What does toenail fungus look like?

It begins as a white or yellow-brown spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As the fungal infection goes deeper, the nail may discolor, thicken and crumble at the edge. Nail fungus can affect several nails.


What is the fastest way to cure toenail fungus?

The fastest way to eliminate the infection is through toenail laser treatment. Laser nail therapy specifically targets the microorganisms under your nail while leaving the keratin intact. In just a few treatments, the infection can be entirely eliminated.

How do you get rid of fungus on your toenails?

Your health care provider may prescribe antifungal drugs that you take by mouth (orally) or apply to the nail.
  1. Oral antifungal drugs. These drugs are often the first choice. ...
  2. Medicated nail polish. Your health care provider may prescribe an antifungal nail polish called ciclopirox (Penlac). ...
  3. Medicated nail cream.


What is the main cause of toenail fungus?

Many people pick up the fungi when they have skin-to-skin contact with someone who has a fungal infection such as athlete's foot or ringworm on their hands. Another common way to get a fungal nail infection is by walking barefoot in a warm, moist area such as a pool deck or locker room.

Can toenail fungus go away on its own?

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.


How do you know if you have a fungal nail infection?



How do you use Vicks VapoRub for toenail fungus?

Vicks VapoRub

A 2011 study found that Vicks VapoRub had a “positive clinical effect” in treating toenail fungus. To use, apply a small amount of Vicks VapoRub to the affected area at least once a day. Shop for Vicks VapoRub online.

What happens if you ignore toenail fungus?

The problem with not treating toenail fungus goes beyond continued discomfort and discoloration. If the fungus is allowed to continue growing, it can penetrate the skin under the nail and ultimately infect the toe itself. From there, the infection can spread to other parts of the body.

How serious is toenail fungus?

Over time, a nail infected with fungus can become thick and misshapen, causing pain, Dr. Joseph says. It can even make it difficult to walk when wearing shoes, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association. Spread of the fungus.


What does early stage nail fungus look like?

The Earliest Signs of a Fungal Toenail Infection

Unusual white or yellow streaks or spots in the nail. Crumbling along the edges or tips of the nail, particularly where it's discolored. Flaking of the nail in certain areas. Increasing distortion of nail shape.

Should I worry about toenail fungus?

Toenail fungus isn't a pressing health problem. Yet a fungal infection can ruin the appearance of your nails and cause pain as it lifts the nail away from the nail bed. And fungal infections are notoriously difficult to get rid of.

What is the best OTC toenail fungus treatment?

Effective antifungal products like creams or sprays for athlete's foot can be found over-the-counter. Treatment for nail fungus can take months, but not all people need to be treated.
...
What over-the-counter products treat nail fungus?
  • clotrimazole (FungiCure Intensive)
  • tolnaftate (Fungi-Nail, Opti-Nail)
  • undecylenic acid.


How long does it take to clear up a toenail fungus?

If they are treated properly, fungal toenail infections typically take several months of treatment to heal. Since the healing properties of fungal nail treatments work as your nail grows, the speed at which your nails grow makes a difference. In general, it takes around 3-6 months to see results.

Is toenail fungus contagious?

Yes, many types of toenail fungi, including tinea unguium, are quite contagious. You can spread the fungus to someone else through direct contact. You can also get toenail fungus by touching an infected surface.

What is the number one home remedy for toenail fungus?

Tea Tree Oil

It's a popular treatment for many conditions, including foot fungus. Research shows it works as well as clotrimazole, which is found in many OTC treatments.


How does hydrogen peroxide cure toenail fungus?

Natural Treatment for Toenail Fungus: Hydrogen Peroxide
  1. Wipe hydrogen peroxide directly on the infected area with a clean cloth or cotton swab.
  2. Add 1/8 of a cup of hydrogen peroxide to four cups of cool water. Soak the infected feet for 10-20 minutes, and then pat dry with a clean cloth.


How does vinegar cure toenail fungus?

The antifungal properties also make vinegar soaks a good idea for people who have toenail fungus. Soak your feet for 10 to 15 minutes daily in a vinegar bath until the infection subsides. You can increase the length of time in the soak gradually. It may take two to three weeks or longer to see improvement in symptoms.

What are 3 signs of a fungal nail infection?

Symptoms of a nail fungal infection
  • Discolored (usually white or yellow)
  • Brittle.
  • Crumbly, or have rough, jagged edges.
  • Thick.
  • Separated from the nail bed.
  • Curled up or down, or are distorted in shape.


How do you know if you've got nail fungus?

discolouration of the nail – it may turn white, black, yellow or green. thickening and distortion of the nail – it may become an unusual shape or texture and be difficult to trim. pain or discomfort – particularly when using or placing pressure on the affected toe or finger.

Can you get a pedicure if you have toe fungus?

A manicure and pedicure won't hurt (or help) an existing fungal infection, but it's possible to spread it to other salon clients. Your best course is to alert the staff ahead of time so they may sterilize the equipment, including nail files and nail clippers, after use.

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.


When should I go to the doctor for toenail fungus?

Fungal nail infections can get worse over time. See your doctor if you notice your nail has turned brown or black, if it suddenly hurts, or if it pulls away from the nail bed.

Can nail fungus survive in nail polish?

It's highly unlikely that fungus will directly spread from nail to nail via nail polish application because a bottle of polish isn't the most conducive environment for fungal growth due to all the chemicals present. However, while the risk is low, it's not zero either, so we would not recommend sharing nail polish!

How long can fungus live on toenails?

As fungal spores can stay dormant but viable for up to three months in their favoured environments, your family may still remain vulnerable long after you've started covering up your feet or taking other protective measures.


Is toenail fungus lifelong?

One type, distal subungual onychomycosis, can be a lifelong infection and hard to treat. Another type, white superficial onychomycosis, can be easily treated. Even after treatment, your nails may continue to look irregular in shape and appearance. It can take a year or longer before they return to normal.

Does apple cider vinegar cure toe fungus?

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.