If you notice signs such as hardening, thickening, or discoloration (yellowing) of your toenails, your nails may be infected with fungus. Don't worry, it's usually not a serious problem. There are various treatment options that you can use to treat toenail fungus. Start with home remedies, such as using over-the-counter or natural remedies. If this problem persists, the doctor should be able to provide some other treatment options. Once you are free from toenail fungus, try to prevent the same problem from happening again.
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Method 1 of 3: Using Home Treatments
Step 1. Trim your nails to allow the antifungal medication to absorb
You may also be able to remove some of the fungus by simply trimming your nails. While not everything can be removed with a nail clipper, you can thin your nails so that the antifungal medication you choose can penetrate deep into the nail bed and fight fungal growth.
If you're used to lengthening your toenails, consider cutting them short enough while using antifungal treatments
Step 2. File out the white patches on the nails, if any
Filing these patches will destroy the protective layer of the nail. So, try to take some time to file your nails so that the topical medication you use can actually reach the fungus. Use an emory board to file away any rough tips or colored spots on your nails. Try filing in short, but precise movements to remove as much of the infected nail layer as possible. Filing nails can increase the effectiveness of topical medications.
- File your toenails once a week, or more often if you find rough edges.
- Get a professional pedicure treatment. This treatment will make your toenails look beautiful and relax you!
Step 3. Use an over-the-counter antifungal medication
You can buy various types of over-the-counter antifungal drugs at the local pharmacy. Ointments or creams are equally effective. Choose the formula that you like the most. Follow the directions for use on the cream packaging. Make sure to use the cream for the recommended amount of time, even if the toenail fungus is no longer visible.
- If in doubt about the right medication, ask your pharmacist or doctor for recommendations.
- If over-the-counter antifungal medications are too expensive for you, try Vick's VapoRub instead. Apply Vick's to the fungus-infected nails twice a day. This cream will be more effective if applied after bathing when the toenails are clean. The results will begin to be felt between 3-4 months.
Step 4. Soak nails in vinegar solution once a day
If you prefer to use natural treatments without drugs, try using vinegar to get rid of the fungus. Fill a bowl with a mixture of warm water and white vinegar in a 2:1 ratio.
- Soak your feet in this solution for 20 minutes, then rinse with plain water. For best results, you can use this treatment every day.
- Although there is no medical evidence to support this treatment, many people claim to find it beneficial. So, there is no harm in trying.
Step 5. Apply garlic to the nail fungus if you don't want to use the medicine
Although not scientifically proven, many people recognize the benefits of garlic for treatment. Apart from that, there is no harm in trying this treatment. Just take a few cloves of garlic in the kitchen. After that, cut and apply directly to the toenail that is infected with the fungus.
Let the garlic sit on your toenails for 30 minutes. If you feel uncomfortable, throw away the garlic immediately and wash your feet with soap and water
Step 6. Use a few drops of tea tree oil as a natural remedy
Tea tree oil is known to have properties as an astringent that can help repel fungus. Apply concentrated tea tree oil directly to the nail surface twice a day for 6 months. Wet a cotton ball with a few drops of the oil and then rub it on your toenails. Make sure your feet are clean and dry before using the oil.
You can buy tea tree oil online or at stores that sell natural healthy lifestyle products
Method 2 of 3: Seeking Medical Help
Step 1. Make an appointment with your doctor and share your concerns
Call your doctor if the toenail fungus doesn't go away after a few weeks, or if the problem is causing you discomfort. Start by contacting a general practitioner. If your GP can't help, he or she will refer you to a foot specialist or other specialist.
Immediately visit a doctor if you have diabetes and are infected with nail fungus because there are complications that may arise
Step 2. Let the doctor examine your toenails
The doctor will probably just look at the toenail and touch it to confirm the problem. The doctor may also take a sample of the nail clippings, or take a small amount of tissue from under the nail. Do not be afraid because this examination is painless.
- The doctor may send a sample of nail clippings or tissue to a laboratory to confirm the diagnosis of the disease as well as to find out the type of fungus causing it.
- Ask what may be causing a yeast infection, how it affects your general health, and if there are other treatment options.
Step 3. Discuss treatment options with your doctor
If over-the-counter medications don't work for the yeast infection, your doctor may prescribe medication. There are several medications that may be prescribed, including:
- Oral antifungal drugs such as terbinafine and itraconazole. These two drugs are most often used because they are the most effective. Usually, you have to take this medication for 12 weeks to treat toenail fungus. You may have to take itraconazole continuously or undergo cycle therapy for 12 weeks. Ask your doctor for side effects.
- Medication nail polishes such as cyclopyrox (Penlac) are less effective than oral medications, but they are effective for mild to moderate infections. Your doctor may recommend this treatment if oral medications are not suitable for you. You usually only need to apply a special nail polish for 7 days in layers. After 7 days, this layer will be filed and the nail polish applied again. Treatment takes 48 weeks, but will spare you the systemic side effects of oral medications.
- Medicated nail cream. This treatment is easy to use and most effective when done after soaking the nails. Follow all the directions for use that your doctor has given you and use this cream for the recommended period of time.
Step 4. Perform nail removal, if necessary
If the fungus that infects your toenails is intense or worrying, the above treatments may not work. Your doctor may recommend that your fingernail be removed. This action will be done in the doctor's clinic.
If you're afraid of losing your toenails, talk to your doctor about other treatment options
Method 3 of 3: Prevent Toenail Fungus
Step 1. Treat the underlying condition
A variety of fungal organisms can cause fungal toenail disease, and it most commonly infects the elderly. Although anyone can get a toenail infection, there are several factors that increase the risk. If you have diabetes or have circulation problems, talk to your doctor about the treatment program. The fungus will be more difficult to treat if the underlying disease is not controlled.
- Remember that increasing age, smoking, poor blood circulation, and immunosuppression can trigger toenail fungus.
- Toenail fungus is rare in prepubescent children. However, toenail fungus infection in one family member will increase the risk of infection for other family members.
- Toenail fungus will be more difficult to treat if other diseases are not controlled. If necessary, follow the doctor's recommendations regarding dietary regulation and the use of drugs such as insulin carefully.
Step 2. Purchase special footwear to wear in public locker rooms
Germs thrive in locker rooms at swimming pools or gyms. To protect your feet in a humid environment like this, buy plastic or rubber sandals. You can buy them at convenience stores, the internet, or even pharmacies. Wear these footwear in the shower or public bathroom.
Wash these footwear with soap and water once a week so they don't grow mold
Step 3. Wash and moisturize your feet daily
Keeping your feet clean and soft is a powerful way to prevent fungal nail infections. For that, wash your feet thoroughly at least once a day with soap and warm water. After that, dry your feet and apply moisturizer.
Wash your feet more often if you sweat a lot or if your feet are damp from something else like walking in the rain
Step 4. Keep your shoes and socks as dry as possible
Since mold thrives in humid environments, try to keep your feet dry. Choose socks made of moisture-wicking materials, and wear shoes made of breathable materials such as nylon.
- Have a spare sock ready in case you might get caught in the rain.
- Try sprinkling baking soda inside your shoes to absorb the moisture.
Tips
- Choose a salon that always sterilizes its equipment if you plan to have nail treatments there.
- Try letting your nails grow without a coat of paint. That way, you can easily detect fungal growth there early on.
- If you decide to leave the nail fungus (as many people do), you can hide it by filing and painting your nails.
