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Is There a Cure for Toenail Fungus?

Cure for Toenail Fungus

Contrary to what is often thought about the source of toenail fungus, the condition is related to minor or major injury, rather than from poor hygiene. This is why athletes are some of the most common victims of the condition. As they engage in sport activity athletes’ toes push up against their shoes, directly jamming nails into the shoe and lifting up the nail for fungus to fester. This seemingly minor injury is most often the cause of toenail fungus–not poor hygiene. Luckily, there are several treatment types and preventative measures available or a cure for toenail fungus, depending on its severity.

-Laser Toenail Fungus Removal Treatments

Laser treatments are the newest innovation for eliminating toenail fungus. This method is quick and painless on feet, while still yielding true results. Whether treating mild, moderate or severe cases of foot fungus, laser treatments are effective at curing the condition.

Cure for Toenail Fungus

-Topical Treatments from Your Podiatrist & Antifungal Nail Polishes

Though topical over the counter treatments work for foot fungus infections, such as athlete’s foot, OTC topical treatments do not work on treating toenail fungus. Prescription topical treatments contain stronger ingredients, which is why only your trusted podiatrist can provide the best topical formula. Topical, anti-fungal nail polishes are also effective and available at our Beaver Velley Foot Clinic & Body Beautiful offices.

-Oral Medications

Oral medications, such as the common Terbinafine (Lamisil), get to the root of the nail through the bloodstream. They allow the nail to grow out clear of fungus and healthy. By taking one tablet each day, for 3 months, you can eliminate toe nail fungus from inside. Consult with your podiatrist on whether or not oral medications are an option for you.

Periodical Debridement from Podiatrist, & Surgical Removal

Going to your podiatrist for regular nail trimmings is a great preventative measure against toenail fungus. This prevents long nails from repetitively jabbing into shoes, also preventing injury. If nails are allowed to become long and overly thick, the toenail fungus is at a severe level and will most likely cause major discomfort and pain. Once this is reoccurring, surgical removal of the nail may be necessary.

Home Remedies For Toenail Fungus

Home remedies are a really good option to treatment toenail fungus especially when your situation is mild but if its serious then you should not try them and look fit medical treatments instead.

Here are some useful home remedies for toenail fungus:

  1. Baking Soda

To heal the afflicted nail, add baking soda to a foot soak. You can also mix a baking soda paste with a little water and apply it straight to your foot.

Allow 10 to 20 minutes for the paste to rest on the afflicted area before rinsing with warm water and thoroughly drying the foot.

Baking soda can also be used as a foot powder by sprinkling it on the foot or in the shoes.

Put on clean socks after applying baking soda to a dry foot; the baking soda can wick away moisture while the therapeutic properties work to reduce toenail fungus.

  1. Snakeroot Extract

Snakeroot extract, which is derived from sunflower plants, is an all-natural antifungal homoeopathic treatment for toenail infection.

Snakeroot extract, which is commonly used in Ayurvedic procedures in India, can be put directly to the damaged toenail. For several months, apply the extract two to three times per week.

Consult your doctor to see if snakeroot extract is appropriate for your form of foot fungus.

  1. Keep Your Shoes Clean

Changing your socks and shoes on a regular basis can also help to prevent the spread of unpleasant foot fungus.

Socks and athletic shoes can both be washed in hot water to kill any yeasts or fungus that have developed on the fabric.

A half-cup of baking soda or one cup of vinegar added to the washing machine can help remove bacteria and fungus from socks and shoes. Some shoes can be dried in the machine.

When it comes to washing shoes, another alternative is to leave them out in the sun to dry.

Boots and other non-machine washable footwear can be wiped clean with a vinegar and water solution or sprayed with an over-the-counter antifungal spray.

Medicated powders can also be used to treat foot fungus in shoes.

Can toenail fungus be cured completely?

Toenail fungus can be difficult to cure completely, and recurrence after treatment is possible. Treatment often requires patience and persistence, as it can take several months for a new, healthy nail to grow in. Even after successful treatment, there is a risk of the fungus returning, especially if preventive measures are not taken. It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for treatment and to take steps to prevent reinfection, such as keeping your feet clean and dry, wearing breathable socks and shoes, and avoiding walking barefoot in damp public areas.

How do I know if my toenail fungus is getting better?

You can tell if your toenail fungus is getting better by observing certain signs:

  1. Clearer Nail Growth: As the fungus clears up, you may notice clearer nail growth at the base of the nail.
  2. Reduced Discoloration: The affected nail may start to look less discolored as the infection improves.
  3. Less Thickening: The thickness of the nail may decrease as the fungus clears.
  4. Less Brittle or Crumbly: The affected nail may become less brittle or crumbly as it grows.
  5. Reduced Pain or Discomfort: If the fungus was causing pain or discomfort, you may notice improvement in these symptoms.

When should I see a doctor for toenail fungus?

You should consider seeing a doctor for toenail fungus if:

  1. Pain or Discomfort: The fungus causes pain or discomfort.
  2. Spread or Worsening: The infection spreads to other nails or worsens despite home treatment.
  3. Underlying Health Conditions: You have diabetes, circulation problems, or a weakened immune system, as toenail fungus can pose a greater risk.
  4. Persistent Infection: The infection is persistent and does not improve with over-the-counter treatments.
  5. Complications: You develop complications such as cellulitis (skin infection) or foot ulcers.

Remember to avoid myth-filled home remedies; things like vinegar, Vick’s Vapor Rub, or bleach will only result in chemical burns and ineffective treating. Consult with your foot doctor on which type of treatment is best for you. At the Beaver Valley Foot Clinic, we provide all of the services your feet need to be completely healthy, from heel to toe.

call 878-313-3338 for more information