best toe nail fungus remedy

zarin42762 April 30, 2023 Comment

Toenail fungus can be frustrating to deal with and unsightly to look at. Fortunately, there are some effective home remedies for toenail fungus that you can follow to get rid of it.

Toenail fungus is common and affects 14% of the people in the US (1). It is commonly found in the elderly. It usually results in discoloration and breakage. If left untreated, the fungus can harden the nails and spread to the other toes. While over-the-counter prescription medications are the best way to treat toenail fungus, people opt for natural alternatives to avoid their side effects. The good news is that there are various home remedies you can try along with prescription medication to bid your toenail fungus goodbye. Scroll down to know more!

Toenail fungus is a common condition that affects the toenails. It is also known as onychomycosis, and it occurs when fungi colonize the space between the toe and the toe bed (tissue right underneath the toenail), resulting in thick yellow or brown toenails. This typically occurs through a cut or crack in your toe. It is highly contagious and can spread to other toenails quickly (1).

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Nail fungal infections are typically caused by a class of fungi known as dermatophytes, which include species of Candida. Some of the common causes of a toenail fungal infection:

Curious to know how to get rid of this condition? Check out the most effective home remedies and treatments for toenail fungus in the next section.

Tea tree oil can be used to treat onychomycosis. Applying it topically can help treat the symptoms of nail fungus and improve the appearance of the affected nails (2).

Cure Toenail Fungus Naturally: Home Remedies To Treat Toenail Fungus

Oregano oil is an essential oil that possesses powerful antifungal properties (5). Hence, it can help alleviate the symptoms of a fungal nail infection by destroying its root cause.

Research shows that olive leaf extract exhibits antifungal properties (6). Its bioactive constituents can eliminate the fungal infection and make your toenail healthy again.

Ozonized sunflower oil may exhibit fungistatic properties. This can make it suitable for treating toenail fungus as the ozone can diffuse into the fungal wall, thereby inhibiting its proliferation (7).

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A vinegar foot bath is one of the common home remedies to treat toenail fungus. This can be attributed to the antimicrobial properties of the vinegar solution that can also prevent further infection (8).

Garlic contains a bioactive compound called ajoene that possesses antimycotic properties (9). This helps garlic to fight the fungal infection that causes toenail fungus.

Sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda, exhibits antifungal activity against fungal infections (10). This makes it suitable for use in the treatment of toenail fungus or onychomycosis.

Fungal Nail Infections

Mouthwash contains active ingredients like cetylpyridinium chloride, chlorhexidine, essential oils, fluoride, and peroxide that exhibit antifungal properties (13). This may help treat onychomycosis.

The remedies mentioned above may help eliminate the infection and provide relief. However, if these home remedies are not proving effective and the infection persists, consult a doctor about other treatment options.

Toenail fungus (onychomycosis) treatment differs based on the degree of the infection and the type of fungus that caused the condition in the first place. However, the following are some of the most effective treatments for a fungal nail infection:

Kerasal Fungal Nail Renewal Treatment

Your physician may prescribe a medication to eradicate the fungus from your entire body. Since they reach the nail plate within days of beginning treatment, these antifungal medications are more effective. Treatment could last up to three months.

Nail infections are occasionally treated with topical medications like hand creams or nail paint. They might be effective for mild infections, but they cannot penetrate the nail deep enough to treat a more serious infection. Topical therapy may be used in conjunction with an oral medication.

In the most severe cases of toenail fungal infection, the toenail may be surgically removed or dissolved with acid. To increase the chances of the remaining nail growing back properly, this procedure may be done on just a section of the nail.

Listerine For Toenail Fungus [causes, Home Remedies & Best Treatment]

These are also being researched as potential toenail fungal treatments (14). In addition, laser treatment has shown promise when used in conjunction with oral or topical antifungal agents.

These tips are sure to keep your toenails from getting infected. Let us now see when you will need to consult a doctor.When To See A Doctor

Fungal nail infections have the potential to worsen over time. Therefore, you should see a doctor if the symptoms do not disappear after using home remedies, over-the-counter medications, and preventative care techniques.

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The common toenail infection is definitely one pesky problem to handle. However, you don’t have to take over-the-counter medications to deal with it. Instead, various DIY remedies can aid in treating the infection and effectively tackle the symptoms. Check out the infographic below to bookmark 6 easy home remedies to treat toenail fungus.

Toenail fungus is a highly contagious condition that results in thick and yellow or brown toenails. Over-the-counter medications are often used to get rid of the fungal infection, but you can alternatively apply home remedies for toenail fungus to resolve the situation. Tea tree oil, snakeroot extract, garlic, baking soda, aloe vera, vinegar, and oregano oil are some of the most popular and effective ingredients used as remedies due to their antimicrobial properties and can prevent escalation of the infection. However, more research is needed to establish that they can reduce fungal growth, so it is recommended that you consult your healthcare professional if you see no improvement after using these remedies.

Yes, you can get a pedicure if you have toenail fungus. You will have to make the staff aware of the infection so that they use disposable and sterile tools.

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Nail fungus does not heal on its own. If you do not tend to it soon, you might risk the spreading of the infection to other toenails.

If left untreated, it may spread to the other toes as well as the skin surrounding the affected toenails. This, in turn, can cause a condition called athlete’s foot.

There is no scientific evidence to suggest that Listerine can cure toenail fungus. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that a Listerine soak may help get rid of the fungus in a few days. To make a bath with this mild antifungal agent, mix it with lukewarm water in a 1:2 ratio or with vinegar in a 1:1 ratio. Soak your feet in this bath for 40-60 minutes every day till the fungus clears up.

Fungus Toenails Treatment

Epsom salt may help get rid of toenail fungus by drawing out moisture and drying out the moist environment harboring the fungus. However, there are no scientific studies to validate that Epsom salt can get rid of the infection.

According to a 2013 study conducted to show the effect of tea tree oil on fingernail fungus, tea tree oil took around 14 days to significantly reduce the fungal infection (15). A similar duration may be expected in the case of toenail fungus as well.

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Toenail Fungus Symptoms & Fungal Infection Treatment

Dr. Veerula (Dr. V) is a diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology, a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and American Society of Dermatologic Surgeons. She is an energetic, proactive, and compassionate medical practitioner with 5 years of experience and a thorough understanding of overall mind-body-spiritual wellness. Dr.V is on a mission to inspire and teach people to...more

Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach. Her passion for and understanding of all things related to skin, hair, and beauty propelled her to pursue a career in writing....more

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Understanding Fungal Nail Infections And Best Treatment Options

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.

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 athlete’s foot, the infection can spread to the nails.