If left untreated, a nail infection can damage the entire nail. Hence, the claim, a cup of it will destroy your nail fungus. In addition, some marketers use this phrase as their major selling point rather than reality. Keep reading to learn more facts about this exciting topic.
Do you have brittle, discolored, cracked, rough nails or toenails? That’s a red flag; You are suffering from a fungal nail problem. It’s okay to feel disappointed, but now there’s no more shame with this detailed nail fungus review.
So keep reading and don’t move an inch. First, back to the question of itching!
What is nail fungus?
Fungal nail infections are common infections of the fingernails or toes that can cause nails to become discolored, thickened, and more likely to break and break. Toenail infections are more common than fingernails. 1 The technical name for a fungal nail infection is “onychomycosis“.
How does nail fungus develop?
If your feet are always wet or sweaty, it allows the fungus to grow rapidly. Exposing your feet to moist, warm environments such as locker rooms and swimming pools puts you at risk for this type of toenail infection. This is the reason why these infections are more prevalent in the summer months.
Men are more prone to this type of infection than women. Apart from this, it also affects people who are suffering from diabetes, older adults, who have poor blood circulation and weak immune systems. Even people who visit salons frequently can be prone to fungal infections on their feet.
The biggest symptom of nail infection is a change in the color of the nail. When you get nail fungus, the nails turn yellow, brown, white, or black. Not only this, but the nails also become thick and brittle. In some cases, it can also give off a foul odor.
What causes nail fungus?
‘Onychomycosis’ fungus causes fungus in the toenail. Other complications include athlete’s foot, impaired immune system, and peripheral vascular infection. In addition, twitching during walking or other physical activities can cause this discomfort in the toe. Diabetes and psoriasis also cause nail fungus.
Non-Dermatophyte and Candida affect tropical and subtropical regions of humid and warm climates. Meanwhile, the dermatophyte is a fungus that causes onychomycosis in most temperate western states.
When to seek medical help?
Now the question is how to cure nail fungus fast? When you have fungus in your toenails, you may find it difficult to clip your nails or take care of yourself. In this case, a podiatrist can be helpful.
Nail color changes due to fungus in the toe. This is when you need medical attention. White nails are usually a sign of kidney or liver damage. Whereas yellow nails indicate nutritional problems, anemia, or even heart failure.
If you have dark spots or a dark streak under your toenail, you should seek immediate medical attention. This could be a sign of melanoma. People with diabetes also require special treatment to avoid health complications.
How do medical professionals diagnose fungal nails?
It has been shown that the diagnosis of fungal nails based on physical examination alone is not reliable. Even it is not easy for doctors to diagnose nails that appear damaged because many conditions can bring on this symptom such as cornmeal for toenail fungus. Research studies have found that less than half of the causes of abnormal nail appearance are caused by fungus. Diagnostic tests are almost always recommended in such cases.
Some insurance companies may require laboratory tests to diagnose fungal infections before paying for antifungal medication. Nail samples are obtained by cutting or piercing the toenail.
The nail is sent to a laboratory for staining, culture, or PCR analysis (to detect DNA) to determine whether the fungus is present on it. Depending on the amount of fungal genetic material available, staining and culturing can take up to six weeks to finish, but a PCR test to identify fungal material can be performed in a week or two. Due to its high cost, this test is not widely used.
In the case of a negative biopsy result, accompanied by clinical suspicion, such as nails that have severe discoloration, thickening, or discoloration, a repeat biopsy is advised because these tests are false- Negative results are common.
Should You Trust Nail Fungus Home Remedies?
Home remedies for nail fungus can be very effective. The good news is that there are many remedies you can use.
People with mild toenail fungus can use home remedies to treat the infection. But if you are facing serious complications, then you must visit the doctor. Ignoring it will only make things worse.
Best Home Remedies To Treat Toenail Fungal Infection
So here we are with some of the best and most reliable home remedies to treat toenail fungus. In this section, you will find the best toenail fungus treatment to cure the infection.
Here are the things you can try:
1. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is considered the best nail fungus treatment. It has antifungal and antibacterial properties that enable it to fight against different fungal infections. Besides toenail fungus, you can use tea tree oil to treat athletes’ feet, acne, and many other skin issues. It has the potential to destroy fungus underlying in the thick nails by permeating deep in the nail.
Take a q-tip or a cotton ball soaked in tea tree oil and apply it on the affected nail and leave it for half an hour. Repeat this a few times every day and you will see the results. Also, make sure to clean your nails after removing the debris.
2. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice for nail fungus is great because of its acidic nature. The best thing is you can get lemon juice anytime in your home.
Take some fresh lemon juice and apply it to your infected toenail. Leave it for about 20 to 30 minutes. If you have sensitive skin, use this only once a day. But if your skin is normal, then do it twice. After that wash, thoroughly use warm water.
3. Coconut Oil
Does coconut oil cure nail fungus? The answer is yes! Coconut oil acts as a great moisturizer for your skin, nails, and hair. It has some important nutrients that help renew your body. It is a magical substance that everyone should use. It also has antifungal and antibacterial properties that can help destroy your nail fungus.
All you need to do is apply some coconut oil directly to your infected nails. To get the best results, you should do this 2 to 3 times a day. Wash it off afterward and see the magic. You will see noticeable changes in just a month.
4. Thyme Oil
Thyme oil is yet another great home remedy for toenail fungus. It has an active antifungal compound called Thymol. This is the primary ingredient used in a wide variety of antibacterial and antifungal products. This substance is also used in Vicks Vaporub and other cough suppressants.
You can use it to treat nail fungus, athlete’s foot, and other health issues. Just apply some thyme oil directly to your nails. Repeat this at least 2 to 3 times a day for the best results.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar acts as a great antifungal agent. If used long enough, it can easily destroy nail fungus. The best thing is that it can even prevent it from happening again.
Take a tub and half-fill it with warm water. Add half apple cider vinegar and soak your feet or hands in it for at least 30 minutes. You need to do this 3 times a day to get the best results.
What causes nail fungus?
You need to know what causes nail fungus, so you can prevent it from happening again. It is caused by the invasion of fungi into the nail bed. This includes dermatophytes, non-dermatophyte types of mold, and even yeast.
Once you get infected with nail fungus, it is usually a chronic issue. This is because people don’t treat it until it has progressed. The worst thing about nail fungus is that can spread out quickly due to direct skin contact of the toes and nails.
How to Treat Nail Fungus
Besides anti-fungal medication like ciclopirox, fluconazole, and terbinafine for non-severe cases, you use creams and other applicators. Although there are other reliable means of curing nail fungus fast, over-the-counter treatments cause serious side effects.
For example, you can experience jaundice, tummy upset, extreme skin problems, and dizziness. Hence, there is a need to be careful and consult a health expert before buying any of these drugs.
Medicated/antifungal nail creams are also available. You only need a smooth rub, and it penetrates your infected nail. However, thin your nails for effective relief. You can do thinning by use of a non-prescribed urea lotion.
Besides that, you can allow your dermatologist to debride your infested nails using a file or suitable kit.
Nevertheless, there are medicated nail polishes that work similarly to oral antifungal drugs. Penlac ‘ciclopirox’ is a paint for the affected nail and the surrounding skin. Every week, clean off the buildup residue and apply a fresh coat. However, you need a full-year supply to realize any notable changes.
How long will it take for the nail fungus to clear up?
All those articles claiming “1 cup of this will destroy your nail fungus!” might sound tempting. But unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way.
Fungi are powerful and resilient creatures that take a long time to destroy. Using any of these home remedies will probably take you from a few months up to a year to treat your nail fungus.
So you need to be consistent and use the remedies every day to get the desired results.
Top 5 Signs Your toenail fungus has become nuclear.
If you notice any of the following severe symptoms of a toenail fungal infection, you need to see a podiatrist:
1. The color of the nails changes.
This is not a good sign if your nails turn white and chalk or yellow. If it turns brown or green, it is a very bad sign. This means the fungus is really out of control, and your foot is affected.
2. Change in the position of the nails
If your nails start to bend down or up, it’s time to worry. If it breaks from the nail bed, you have a real problem. This means that the connection between your nails and the toes is being destroyed by the infection.
3. Changes in the structure of the nails
If your nails break and break easily, it is a sign that a fungal infection is changing the structure of the nails. If it becomes soft and chalky and begins to crumble, the infection becomes serious.
4. Changes in nail odor
Feet stink, but if your fingernails stink, it’s probably fungus. Even after a thorough scrubbing, if the odor persists, it reduces the chances of infection.
5. Changes in nail sensation
If you have too much on your feet, or your shoes are too small, your nails may feel sensitive, but the pain coming from under the nails is usually caused by a fungal infection and is a sign that You need medical help.
Conclusion
Toenail fungus can be treated more effectively with natural methods than prescription medications. The effectiveness of home remedies is less proven, even though they are generally less side-prone.
Does this article explain how to get rid of a nail fungus quickly? Treatment of toenail fungus depends on several factors, including the penetration of the nail, the severity of the infection, and general health.
Toenail fungus can be difficult to eliminate using home remedies, ranging from prescription topical or oral antifungals. There can be a long delay between treatment and results. There is a high risk of re-infection.
It is important to keep your toenails clean, dry, and trimmed once the infection is gone. The condition can cause permanent toenail damage and pain in severe cases. If your home remedies do not work or cause side effects, consult your doctor.
Home remedies work for nail fungus but it usually takes months to heal. Claims that say “1 cup of this will destroy your nail fungus” are not true. Nail fungus is difficult to treat and takes time to heal.
It is important to know that less is more. Take your time and ensure hydration for your nails to get the expected results.
FAQS
What kills nail fungus fast?
These medications are often the first choice because they clear up the infection more quickly than topical medications. Options include terbinafine (Lamisil) and itraconazole (Sporanox). These medicines help a new nail become free of infection, gradually replacing the infected part. You usually take this type of medicine for six to 12 weeks.
How long does it take Wix to work on nail fungus?
Overall, 15 out of 18 participants (83%) responded positively to Vix Vapor Rib treatment. Five participants (27.8%) underwent mycological treatment (negative nail culture) at 48 weeks. 4 of them showed complete medical and mycological treatment (22.2%).
What is the number one treatment for nail fungus?
Best Overall: Lamisil Terbinafine Hydrochloride Antifungal Cream 1% prescription is the most effective way to treat nail fungus, 1 but there are products over the counter that can deal with even mild fungal infections.
How can you get rid of your nail fungus in one day?
Like hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol can help kill fungus on the skin surface. You can apply it directly to the affected area or soak your feet in 70% rubbing alcohol and 30% water for 30 minutes.
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