Toenail fungus is a very common foot complaint. It is thought that by the age of 80, a high percentage of patients will have had this problem. Toenail fungus is referred to as onychomycosis. It typically presents as yellow discoloration in the nail, and the nail may also become thickened and crumbly. Although less common, there may also be a white discoloration. It is frequently accompanied by athletes’ foot (tinea pedis) on the skin which is the same fungal organism. Fungal nail infection is all around us, so it’s hard to avoid, but foot soaks for toenail fungus can help. It may be on the floor, in showers, or in your shoes. Many may think that it is very contagious but in fact, whether you get toenail fungus or not may be more based upon your immune system. There is evidence to suggest that patients with diabetes may have an immune system that is compromised, and therefore fungal nails are more common. Also, one spouse may have a fungal nail and the other never has the problem!
How to Avoid Toenail Fungus
The best way to avoid toenail fungus is to avoid public showers, keep your feet dry, and after bathing, dry your feet immediately and wear shoes that breathe – especially if you have feet that tend to perspire. Use baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to keep your shoes smelling fresh and odorless.
There are options you can try before you see a doctor but understand that nails grow very slowly. It can take over nine months for an entire new nail, so you’ll see the full effect of home remedies over that period. My suggestion is as follows:
- Start treatment immediately if you’re suspicious you have fungal nails. Early treatment is important if you want the best chance for the following home treatments to be effective.
- Try these options and if you see no change in 3-4 months, you should consider seeing a podiatrist.
- If you have a medical condition such as diabetes and your nails are very thickened, or cracking, seek professional advice.
Finally, fungus can deform the nail making it thicker and changing the shape of the nail. You might also often wonder “Why are my nails turning yellow!?” This is why ingrown nails are more common. If you see any drainage, redness, or notice odor from the nail area, it’s best to seek medical attention for this.
You may want to consider the following home remedies. When doing these soaks, consider doing a foot bath so that the entire foot can be soaked.
Foot Soaks for Toenail Fungus as a Treatment Option
Listerine Soak:- Yes, some will claim that this is helpful. It is thought that Listerine has some antifungal properties, but more research is needed to understand how effective it is for toenail fungus. The suggested treatment is to mix 30-50 ml of Listerine in 2 cups of warm water and soak your feet for 30 minutes once a day. If you have dry scaly skin, it may also be effective in improving this. People with sensitive skin may react to Listerine so it’s advised to apply some to your skin and see if you have any redness after a few hours before you soak.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Use the following mixture – 1/3 cup white vinegar, 2 cups hot water, and 1/3 cup Epsom salt. Make sure to soak your entire foot for 30 minutes once a day. Taking apple cider vinegar orally may also have some beneficial health effects by working against the fungus from the inside out. The acid in vinegar from the acetic acid it contains is thought to kill the fungus.
Additional Topical Treatments To Include
Tea Tree Oil: This is a type of essential oil you can buy over the counter. Other options might include cinnamon oil and peppermint oil. Foot soaks of this type will have a positive effect on foot fungus nail infections. You don’t need to use a lot to go a long way. Simply clean the nail, or nails with alcohol then rub the tea tree oil in.
Olive Leaf Extract: This has been said to have a natural antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal effect. This can be purchased in some stores or online. It can be taken orally or topically.
If you find that you’ve tried these home remedies and you’re still needing help, consider seeking a consultation with a podiatrist. Compared to the home treatments, we are recommending treatment options for fungal nails that have been medically reviewed.
Topical Treatments: This may include over-the-counter recommendations or prescriptions. We also offer a product in the clinic that is very effective as it contains a compound that allows for better absorption of the antifungal agents into the nail.
Oral Medication: Oral Lamisil may be recommended by some doctors, however for this doctor, I seldom recommend it because of potential liver toxicity. If you are considering this option, make sure your doctor does a liver panel before use, and at intervals during treatment.
Laser Nail Treatment: Laser nail treatment is by far the most common treatment for our patients. The laser uses pulsed energy that delivers painless heat into the nail. It’s the heat that destroys the toenail fungus. If the nails are thickened, grinding the nails down will assist in allowing the laser to penetrate better. It also helps with the appearance of the nail.
Our staff and podiatrists were the first to bring this type of treatment for nail fungus to the Colorado region. So if you have searched for a ‘local podiatrist near me‘, look no further than our Fort Collins and Broomfield locations.
What to Expect During a Podiatry Visit
If you’re dealing with toenail fungus or any other foot issues, visiting a podiatrist can provide professional diagnosis and treatment options. During your visit, the podiatrist will examine your feet, review your symptoms, and take samples of the affected nail to determine the exact type of fungus causing the infection. They will then recommend appropriate treatments, which may include topical or oral medications, laser therapy, or even minor surgical procedures in severe cases. Your podiatrist will also advise on preventative measures to avoid future infections, helping you maintain long-term foot health.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Get Rid of Toenail Fungus?
Toenail fungus can be treated with over-the-counter antifungal creams, ointments, and prescription oral medications. Regularly trimming and filing the infected nail can also help in the treatment process. In severe cases, removal of the nail may be necessary to allow for effective treatment of the infection underneath.
What Kills Toenail Fungus Instantly?
Unfortunately, no treatment can kill toenail fungus instantly. However, laser treatments and certain prescription antifungal medications, like terbinafine, can be highly effective over time. Patience is key since toenail fungus can take months to fully clear as new, healthy nail grows in.
How to Know If Toenail Fungus Is Dying?
Signs that toenail fungus is improving include:
- Reduced discoloration of the nail
- Decreased thickness or brittleness of the nail
- Less odor from the infected area
- New healthy nail growth from the base of the nail
Is Hydrogen Peroxide Good for Nail Fungus?
Hydrogen peroxide has antifungal properties and can be used as a home remedy for toenail fungus. It’s typically applied directly to the affected area or soaked in a solution with water. While it can help slow fungal growth, it’s generally not as effective as prescription treatments for severe infections.
What Are Some Home Remedies for Toenail Fungus?
Home remedies that may help with toenail fungus include the following types of foot soaks:
- Tea Tree Oil: Known for its antifungal properties, apply it directly to the affected nail.
- Vinegar Soaks: Soaking feet in a mixture of vinegar and water may help inhibit fungal growth.
- Baking Soda: This can help absorb moisture and prevent fungal growth when applied to the affected area.
- Garlic: Apply crushed garlic to the nail for its antifungal properties or use garlic supplements.
- Hydrogen Peroxide: As mentioned, this can be applied to the nail for its mild antifungal effects.
While home remedies can help, toenail fungus often requires medical treatment for complete removal.
