Are There Home Remedies For Toenail Fungus
The Internet is filled with anecdotal information on how to cure toenail fungus using home remedies. Vinegar is a commonly recommended home remedy. Some people apply various oils such as tea tree oil, coconut oil, essential oils, and oil of cedar leaf to their nails as well. The effectiveness of these home remedies is highly doubtful. Application of household bleach and hydrogen peroxide is also not recommended due to lack of evidence that these treatments work. These agents can also cause unwanted skin irritation. Thickened nails that have been affected by fungus can be difficult to trim. Using topical urea cream will soften the nail and make it easier to trim. These creams do not require a prescription.
When Should You See A Doctor
A black toenail doesnt really require a doctors visit, toenail infection can usually be treated at home and may not require a doctors diagnosis unless the fungal infection is extremely severe. But if the nail infection is at an early stage then you can treat the infection with a couple of home remedies or antifungal treatments. To be on the safe side, if you dont know the cause of your black toenail, its a good idea to see your doctor just in case your black toenail is a sign of a more serious health problem.
How To Get Rid Of Toenail Fungus
All treatments can take up to a year to work, so you need to be consistent and commit to following the treatment plan for the long haul.
These infections are hard to treat because its difficult for medications to get into the keratin that makes up nails and the blood vessels dont connect to the nail. Many people find it hard to continue to use the medications for as long as is needed and may give up after months or even weeks.
Sometimes the nail will start to look better, but the fungus is still there. Your toenail fungus isnt cured until your doctor cant detect the fungus in your toenail clippings.
Pro Tip
There are a lot of folk remedies and over-the-counter topical treatments, but if you really want to get rid of this infection, youre probably going to need to take oral medication. Dr. Jacobsen
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Ways To Get Rid Of Black Lines On Nails As Fast As Possible
You may worry about seeing those black lines under your nails. It can be caused due to poor hygiene and dirty fingernails.
But sometimes thin black lines on the nail can be a sign of serious disease. In this case, you need to get a health checkup.
But if you are sure that the black line appearing on your nail is due to poor hygiene then you can try out some home remedies to treat them.
In this article, we will share with you how to get rid of black lines on nails.
In This Article
Treating Black Nails Caused By Injury
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Whitish Or Yellowish Patch
Another type of fungal infection is called proximal subungual onychomycosis. It looks like a whitish or yellowish patch that starts at the base of the toenail, near the cuticle. The infection is rare in healthy people. More often, it happens in people with weakened immune systems. It can also be a sign of HIV.
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The Black Line On Toenail Fungus
A black line on the toenail fungus is called melanonychia.
This means that you have brown or black lines on your toenails.
A black line associated with toenail fungus might be melanoma, but this is usually unlikely.
If the black line extends into your skin, this is called a Hutchinson sign. A Hutchinson sign is much more likely to signal toenail cancer or toenail melanoma relating to your black toenail fungus. This might be something called subungual melanoma.
Black toenail cancer, such as subungual melanoma, is sporadic. Personally, in our clinic, we have seen thousands of black toenails and black lines on toenails. Between all those cases, we have rarely seen toenail melanoma.
But there are cases where we do perform biopsies if the toenail does appear suspicious. A toenail biopsy with a podiatrist can be one of the most effective ways to confirm no melanoma underneath the toenail.
It is essential to always check with your podiatrist and get a biopsy if you are worried about melanoma.
There is no 100% foolproof method to ensure that there is no melanoma underneath her toenail.
When To Visit A Doctor About Nail Discoloration
According to Connolly, onychomycosis is not a problem to be ignored. In fact, if left untreated, it can spread to other nails and make everyday activities, such as walking or writing, painful and difficult, he says. See your doctor if:
- You notice unexplained changes in the color of your nail.
- Your nails appear to be abnormally thick.
- The area surrounding your nails are painful or tender.
- You have swelling on the skin surrounding the nail.
- You have a nail that appears to have separated from the nail bed.
If its a fungus, its best to catch it in its earlier stages. If the discoloration is a symptom of something more serious, early detection is even more important, Connolly says.
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How To Remove Black Lines Naturally
Being that one of the most common causes of the condition is poor diet and malnutrition, you need to alter your diet.
You need to consume more nutrient-dense foods.
If you are deficient in some nutrients and it shows on your nails, it is time to eat more fruits and veggies.
Some of the best healthy foods include dark greens, eggs, fish.
Other foods that are rich in iron, zinc and vitamin C are also required.
How To Get Rid Of Black Lines On Nails: The Tips And Causes You Need To Know
Last update on By Ella Jones
There you areadmiring your gorgeous nails but wait, what is that you see? Is that a black line under your nail?
Discovering that your nail indeed has black lines can be a bit unsettling. After all, it can detract to the beauty of your nails and make it look weird. But more than that, please be reminded that the appearance of our nails can say a lot about our health so it may be a sign of a health condition.
If thats the case, then what do these lines mean? And the better question is, how to get rid of black lines on nails? Well, read on to find out!
More…
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About Fungal Nail Infection
Many people develop a fungal nail infection at some point in their life. It’s not usually serious, but can be unpleasant and difficult to treat.
The infection develops slowly and causes the nail to become discoloured, thickened and distorted.
Toenails are more frequently affected than the fingernails.
The medical name for a fungal nail infection is onychomycosis.
Treating Fungal Nail Infection
Treatment may not be necessary in mild cases of fungal nail infection. For more severe or troublesome cases, antifungal medication may be recommended.
A fungal nail infection is unlikely to get better without treatment, but if you’re not bothered by it you might decide it’s not worth treating because treatment can take a long time, may cause side effects, and isn’t always effective.
Whether or not you decide to have treatment, you should still follow the self-help advice below to help stop the condition getting worse or spreading to others.
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Causes Of Black Toenails
The most common culprit for black toenails is repetitive trauma, which can result from running or from wearing any type of ill-fitting footwear. If a black nail crops up shortly after a workout or a day spent in too-tight or too-loose shoes, this is likely the cause.
Repetitive trauma ranges from mild , to severe , explains Sutera. Dropping a heavy object onto your foot can burst the blood vessels under your nail bed and cause blood to pool underneath, too.
But other issues besides trauma can cause black toenails as well.
Fungal infectionslike athletes footcan spread to your toenails and turn them shades of yellow, blue, green, brown, purple, and black, Sutera explains. This range in color is unique to fungus, as is the presence of subungual debrisa chalky white substance that lines the nail bed and often carries a funky odor.
If you think you may have a fungal infection, head to your doctorhe or she can clip and biopsy a portion of your nail to confirm a diagnosis. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the infection. Mild cases are often addressed with topical medications, while more aggressive fungi require oral medication or even laser treatment.
Subungual melanomathe most serious form of skin cancercan also grow underneath your nail bed on the nail plate and cause hyperpigmentation of the skin, Sutera explains. Its often a slow and painless growth, which makes it especially tricky to catch.
When Should I Call The Doctor
In rare cases, toenail fungus can cause an infection called cellulitis. Without prompt treatment, cellulitis may pose a serious danger to your health.
You should seek treatment guidance from a trusted healthcare provider if you have:
- Circulation problems.
- Redness, pain or pus near the toenail.
- Weakened immune system.
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Side Effects Of Toenail Fungus Medication
One of the many benefits of using a homeopathic remedy is that there are little to no adverse side effects. Topical treatments often prescribed to treat toenail fungus can potentially burn or blister the skin. Oral medications for treating onychomycosis can cause liver or gastrointestinal damage. Be sure to read your medications list of potential side effects. Consult your pharmacist, physician, or specialist if you are concerned about side effects of prescription drugs.
Baking Soda For Fungus Infection
Another common cause of black lines on nails are fungus infections.
Baking soda has potent antimicrobial and antifungal properties, making it a great ingredient for getting rid of infections.
For this remedy, youll need:
- ¼ cup of baking soda
- 1 cup of apple cider vinegar
- Water
Mix the ingredients in a bowl with water.
Soak your affected nails in the mixture for 15 minutes, and then pat your nails dry with soft paper towels.
Repeat the treatment two times per day to remove fungus while preventing black lines from recurring.
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What Causes Black Lines On Nails
There are several causes for the appearance of black lines on nails. The common causes include
1. A Traumatic Event
It is the most common cause of black lines, where the nail bed gets hurt and bursts a small blood vessel under the nail. Nail trauma can even occur when you try squeezing something tightly.
2. Endocarditis
There is a link between black lines in nails and heart problems. Endocarditis is a heart condition that causes infection and inflammation of heart muscles and valves. Few people with endocarditis experience black lines on nails.
3. Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin condition that is characterized by red, scaly, itchy patches that can cause black lines on nails.
4. Vitamin Deficiency
A poor diet causing a lack of minerals and essential vitamins in your body can cause black lines on nails.
There are other causes for black lines on nails that vary and include
- Vasculitis – Inflammation of the blood vessels
- Infections
- Lupus – A systemic autoimmune disease
- Onychomycosis – An infection of the nail caused by a fungus
- Lichen planus – A condition that affects nails and causes ridging, thinning, and splitting
- Drugs that affect and alter blood clotting
- Raynaud’s disease – A disorder of blood vessels
What Is The Outcome For Someone Who Has Nail Fungus
With treatment, many people can get rid of nail fungus. Even when the fungus clears, your nail may look unhealthy until the infected nail grows out. A fingernail grows out in 4 to 6 months and a toenail in 12 to 18 months.
To clear the fungus, its important to:
-
Use the treatment exactly as prescribed
-
Apply the medicine for as long as prescribed
-
Keep all follow-up appointments with your dermatologist
Nail fungus can be stubborn. If you had a severe infection, its possible to clear the infection. A healthy looking nail, however, may be unrealistic, but you can expect the nail to look better and feel more comfortable.
Even with clearing, nail fungus can return. Youll find steps to reduce your risk in Tips: 12 ways to prevent another nail infection.
ImageGetty Images
ReferenceGold LFS and Rosen T. Onychomycosis: Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies. Dermatology News . March 2016:2-15.
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Treatment For Blood Under Your Nail
Casey Gallagher, MD, is board-certified in dermatology. He is a clinical professor at the University of Colorado in Denver, and co-founder and practicing dermatologist at the Boulder Valley Center for Dermatology in Colorado.
Your fingers and toes serve as the first contact with the world. Thus, your fingernails and toenails are especially prone to injury whether it be a stubbed toe or power-tool injury.
Sometimes such injury results in a bleed under the nail, a condition called subungual hematoma. These bleeds can result in darkened discoloration , pressure, and pain. In addition to being painful, nail discoloration can also be unsightly, which is another reason to seek medical help for this condition.
What Is The Prognosis Of Fungal Nails
Curing fungal nails can be difficult and treatment can take up to 18 months. Relapse and reinfection are common. Trying to remove or modify your risk factors, if possible, is essential to preventing reinfection. People who have medical illnesses that predispose them to fungal nails can have an even more difficult time eradicating the fungus.
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How Can You Cure Black Toenail Fungus
The cure for black fungus under the toenails varies from person to person and is based on the causes of this phenomenon. Heres how I can explain it:
If you are injured and your toe has turned black, dont worry. Over time, your blood vessels will heal and your toe will return to its original color.
If you have an underlying medical condition, you may need to have a trained medical examiner analyze you. He or she will uncover the next course of action to improve your current yeast infection.
If you have a serious medical condition, you may need to opt for over-the-counter anti-fungal medications. The use of these medicines as well as topical ointments can also be helpful.
Home remedies for black toenail
Cold compress: you can try compressing your injured or black toe in a small plastic bag with crushed ice cubes. You can use this ice pack for 20 minutes twice a day for best results.
No movement: You should avoid walking, running, jogging, or engaging in intense physical activity. If you need to move, be careful with your foot.
Over the Counter Fungal Nail Medication: If your black toenail is prone to pain, you can opt for ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen. These are supposed to reduce the swelling and relieve your pain. Lamisil is also a good OTC drug used to treat black toenail fungus.
Wear protective gear: it is a good idea to cover your black nail with toe caps. You should also wear a pair of thick socks for more protection.
