How to Get Rid of Nail Fungus on Toes?
It’s ugly and you don’t want it there. Let’s talk about how to get rid of nail fungus on toes.
What Is Nail Fungus and Why Is It a Problem?
Nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common fungal infection that affects toenails and fingernails. The most common symptom of nail fungus is a white or yellow spot on the nail. It can grow and cause your nails to become discolored, thick, and brittle over time.
If you have diabetes or another condition that compromises your immune system, you're at a higher risk for developing toenail fungus. And if you already have nail damage from an injury or another condition, that makes it easier for the fungus to take hold (1).
Nail fungus can be difficult to treat and can recur. If left untreated, toenail fungus can cause the nails to become deformed. It can also lead to athlete’s foot as well as severe health problems such as cellulitis (a serious, difficult-to-treat skin infection) and even toe amputation.
The Causes of Nail Fungus: Harmful Fungi, Moisture, and Warm Temperatures
Nail fungus is unfortunately common, affecting about 3 in 10 adults. It can be unsightly and challenging to cure. It’s caused by fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments, such as shower floors and locker rooms. The fungi invade the skin under the bed of the nail and multiply.
If you have long toenails, the space underneath them can trap more fungus.
Or if you already have athlete’s foot, this skin infection can cause a toenail infection, too.
Worse, if you wear nail polish, you might not even notice the problem until it’s spread significantly. Manicures don’t just disguise nail fungus, they can also cause it if the tools the tech uses are contaminated.
How to Prevent Nail Fungus: Keep Nails Clean and Dry, Don't Share Personal Items
Can fungus on toenails be cured? Yes, but it takes time.
Nail fungus can be difficult to get rid of, but there are some things you can do to prevent it from happening in the first place.
To prevent nail fungus, it is important to keep your feet clean and dry. Minimize contact with floors that might be contaminated by wearing flip-flops in the shower.
You should also wear shoes that allow your feet to breathe and change your socks when they are damp.
One of the most important things you can do is to keep your nails clean and dry. This means washing them regularly with soap and water and making sure they're completely dry before you put on socks or shoes. Use baby powder or an antifungal powder to manage moisture (1).
You should also avoid sharing personal items like shoes, nail clippers, or emery boards with others.
How to Treat Nail Fungus: Over-the-Counter Treatments, Home Remedies
How do you get rid of toenail fungus fast? This condition affects millions of people worldwide. While there are many prescription treatments available, you may be looking for an over-the-counter (OTC) or home remedy.
If you do develop nail fungus, there are several treatments available. You can try over-the-counter antifungal creams and special nail polishes. Otherwise, you may need to see a doctor for prescription medication. With treatment, the fungus usually goes away within a few months. (Yes, months) (2).
If you’re not a fan of antifungal meds with side effects, a popular home remedy for nail fungus is tea tree oil. This natural antifungal agent can be applied directly to the affected nails with a cotton swab.
AVRY BEAUTY - CASE OF 30 - Gel-Ohh! Jelly Spa Bath - TEA TREE
The Gel-Ohhh! Jelly Spa is the ultimate spa experience for the feet. This miraculous spa foot soak helps treat fungal infections with melaleuca, a natural antifungal. While it soothes and repairs dry skin, the calming aroma helps you unwind.
The vegan formula is fully biodegradable and free of phthalates and parabens. Mix it into warm water and soak your feet for 10 minutes before rinsing. Dry the skin thoroughly before applying antifungal medication and moisturizer.
But before you soak, take the time to trim your nails and exfoliate so that the medicine can reach where it’s most needed.
Manicure Brush
Everyone needs a manicure brush. Not only does it help scrub dirt out of crevices, but it also removes dead skin that can harbor fungus.
Please don’t share your brush with anyone – it’s difficult to disinfect. Fortunately, it’s inexpensive enough that everyone can have their own.
Nail Clipper Carbon Steel - FLAT
Don’t you hate it when your clippers rust? But these are not only corrosion-resistant, but they are also acetone-proof. Use them to trim the toenails straight across just as the podiatrists recommend. Keep up the regular manicures to help the infected part of the nail grow out faster.
Cre8tion - Drill Bit Disinfectant Container
If you use a lot of different manicure tools like clippers, nippers, cuticle pushers, and scissors, it’s best if you have a way to disinfect them regularly. This nifty little container has an inner basket and an outer cup. Pour the disinfectant of your choice (like rubbing alcohol) into the bottom of the cup. Place the tools in the basket and lower it into the liquid to soak. Then, when you pull it out, the tools have a safe space to drip dry.
When to See a Doctor for Toenail Fungus
If you have any of these symptoms of toenail fungus, it's time to see a doctor:
- Persistent pain, redness, or swelling could be signs of a more serious problem.
- Bleeding around the toes
- Difficulty walking because of painful toes
Don’t delay getting treatment in any of these cases.
Conclusion
Nail fungus can be embarrassing and difficult to get rid of. However, you can take simple steps to prevent and treat nail fungus.
First, keep your feet clean and dry. Wear shoes that fit well and allow your feet to breathe. Second, avoid walking barefoot in public places and sharing manicure tools without disinfection.
Lastly, if you notice a nail fungus, treat it early to prevent it from getting worse.
Sources:
1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nail-fungus/symptoms-causes/syc-20353294 Mayo Clinic, Nail Fungus, by Mayo Clinic Staff
2. https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/treat-toenail-fungus Toenail Fungus Treatments, Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors, Medically Reviewed by Jabeen Begum, MD on September 21, 2024
3. https://www.jabfm.org/content/24/1/69.full Novel Treatment of Onychomycosis using Over-the-Counter Mentholated Ointment: A Clinical Case Series, by Richard Derby, Patrick Rohal, Constance Jackson, Anthony Beutler and Cara Olsen, The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine January 2011, 24 (1) 69-74; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3122/jabfm.2011.01.100124
