pill fluconazole worked but I needed a very high dose. That worries me. Im interested in a more natural approach for this yeast infection. What are your thoughts on gentian violet?
Can Nail Polish Cure Onychomycosis
A fungal infection looks terrible, and it smells even worse. Many people and especially women choose to cover its ugly sight and odor with nail polish. Unfortunately, this trick does not cure onychomycosis. Under the brightly colored polish, the fungi keep evolving and corrupting the nail bed even more.
A safer and more hygienic way of treating nail fungus is using ZetaClear. This organically sourced treatment for onychomycosis stops the bacteria from spreading and gradually kills its development. Daily use restores the full health of your nails in just a few weeks.
Also Check: How To Cure Fungus On Feet Naturally
Can You Soak Your Feet In Vinegar
The antifungal properties also make vinegar soaks a good idea for people who have toenail fungus. Soak your feet for 10 to 15 minutes daily in a vinegar bath until the infection subsides. You can increase the length of time in the soak gradually. It may take two to three weeks or longer to see improvement in symptoms.
How Should Oregano Oil Be Used In Treating Nail Fungus
All thanks to the antifungal properties present in oregano, toenail fungus can be very easily and effectively treated using wild oregano essential oil provided you use the pure oil and take the perfect doses for the right amount of time and in the right quantity.Before applying it on the skin, dilute it with oils like coconut, olive, jojoba or almond which are good for skin too.What essential oils kill toenail fungus?If you have a question in mind as to what essential oils kill toenail fungus, the answer is that there are many essential oils for fungus on skin but oregano oil is the one that treats toenail fungus with perfection.This is the reason out of all the essential oils used for treating toenail fungus, oregano oil is considered the best and can be applied on the skin for a long time without worrying about its side effects. .
Also Check: Is Laser Toenail Fungus Removal Covered By Insurance
Antifungal Nail Polish For Yellow Toenails
What is Yellow Toenail Fungus? Toenail fungus, also called onychomycosis or tinea unguium, is an infection of the toenail bed and underlying plate. Fungus feeds off the protein keratin found in nail tissue, which can cause the yellowing of the nail. The more discolored the nail, the more progressive the infection.
To prevent toenail fungus and yellow toenails you should:
- Trim your toenails straight across so that the nail does not extend beyond the tip of the toe. The tip of the nail is the most vulnerable to infection.
- Dry your feet thoroughly after you get out of the shower or bath.
- Never go barefoot when showering in a public use facility such as a gym or spa. Always where shower shoes or spa slippers.
- Sweaty feet are at an increased risk of contracting toenail fungus. Keep the inside of your shoes dry and free of bacteria by wearing moisture wicking socks and sprinkling your feet and the inside of your shoes with antibacterial foot powder.
- When getting a professional pedicure it is best to bring your own nail tools to minimize the risk of infection. Use only licensed and accredited nail salons and ask questions about the salon’s sterilization practices before making your appointment.
Findings From Lab Studies
A 2013 laboratory study found that tea tree oil is effective in treating the fungus Trichophyton rubrum. This particular fungus commonly affects the toenails and can cause athletes foot.
The study showed that tea tree oil was significantly more effective at inhibiting the growth of T. rubrum than a placebo.
However, the researchers experimented using lab-grown T. rubrum cultures and human nail clippings. It is not clear whether tea tree oil would have the same effects on infected nail tissue in humans.
The researchers also administered the tea tree oil in a nanosuspension. A contains small particles of a drug suspended in water, which makes the drug easier to absorb. It is not clear whether widely available forms of tea tree oil would have the same effects on nail fungus.
Don’t Miss: Does Alcohol Kill Fingernail Fungus
Few Vetted Treatment Options
For years, its been slim pickings in terms of pharmaceuticals. There is a topical called Penlac that seems to work sometimes for very mild cases. Laser treatments sometimes make the nails look a bit better but have not been proven to kill the fungus. Then there are pills that people have to take for several months. The oral medications such as Lamisil or Nizoral are effective, but many people are afraid of them because of potential side effects, including a negative impact on kidney and liver function. Vlahovic admits the search for a cure has been a bit sluggish.
Its not something that people are jumping at doing research on, because you dont have the instant gratification as you would if you would do a clinical trial for athletes foot that only lasts for six weeks, Vlahovic said. Toenail treatment trials have to last for at least a year and that makes them costly.
How To Use Bleach For Treating Toenail Fungus
Bleach is known as the most powerful element to healing your nail fungus . Many people are confused about how exactly they need to use the same. There are a good number of options available in the market for the treatment of a nail fungus. The majority choose bleach because it is very effective and inexpensive.
They are still searching for possible ways to get rid of toenail fungus. People can choose either of the two ways of using bleach for toenail fungus. Here they are:
Donât Miss: How To Get Rid Of Fungus Grass
You May Like: How To Clear Toenail Fungus Naturally
How Effective Are Tablets In Treating Nail Fungus
Tablets for the treatment of nail fungus have been tested in several studies. All participants had an infection on their toenails caused by a skin fungus. Overall, the study results showed that tablets are considerably more effective than nail polishes or creams.
One year after a three-month treatment with terbinafine:
- About 17 out of 100 people who didnt have this treatment no longer had a detectable fungal nail infection.
- About 76 out of 100 people who had this treatment no longer had a detectable fungal nail infection.
In other words, the treatment with terbinafine got rid of the fungal infection in about 59 out of 100 people.
Itraconazole also proved to be effective. After one year,
- 7 out of 100 people who didnt have this treatment no longer had a detectable fungal nail infection.
- About 43 out of 100 people who had this treatment no longer had a detectable fungal nail infection.
In other words, the treatment with itraconazole got rid of the fungal infection in about 36 out of 100 people.
Some studies directly compared itraconazole and terbinafine with each other. They confirm that terbinafine is somewhat more effective than itraconazole.
Treatment with breaks is thought to be about as effective as continuous treatment. But that has only been looked into in a few studies.
How Do You Get Rid Of Stubborn Nail Fungus
Treatment in these situations usually involves the topical medications mentioned earlier, as well as an oral antifungal drug, such as terbinafine or itraconazole. These drugs help a new nail grow free of infection, slowly replacing the infected part. You typically take this type of drug for six to 12 weeks.
Don’t Miss: What To Drink For Nail Fungus
The Spirularin Ns Nail Serum
This nail serum has proven to be a great adjunct to our Cold Laser anti-fungal treatment as that extra bit of protection and security. Just like the nail polish, the primary active agent is Spiralin, but here it is present in greater concentrations, so only one drop needs to be spread between all ten nails. Again, the serum is not just anti-fungal but also anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and actually helps to speed up the growth and regeneration of clear, healthy nails.
Weve found this to be especially useful for those patients that want to speed up nail regeneration as much as possible, as well as those that have a higher risk of fungal re-infection, such as from other people in the household suffering from nail fungus.
While we definitely recommend the use of these combined with cold laser, these are great standalone products too. Its great to see a nail polish that reduces that damage to your nails and has anti-microbial properties to reduce your risk of picking up an infection, and the protection that the serum offers your nails to keep them healthy.
These are available in-store at Masterton Foot Clinic give us a call for more info or if you have any questions!
Fore more information about Cold Laser treatment for fungal nail infections, click here.
Adam & the team at Masterton Foot Clinic
Adam is the Senior Podiatrist and Director of Masterton Foot Clinic. He qualified as a podiatrist in 1999 and has since worked in practice in both Australia and New Zealand.
Polyethylene Glycol For Nail Fungus Nail Fungus Medicine Commercial
What Type Of Coconut Oil Is Best For Toenail Fungus Vicks Vapor Rub Nail Fungus Cure Does Vitamin E Cure Toe Nail Fungus. Pink Box Toenail Fungus Will Selsun Blue Cure Skin Fungus. What Kind Of Doctor Do You Go To For Toe Fungus How Long Does It Take Toenail Fungus To Die With Vinegar. Will Tea Tree Oil Get Rid Of Toenail Fungus Best Apple Cider Foot Soak For Fungus.
Fungus Skin White Spots Miracure Toenail Fungus. Will Wearing Sandals Kill My Toe Fungus Raised Toenail From Fungus What Natural Herbs Kill Foot Fungus. Nail Fungus Pedicure Toenail Fungus Went From Yellow To Black.
Don’t Miss: Can Peroxide Get Rid Of Toenail Fungus
Do Over The Counter Topical Ointments Work
While a search for toenail fungus treatment is likely to recommend the use of topical ointments you can buy from any pharmacy, according to Dr. Wagenseller, Toenail fungus rarely responds to treatment with these topical creams. In order to experience any improvement at all, patients may need to use the over the counter topical creams for years, and once they discontinue use, patients will likely develop toenail fungus again.
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.
Don’t Miss: Where Does Nail Fungus Come From
Baby Foot Peel And Toe Nail Fungus Lacquer For Toenail Fungus Otc
Cpt Code Remove Layer Of Fungus On Great Toe Nizoral For Fungus On Skin Home Remedies To Kill Toenail Fungus. Top 5 Treaments For Toenail Fungus Getting Rid Of Fungus Nail. Japanese Method For Toe Fungus Treadtment Nail Fungus Erasal. Treat Toe Fungus With Peroxide Fungus Growth On Skin Mold.
Powder For Foot Fungus Toe Fungus Cream For Onychomycosis Over The Counter. Alcohol To Get Rid Of Nail Fungus Can You Get Nail Fungus From Touching Somethung How Do You Know If A Child Has A Skin Fungus On Face. Best Doterra Oil For Nail Fungus What Is Correct Mixture Of Vinegar For Toe Nail Fungus.
Recommended Reading: Can Bad Toenail Fungus Be Cured