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!
What Is Toenail Fungus?
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). Toenail fungus can be caused by a variety of factors. Read the next section to find out all about it!
Causes Of Toenail Fungus
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:
Poor foot hygiene. Athlete’s foot. A nail injury. Previous infection. Sharing personal items, like a towel or a nail clipper. Physical contact with a person with toenail fungus. Sweaty socks and shoes.
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.
How To Get Rid Of Toenail Fungus
Home Remedies For Toenail Fungus
1. Tea Tree Oil
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).
2-3 drops of tea tree oil A carrier oil like coconut oil Cotton pad
Apply this 2 times daily.
2. Vicks VapoRub
This decongestant is formulated using menthol that can help alleviate the symptoms of toenail fungus (3).
Vicks VapoRub Sterile gauze
Do this for a few weeks, every night before going to bed.
3. Snakeroot Extract
Snakeroot extract can help heal the affected toenail and alleviate the symptoms of toenail fungus (4).
A few drops of snakeroot extract Water
You can do this 2 times daily.
4. Oregano Oil
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.
3-4 drops of oregano oil 1 teaspoon of coconut oil
You can do this 2 times daily.
5. Olive Leaf Extract
Research shows that olive leaf extract exhibits antifungal properties (6). Its bioactive constituents can eliminate the fungal infection and make your toenail healthy again. A few drops of olive leaf extract You can do this 2 times daily.
6. Ozonized Sunflower Oil
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). A teaspoon of ozonized sunflower oil You can do this once daily.
7. Vinegar
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).
1/2 cup of vinegar 2-3 cups of water A shallow tub
Do this once daily.
8. Garlic
Garlic contains a bioactive compound called ajoene that possesses antimycotic properties (9). This helps garlic to fight the fungal infection that causes toenail fungus. 1-2 peeled garlic cloves You can do this 2 times daily.
9. Baking Soda
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.
1-2 teaspoons of baking soda Water, as needed
Do this 1 to 2 times daily.
10. Hydrogen Peroxide
A solution of hydrogen peroxide can be used as an antifungal agent (11). Its bioactive compounds can help eliminate toenail infection.
1 cup of hydrogen peroxide solution 3 cups of water
Do this once daily.
11. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has wound healing and antifungal properties (12). Both these properties can help fight the dermatophytes that cause nail fungus. Aloe vera gel Do this 1 to 2 times daily.
12. Mouthwash
Mouthwash contains active ingredients like cetylpyridinium chloride, chlorhexidine, essential oils, fluoride, and peroxide that exhibit antifungal properties (13). This may help treat onychomycosis.
Mouthwash A bowl
Soak your toenail in a bowl of mouthwash. Do this for 30 minutes daily. 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.
Medical Treatments
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:
1. Oral Medications
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.
2. Topical Medications
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.
3. Surgery
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.
4. Laser And Light Therapies
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. Let us now take a look at how you can prevent toenail fungus.
Prevention Tips
Ensure that your feet are clean and dry at all times. Refrain from walking barefoot anywhere in public spaces. Make sure not to wear unwashed socks and unclean shoes. Trim your nails regularly to avoid infection. You can also use foot powder to keep your feet free of moisture.
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. Additionally, visit a doctor immediately if the symptoms deteriorate, such as:
If the nail gets thicker, more distorted, or more discolored. If there is swelling, the skin turns red, or becomes warmer or tender. Pus starts to leak from the infected toe and the surrounding area. There are crimson streaks that appear around the infected toe. You develop a fever. The infection spreads further. It becomes too painful to tolerate. If you are diabetic.
Can you get a pedicure if you have toenail fungus? 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. Can nail fungus heal by itself? 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. Can nail fungus spread to other parts of the body? 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. How does Listerine cure toenail fungus? 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. Does Epsom salt get rid of toenail fungus? 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. How long does it take for tea tree oil to work on toenail fungus? 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.
