How to Treat Toenail Fungus

If you notice any changes to your toenails, such as thickening, hardness, or discoloration (yellowing), you may have a fungal toenail infection. Don’t worry, this is usually not a serious problem, and there are several ways to treat it. Start with home remedies like over-the-counter medications or natural treatments. If the issue persists, a doctor can help you with other treatment methods. Once you’ve cleared the fungal infection, take steps to prevent a recurrence.

Trim the toenail so that the antifungal medication can penetrate the nail. You can treat toenail fungus simply by trimming your nails. Even if you can’t remove all the fungus with nail clippers, you can still file down the nail so that the antifungal medication can absorb deeply and kill the fungus.

• If you usually keep your toenails long, consider cutting them shorter during the treatment period for toenail fungus.

File down any white patches on your toenails if present. By removing these white streaks, you are also eliminating the protective barrier on the nail. Take time to file your nails so the medication can directly contact the fungus. Use a nail file with a rough surface to smooth out any jagged edges or color streaks on the nails. Aim to file carefully and with small strokes to remove as much infected nail as possible. This step can help the treatment work more effectively.

• File your nails once a week or more if the edges become ragged.
• Treat yourself to a professional nail care session. Your toenails will look fantastic, and you'll feel wonderfully relaxed!

Apply over-the-counter antifungal medication. Many over-the-counter antifungal products are available at pharmacies. Both creams and ointments are effective; just choose the one you prefer. Follow the usage instructions on the packaging. Make sure to apply the treatment for the full recommended duration, even if the fungus seems to have healed.

• If you're unsure which product suits you best, ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice.
• If a specific over-the-counter treatment is too expensive, you can substitute it with Vick's VapoRub, which is cheaper. Apply a small amount to the affected nail twice daily. For best results, use the ointment after a shower when your nails are soft and clean. You may notice improvements after 3-4 months.

Soak your toenails in vinegar daily as a natural remedy. If you prefer not to use medication, vinegar can be an alternative for treating fungal nails. Mix two parts warm water with one part white vinegar in a basin to soak your feet.

• Soak your feet for about 20 minutes, then rinse with clean water. You can repeat this daily for optimal results.
• While there is no scientific evidence confirming the effectiveness of this remedy, many people claim to have successfully treated their fungal nails with vinegar. It's a safe option to try without fear of harm.

Apply garlic to your nails if you wish to avoid medications. Many people swear by the healing power of garlic, though its medicinal effects have not been scientifically proven. This method poses no harm if you'd like to try it. Crush a few garlic cloves from your kitchen and apply them directly to the infected toenail.

• Leave the garlic on the nail for 30 minutes. If you experience any discomfort, remove the garlic immediately and wash your feet with soap and water.

Use another natural remedy: tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is known for its astringent properties, which may help combat fungal infections. Apply undiluted tea tree oil to the affected toenail twice a day for six months. Place a few drops of the oil on a cotton ball and rub it onto the nail. Make sure your foot is clean and dry before applying the oil.

• You can purchase tea tree oil online or at health product stores.

Schedule an appointment with your doctor and share your concerns. If your toenail fungus doesn't improve after a few weeks or becomes bothersome, it's time to contact your doctor. You can start with a general practitioner. If necessary, they will refer you to a podiatrist.

• Be sure to see a doctor quickly if you have diabetes and a toenail fungus, as complications could arise.

Visit your doctor for a toenail examination. Your doctor may examine and feel your toenail to assess its condition. They may take a small sample of the nail or scrape tissue from beneath the nail. Don't worry, as this procedure is not painful.

• The doctor may send the samples to a laboratory to identify the type of fungus causing the infection.
• Ask your doctor what might be causing the fungal infection, how it could affect your overall health, and whether there are alternative treatments available.

Discuss treatment options with your doctor. If over-the-counter antifungal medications aren't effective, your doctor will likely recommend prescription treatments. There are several options, including:

• Oral antifungal medications like terbinafine and itraconazole. These are the most commonly used and are the most effective. Typically, you will take the medication for 12 weeks to clear up the infection. For example, itraconazole can be taken continuously or in cycles over 12 weeks. Ask your doctor about potential side effects.
• Topical antifungal nail lacquer such as ciclopirox (Penlac) may not be as effective as oral medications, but it can clear up mild to moderate infections. Your doctor will suggest this if oral medications aren't suitable for you. Typically, you will apply the lacquer daily for seven days, layering it on top of the previous coat. After seven days, you'll need to file down the layers and start over. The treatment will last for 48 weeks, but you will avoid the side effects often associated with oral medications.
• Topical antifungal creams. These are easy to apply and will be most effective if you soak your nails before applying the cream. Follow your doctor's instructions and use the medication for the prescribed duration.

Consider nail removal if necessary. If you're dealing with a particularly persistent and troublesome fungal infection, the infection may not respond well to antifungal treatments. In this case, your doctor may recommend removing the infected nail. This procedure is usually performed in a clinic.

• If you're concerned about losing your toenail, ask your doctor about alternative methods.

Address underlying health conditions. Toenail fungal infections are caused by several types of fungi, and they are most common among older adults. While anyone can get infected, certain factors increase the risk. If you have diabetes or circulation problems, discuss a treatment plan with your doctor. Managing these underlying conditions is crucial, as treating toenail fungus becomes much harder if these other health issues are not controlled.

• Factors such as age, poor circulation, and a weakened immune system can contribute to toenail fungal infections.
• Children rarely get toenail fungus, but those with it can spread it to other family members.
• Fungal infections will be much harder to treat if you do not manage other health conditions. Make sure to follow your doctor's instructions on diet and medication, such as insulin, if needed.

Wear waterproof shoes in public showers. Showers at swimming pools and gyms are breeding grounds for bacteria and fungi. Plastic or rubber sandals can help protect your feet in these damp environments. You can find these products online or at retail stores, and be sure to bring them with you to public showers or changing rooms.

• Wash your waterproof shoes with soap once a week to prevent fungal buildup.

Clean and moisturize your feet daily. Keeping your feet clean and soft is an effective way to prevent toenail fungus. Be sure to wash your feet thoroughly at least once a day with soap and warm water, then dry them off and apply moisturizing cream.

• Wash your feet more frequently if your feet sweat a lot or become damp for other reasons, such as after walking in the rain.

Keep your shoes and socks as dry as possible. Fungi thrive in moist environments, so it's essential to keep everything dry. Opt for moisture-wicking socks and breathable shoes.

• Bring a spare pair of socks in case you get caught in the rain.
• Try sprinkling baking soda inside your shoes to absorb moisture.

• When choosing a nail salon, make sure they properly disinfect their tools.
• Consider not painting your toenails. This way, you can easily notice if you have any fungal infection.
• If you decide to live with toenail fungus like many others, you can hide it by filing your nails and applying nail polish.