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.
How To Prevent Nail Fungus
Even though the fungi responsible for these nail infections are pretty much everywhere, there are a few universal things you can do to aid in prevention. Both derms warn that it’s important to be cautious at the nail salon. “A client with fungus can spread it to other clients if proper disinfection precautions aren’t followed when it comes to porous tools such as emery boards and toe separators, as well as pedicure footbaths,” says Dr. Stern.
Not picking at your nails is also paramount, as well as wearing footwear in wet communal areas, such as locker rooms and swimming pool decks, points out Dr. Chen. And since most fungal infections of the toenails start with a fungal skin infection that spreads to the nail, it’s important to protect the skin.
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:
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Use the treatment exactly as prescribed
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Apply the medicine for as long as prescribed
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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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Dosage Frequency And Duration
The oral tablet contains 500 mg of active griseofulvin.
An adult should take 1,000 mg 14 times daily. The usual duration is 4 months for fingernails and 6 months for toenails.
The dosage for children of any age is 10 mg per kilogram of body weight per day.
Doctors will recommend continued treatment for at least 2 weeks after all signs of infection have cleared.
Kill Toenail Fungus With Clorox
Clorox is a brand name of bleach, and it can be used to kill infection-causing fungus. Mix half of a teaspoon per gallon of water and soak your feet in the mixture one to two times per day, 30 minutes each time, for several weeks. The bleach chlorinates the water, which in turn soaks into the nail fungus and kills the fungi. In case of skin irritation, reduce the amount of bleach used, or soak your feet less frequently.
- Clorox is a brand name of bleach, and it can be used to kill infection-causing fungus.
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Toenail Fungus Is A Common Problem
Its estimated that 10% of the population deals with stubborn toenail fungus.1
Not surprisingly, conventional medicines answer to this widespread problem is to prescribe antifungal pills that are often ineffective and come with serious side effects, ranging from rashes and GI issues to potential liver damage.2
However, as with all skin issues, I find that toenail fungus is typically an outward manifestation of an underlying health issue inside of your body.
After working with thousands of patients in my clinic, Ive seen time and again that relentless skin issuesincluding toenail fungus, eczema, dandruff, psoriasis, hives, athletes foot and ringwormare most often caused by Candida overgrowth.3Candida is a type of yeast that naturally lives in your body. However, when there is an overabundance of Candida, it disturbs a healthy gut balance.
So while you may be doing all you can to control your toenail fungus superficially, the key to eliminating the issue for good is to address the underlying cause of the infection.
Lets discuss how an infection in your gut can lead to nail fungus. Then, well cover the natural nail fungus treatments you can take to rid yourself of nail fungus for good.
The All Naturals Myco Nuker
The Myco Nuker is a blend of 25 essential ingredients.
The best part about Myco Nuker is the 100% organic ingredients similar to that of Triple Fungus Blast but this is kind of a bit slow and costly as compared to that.
This blend is also for every age group, and gender. There is no restriction.
The manufacturers of the Myco Nuker have created this fungus killer supplement not only for the toenail fungus but for the overall well being of the user.
Ingredients of Myco Nuker
The main ingredient in Myco Nuker organic fungus is the Japanese mushroom complex.
The other two mushrooms in this mushroom complex are, Maitake and Reishi Mushrooms. These are known for their anti-oxidative properties and good for better digestion.
The herbal complex
It has four main herbs that can treat the toenail fungus to a greater extent. Not only the toenail fungus but also the overall health of the user.
- The burdock root powder
- The slippery elm bark powder.
Other ingredients of the organic fungus Myco Nuker
It has vitamin C and E, to treat the skin condition which will be destroyed after the toenail infection.
Next, we have the Ginseng powder in it, it will reduce the pain.
It has cats claw powder to treat inflammation, which can occur as a result of infection.
Moreover, it will also help in treating the weakened immune system.
Lycopene and Beta glucan powder are also to treat the toenail fungus by working on the immunity of a body.
Pros of using the Myco Nuker as a pill for nail fungus
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Best Fungal Toenail Home Remedies
As home remedies are DIY for nail fungus treatment, these are convenient. That is why it is peoples favorite however, many people discontinue it as they think they are going to take forever to cure the nail fungus.
To find out which home remedy is the best treatment for toenail fungus, we have discussed each remedy for nail fungus.
So, lets start about each one of them.
What Are The Side Effects Of Jublia
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. A healthcare provider can advise you on side effects. If you experience other effects, contact your pharmacist or a healthcare provider. You may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration at fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.
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The Nail Fungus And Candida Connection
So what exactly is Candida, and how does it become a problem? You might be surprised to learn that Candida is a type of yeast naturally present in small quantities in your mouth and intestines. It helps you digest and absorb the nutrients from your food. However, when it overgrows and gets out of control it can lead to a variety of symptoms, from skin issues such as nail fungus, itching, psoriasis, and rashes, to brain fog, chronic fatigue, mood issues, bloating, constipation, seasonal allergies, and even autoimmune conditions.7
Candida overgrowth can be triggered by any number of factors. For example, a round of antibiotics may kill off the good bacteria that keep yeast in check, allowing Candida to gain control of your intestines. Lifestyle factors may also contribute to yeast overgrowth in your gut. Diets high in sugar, refined carbohydrates, and alcohol feed the yeast naturally present in your body. While factors such as birth control pills or a high-stress lifestyle may disrupt the delicate balance of your gut flora, providing the ideal environment for yeast to flourish and manifest as a fungal infection.
Sets With Creams And A Nail Scraper
Treatment sets that contain two creams and a nail scraper can also be used for the topical treatment of nail fungus:
- One cream has urea in it, which softens the nail so it can be removed.
- The other cream contains bifonazole, which has an antifungal effect.
For this treatment, the affected toe or finger first has to be soaked in warm water for ten minutes and then dried. After that, the urea-based cream is applied to the nail, and the nail is covered with an adhesive bandage. After 24 hours, the bandage is removed and the toe or finger is held in warm water again. The softened layer of the nail is then scraped off using a spatula, the cream is applied again and the nail is covered with a new bandage. This treatment is carried out over 14 days. Once the infected part of the nail has been scraped away completely, the skin beneath is treated for another four weeks with a bifonazole cream.
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Dangers Of Using Bleach For Toenail Fungus
Bleach may actually cause toenail fungus to worsen and increase the likelihood of a toenail infection.
According to an article in the Asian Journal of Research in Dermatological Science, use of topical bleach can increase the risks for fungal infections because it can damage the skin and nails. This allows opportunistic fungus to come in through the damaged skin or nail and cause an infection.
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Who Can Treat Toenail Fungus
The medical term for toenail fungus is onychomycosis .
Onychomycosis accounts for 50% of all nail disease cases. Its commonly caused by dermatophytes *. It affects about 13.8% of North Americans, or about 79.9 million people*. So youre not alone. Onychomycosis occurs in 10% of the general population, 20% of persons older than 60, and 50% of those older than 70*.
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The Best Treatment For Nail Fungus
04 Oct 2022
Fungal nail infections are not nice to think about, but they affect a great number of us, so it is important to know what to do with them.
They can look pretty unsightly, and they can hang around for quite a while, even when they have been treated.
What starts as a small white or yellow spot can soon become something that affects the whole nail, causing it to become painful and unsightly.
As with any such condition, the earlier you look after the nail and take the right measures to protect it, the better.
Nail fungus can sometimes affect the fingernails, but it is most common on the toes.
It is also something that can recur, particularly if your foot hygiene leads to sweaty feet or if you suffer from a skin condition such as psoriasis.
Having diabetes or a weakened immune system can also increase the likelihood of infections, as can smoking or foot injuries.
So, what is the best way to get rid of toenail fungus?
The Ins & Outs Of A Toenail Infection
Toenail fungus can take a while, sometimes years, for obvious symptoms to appear. This is a major reason why many people do not seek toenail fungus treatment or wait until the infection begins to cause pain. Do not let it get to this point! If youre experiencing any of the below symptoms, contact our podiatrists right away.
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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.
Clove Oil Remedy For Toenail Fungus
The clove oil has a very pleasant and strong odor, which makes it a loved choice for nail fungus. It is also known for strong anti-fungal and anti-viral properties.
You must be wondering about the magical substance in clove oil to make it do so, it is the eugenol, according to research it is one of the effective ingredients to kill fungal and bacterial infections.
It is not only a treatment for nail fungus but also for the overall health, and especially the respiratory problems.
How to use clove oil for nail fungus treatment?
Using clove oil directly on the infected toenail is not a wise idea as the clove oil is a strong and reactive compound. It will destroy the skin barrier you need to dilute it first.
- Use clove oil with Epsom salt. You can add a few drops of clove oil in your bathtub and Epsom salt, this is a convenient method to treat toenail fungus.
- Apply the diluted clove oil directly on the infected toenail thrice a day.
- Make a foot soak of baking soda ad add a few drops of clove oil on it.
Pros of clove oil treatment for toenail fungus
- It will moisten the damaged skin.
- Is effective in treating the bad odor of nail fungus, giving you a pleasant smell, all those who go out for work and do not want to carry the bad odor, should apply it.
- It is a readily available essential oil.
Cons of clove oil for nail fungus
- It takes almost 10 months to show results.
- It is slightly harsh for people with sensitive skin.
- You need to buy a separate carrier oil with it.
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Epsom Salt For Toenail Fungus
You must have heard about Epsom salt if you love to use the bath bombs.
The Epsom salt is a compound of Magnesium and Sulphate and it is an amazing detoxifier.
It kills all the toxins residing on your body.
The magnesium in Epsom salt is fantastic to kill the itchiness and the redness on your skin.
The next main ingredient is the sulfate ion, what will it do for the nail fungus?
It simply reinforces the effects of the min magnesium ion.
If you are someone who does not want the bad looking and damaged nail, this is the treatment for you.
It can be the best home remedy for nail fungus. It is easily available, and you do not need a prescription for it.
The Epsom salt can be added to the daily routine if you want presentable nails, it is not very effective for a ruined nail, you can use it as the onset treatment for nail fungus.
How to use Epsom salt for nail fungus?
Pros of using Epsom salt for nail fungus as a homemade remedy
- It works fine for the healthy skin.
- It also helps in reduces stress.
- Cleans the infected spots nicely.
Cons of using the Epsom salt
- It can cause irritation on sensitive skin when used in higher concentrations.
- Will take so many months to treat the toenail fungus.
Note: For a detailed guide on using the Epsom Salt for treating the toenail fungus and also to know how did it perform for one of the patient with toenail fungus, you can check our complete case study and review guide below:
Read Our Ultimate Guide on Using Epsom Salt for Toenail fungus.
What Oral Medications Are Available
To treat fungal nail infections from inside the body, you can take tablets that inhibit the growth of fungi or kill them. They are all prescription-only. Terbinafine and itraconazole are typically used for this purpose.
- Terbinafine is preferred if the nail fungus is caused by a skin fungus . This is usually the case.
- Itraconazole is generally used if the nail infection is caused by yeast or mold.
Itraconazole and terbinafine tablets can both be taken either continuously or with breaks between treatments. But they are used differently:
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Remedies And Treatments For Toenail Fungus
Over-the-Counter Antifungals
Antifungal remedies help to stop the growth of the fungus. Over-the-counter options do not claim to cure toenail fungus, but they can help to improve the look of the affected nail. These products do not work as well as prescription medications. To cure toenail fungus, a remedy has to penetrate the nail and nail bed. Most over-the-counter remedies for nail fungus are topical and do not penetrate deeply enough.
Trim, Buff, and Thin the Affected Nail
Keeping your nails trim, buffed, and clean helps to prevent the spread of the fungus to other nails. Additionally, buffing the nail can allow topical antifungals to penetrate more deeply. Make sure to wash your hands promptly after touching the affected nail, especially before touching other nails.
Vicks VapoRub
Vicks VapoRub is a product marketed for people with coughs. However, it may also be effective against toenail fungus. One small study showed that after applying it topically each day for 48 weeks, 27.8% of participants fully cured their nail fungus â and 55.6% of participants saw partial improvement. However, more study is needed.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil comes from the Australian tea tree. It is an essential oil traditionally used as an antibacterial and antifungal treatment. Early research shows that it may help with nail fungus when used topically. However, more research is needed. If you do use tea tree oil for toenail fungus, only use it topically.
What Can I Expect If I Have A Toenail Fungus
While toenail fungus is common, its usually not harmful. Symptoms mostly affect the look of your toenail.
Toenail fungus may spread to the skin between your toes or other areas of your body. When getting dressed, put your socks on first to reduce the chance of spread.
Treating toenail fungus takes a long time, and it doesnt always work. Even then, toenail fungus often returns. Discuss the pros and cons of treating toenail fungus with your healthcare provider to determine whats best for you.
Practicing good hygiene and foot care reduces the chance toenail fungus will come back. If you have diabetes, getting regular foot exams may help you address foot problems before they get serious.
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