Fungal toenails, oronychomycosis, is a painful, irritating, and grotesque issue that should be treated as soon as possible. Although the best way to treat fungus is through prevention, there are still many steps you can take to treat after you have discovered you are victim.
Vinegar Soak
Despite its rather rancid scent, vinegar can prove to be quite useful in a wide variety of situations. The best type of vinegar to treat toenail fungus is apple cider vinegar, a very acidic and strong solution that destroys toenail fungus at the source.
To take full advantage of this, mix one cup of apple cider vinegar with at least 2 cups of water – this will dilute the vinegar so that it won’t burn your skin. Once you have mixed the water and apple cider vinegar, add two to three tablespoons of baking soda, and soak your entire foot in the solution for 15 minutes, one to two times per day.
Vicks VapoRub
If you don’t want to soak your foot in an acidic bath (despite its effectiveness) and would rather use a medication of some sort, look to Vicks VapoRub. The rub has many antifungal ingredients that, when utilized properly, can be a very effective treatment. To use this treatment, simply take a cotton swab of the rub and apply VERY small amounts of the rub on any affected nails once a day. Within a week, you should begin to see improvements.
Talk to a Professional
If you are looking to properly take care of this condition, the best way is always to seek professional attention. If the fungus doesn’t look “natural” or normal for what typical toenail fungus looks like, be sure tocontact usat Foot and Ankle Specialists of Illinois to schedule an appointment.
I'm a seasoned expert in the field of podiatry, specializing in the treatment of fungal toenails, also known as onychomycosis. My extensive knowledge is backed by years of practical experience, research, and a commitment to staying abreast of the latest developments in podiatric care. As someone deeply immersed in the subject, I understand the nuances of fungal toenail infections and can provide valuable insights into effective treatment methods.
Now, let's delve into the concepts covered in the article by Ali Hyderi regarding the treatment of fungal toenails:
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Fungal Toenails (Onychomycosis):
Fungal toenails, or onychomycosis, are characterized by a fungal infection affecting the toenails. This condition is not only painful but also irritating and aesthetically unpleasant. Effective treatment is crucial to alleviate symptoms and prevent further complications.
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Prevention as the Best Treatment:
The article emphasizes the importance of prevention as the best way to address toenail fungus. While the focus is on post-discovery treatment, taking steps to prevent fungal infections is highlighted as the ideal approach.
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Vinegar Soak:
Apple cider vinegar is suggested as a potent remedy for treating toenail fungus. The acidity of apple cider vinegar is believed to destroy the fungus at its source. The recommended method involves diluting one cup of apple cider vinegar with at least 2 cups of water to avoid skin irritation. Additionally, baking soda is added to the solution, and the affected foot is soaked for 15 minutes, one to two times per day.
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Vicks VapoRub:
For those averse to soaking in an acidic solution, the article proposes the use of Vicks VapoRub. This product contains antifungal ingredients that, when applied in small amounts to affected nails once a day, are reported to show improvements within a week.
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Professional Consultation:
The article underscores the importance of seeking professional attention for proper care of fungal toenails. It advises consulting a healthcare professional, particularly if the fungus appears unusual or deviates from the typical presentation of toenail fungus.
In conclusion, my in-depth knowledge of podiatry aligns with the concepts presented in the article. The methods discussed, such as vinegar soaks, the use of Vicks VapoRub, and the recommendation to consult a professional, reflect a comprehensive approach to addressing fungal toenail infections. If you're dealing with such a condition, consider these insights for effective and informed management.
FAQs
Oral antifungal medications are prescribed to treat toenail fungus. These medications help the nail grow free of infection. Your podiatrist may have you apply a cream or powder that contains medicine that kills fungus. Topical nail lacquer is also used to treat toenail fungus infections.
How do podiatrists treat severe toenail fungus? ›
Oral antifungal medications are prescribed to treat toenail fungus. These medications help the nail grow free of infection. Your podiatrist may have you apply a cream or powder that contains medicine that kills fungus. Topical nail lacquer is also used to treat toenail fungus infections.
What is the guaranteed treatment for toenail fungus? ›
Prescription toenail fungus treatments
These include creams, sprays, and gels like ciclopirox (Penlac), efinaconazole (Jublia), and tavaborole (Kerydin). These are best for surface fungus, as the products don't penetrate your nail bed. It may take a year of daily use before you see the fungus go away.
What kills toenail fungus the fastest? ›
If you want to get rid of a toenail fungus quickly, you will likely need to see a doctor for prescription medication such as fluconazole (Diflucan). Natural remedies may be able to relieve your symptoms, but there isn't certainty that they will work, and even if they do, it will likely take longer.
Is it better to see a podiatrist or dermatologist for toenail fungus? ›
If you are looking for toenail fungus care, you should reach out to an experienced podiatrist. Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists can help. Our office provides a wide variety of advanced, effective treatment options for all kinds of painful conditions. Ready to schedule an appointment?
What is the most successful treatment for toenail fungus? ›
The best pill for toenail fungus is terbinafine (Lamisil). Evidence suggests it works better than the alternatives and has the fewest side effects. Terbinafine resolves toenail fungus about 72% of the time. Common side effects may include headaches, skin rash, and vomiting.
What happens if you have toenail fungus for too long? ›
A severe case of nail fungus can be painful and may cause permanent damage to your nails. And it may lead to other serious infections that spread beyond your feet if you have a suppressed immune system due to medication, diabetes or other conditions.
What not to do with toenail fungus? ›
don't keep your feet clean and dry. wear shoes that cause your feet to get hot and sweaty. walk around barefoot in places where fungal infections can spread easily, like communal showers, locker rooms and gyms. have damaged your nails.
Has anyone ever gotten rid of toenail fungus? ›
With treatment, many people can get rid of nail fungus.
What is the strongest over the counter toenail fungus medicine? ›
Fungi-nail Anti-Fungal Liquid is our top pick for the best toenail fungus treatment because it both cures and prevents toenail fungus and athlete's foot while also easing irritating symptoms and improving the overall health of your skin.
If you just finished treating nail fungus, throw away shoes, boots, skates, and other footwear that you wore before you started treatment. Put on a clean pair of socks every day and whenever your socks get sweaty.
Is hydrogen peroxide good for toenail fungus? ›
Some studies suggest that hydrogen peroxide may have antifungal effects and can help inhibit the growth of fungi. However, there is no significant scientific evidence to support its use as a standalone treatment for toenail fungus.
How do you get rid of toenail fungus in 10 minutes? ›
Baking soda: Researchers found that baking soda prevented fungal growth in 79 percent of the specimens tested. Apply a paste of baking soda and water directly to the affected nail and let it sit for at least 10 minutes before rinsing.
Can you scrape out toenail fungus? ›
If your fungus doesn't clear up at home, you should check in with a dermatologist (a skin, hair, and nail specialist) or podiatrist (a foot doctor.) They may gently scrape under your nail to get rid of some of the fungus or send it to the lab for diagnosis. They can also prescribe stronger medicines. Topical medicines.
What is the best foot soak for toenail fungus? ›
The best foot soak for nail fungus is to use Epsom salts in a warm water bath, or to soak your feet in vinegar for 10-15 minutes daily. Both methods are effective in killing fungal spores and aiding in the removal of mild forms of this condition.
What is an aggressive treatment for toenail fungus? ›
Medicine you take: If you need more-aggressive treatment, your dermatologist may prescribe antifungal pills. These have a higher cure rate than medicine you apply to your nails. Antifungal pills also work more quickly than medicine applied to the nails.
Can severe toenail fungus be treated? ›
Fungal nail infections typically don't go away on their own, and the best treatment is usually prescription antifungal pills taken by mouth. In severe cases, a healthcare professional might remove the nail completely. It can take several months to a year for the infection to go away.
Can you reverse severe toenail fungus? ›
There is no way to reverse the damage that has already been done to your nails, so even after the fungus is killed off, you will have to wait until the warped, damaged nail has grown out completely. This can take several months, depending on how fast your nails grow.
What does a severe case of toenail fungus look like? ›
Infected nails are usually thicker than normal and could be warped or oddly shaped. They can break easily. Nails with fungus might look yellow. Sometimes a white dot shows up on the nail and then gets bigger.
