Foot Soak for Toenail Fungus: Toenail Fungus Home Remedy

The foot soak for toenail fungus can help soothe the symptoms of having fungal infection on your toenails. There are several versions of foot soaks out there, and you can prepare them at home using readily available ingredients. And while some of the foot soak for fungus is truly effective, the effects will vary depending on the severity of your condition. For those suffering from the more severe cases of toenail fungus, you may have to see your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment or try our natural supplements that are specially made to treat toenail fungus.

What Can Fungus Infections Do To Your Toenails

Millions of people suffer from toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis. Others are not even aware they have it. It happens due to the fungus living on the skin underneath the toenails that could sometimes multiply and infect the nails.

There are several types of toenail fungus, but the most common is the distal subungual onychomycosis. With this condition, the fungus will get into the nail bed through the skin under the nail. The infection will eventually cause the toenails to thicken. In some cases, the nails will begin to discolor and turn yellowish. There may also be mild inflammation and pain.

Often, the nails will start to chip and become jagged, eventually separating from the nail bed. Those with the highly contagious athlete’s foot are more at risk of getting distal subungual onychomycosis.

It’s also common for people to get it from their household contacts since the infection is contagious. Another subtype, white superficial onychomycosis, is less common than distal subungual onychomycosis. Unlike other forms of onychomycosis, which affect the fingernails and toenails, the white superficial onychomycosis will only affect the toenails.

The symptoms of white superficial onychomycosis include small and white powdery-looking patches that will randomly appear at the toenail. The nail becomes soft and will easily crumble.

Foot Soak for Toenail Fungus

In most cases, toenail infections will eventually go away on their own even without prescription medical treatment. Over-the-counter toenail fungus treatment products may help to soothe the symptoms, but they may not eradicate the fungus. Also, it could take several months or even up to a year for the infection to heal.

For those whose symptoms are mild, you can try the foot soak for fungus at home to try to soothe the symptoms and help your toenails heal. Here are some of the foot soaks for toenail fungus that you can try at home.

Apple Cider Vinegar Foot Soak

Apple cider vinegar is a classic toenail fungus home remedy that many people swear by. The vinegar is believed to help treat skin problems and possibly help with toenail fungus. Before using apple cider vinegar for toenail fungus, keep in mind that there’s not enough research to confirm whether this home remedy is effective. Still, it’s worth giving a try.

To prepare the apple cider vinegar for toenail fungus, mix two parts of warm water to one part of apple cider vinegar. Pour the mixture into a basin and soak your feet for 10 to 15 minutes per day. Make sure to dry and clean your feet afterward and apply moisturizer. Do this three times a week for up to a year or until your symptoms disappear.

Tea Tree Oil Foot Soak

Some scientific studies support tea tree oil in treating nail fungus. Although more studies are needed, these studies pointed out the tea tree oil’s antifungal properties. Some studies also show that tea tree oil may effectively reduce fungal growth. Combining the tea tree oil with other medicated creams may also help to effectively treat the toenail fungus.

Before using the tea tree oil for foot soak for toenail fungus, do a skin patch test. Apply a small amount of the oil to your forearm. If you’re not experiencing any irritation within 24 hours, you can use the tea tree oil for a foot soak. To prepare, add five drops of the tea tree oil to half-ounce carrier oil. Mix well and add into a bucket of warm water. Soak your feet to the mixture for up to 20 minutes.

Baking Soda Foot Soak

Baking soda is another inexpensive ingredient recognized for its ability to treat a wide range of skin conditions, from sunburned skin to itchy skin. Some people believe that baking soda may also help curb the growth of fungus and potentially treat toenail fungus. According to one study, lab tests showed that baking soda might effectively suppress fungal growth.

To prepare the baking soda for foot soak for toenail fungus, fill a basin with warm water. Add one-half cup of baking soda into the basin, then soak your feet in the mixture for 15 to 20 minutes.

Hydrogen Peroxide Foot Soak

Hydrogen peroxide may help kill the fungus growing on your skin and is believed to be an effective remedy for toenail fungus. According to the CDC, hydrogen peroxide could kill bacteria, viruses, mold spores, yeast, and fungi. Using a cotton swab, some people will directly apply the hydrogen peroxide to the affected area. But others will use hydrogen peroxide as a foot soak.

When using hydrogen peroxide as a foot soak for toenail fungus, mix 1/8 cup of hydrogen peroxide with four cups of cool water. Soak your feet to the mixture for 10 to 20 minutes. Rinse your feet with warm water and dry them thoroughly.

Over-the-counter Foot Soaks

If you prefer a “ready-to-use” product for foot soak for toenail fungus, you can rely on over-the-counter foot soak products. But before you buy, find out the list of ingredients and see if they contain antibacterial and antifungal properties, effectively curing the fungal infection. Some over-the-counter foot soak products contain baking soda, tea tree oil, and Epsom salt. These ingredients may help to kill the fungus and eliminate the other symptoms that come with having a fungal infection.

Conclusion

While the foot soak for toenail fungus may help address the symptoms of fungal infections, they cannot guarantee the full treatment of your condition. If you have diabetes or have severe symptoms of toenail fungus, see your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. Also, if you have tried these foot soaks for a while, and your fungal infection has not improved, better leave it to your doctor. You can also try out all natural toenail fungus treatment supplements that are designed to treat toenail fungus by fighting the free radicals and boosting the immune system.

Best Home Remedies for Toenail Fungus

While there are wide range of home remedies for toenail fungus available out there, they are not guaranteed to provide 100% cure for toenail fungus. Some work to some extent, some provide temporary relief to some, and some are not recommended to be used at all. Best remedies for toenail fungus therefore will be a treatment that is made of all natural ingredients; ingredients that are proven to support skin and nail health. You need to look for ingredients that are high in antioxidant which will boost your immune system and ingredients that will fight against free radicals, which is the major cause of toenail fungus to begin with.

Many people would search for the best home remedies for toenail fungus because they don’t like the nasty side effects of taking over-the-counter drugs. Toenail fungus is a common condition, with millions of people suffering from this condition worldwide. Also called “onychomycosis,” it can cause discoloration of the toenails. If left treated, it will thicken and start to crumble. Sometimes, the infection could cause the nail to be removed from the nail bed. Since it is contagious, it usually begins in one toenail and eventually spreads to the other nails.

Toenail fungal infections can happen to anyone, resulting from the many different types of fungi. While most toenail infections can be treated easily, there are cases when the infection will require prescription drugs, such as anti-fungal pills. Although these drugs are truly effective, they could cause unpleasant side effects, including skin rashes and upset stomachs. Because of this, many people would turn to the best home remedies for toenail fungus.

Toenail Fungus Home Remedies

Baking Soda

Baking soda has long been a popular home remedy for a wide range of illnesses. Some people suggest that baking soda can help absorb moisture that causes fungus growth in the toenail. In addition, it contains fungistatic properties, which means that it will not only kill fungi but also prevent them from growing. However, there is not much scientific evidence that supports baking soda for toenail fungus, and there’s no evidence to suggest that it can treat fungal infections. Nevertheless, it’s worth trying, especially since baking soda is readily available.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a common household product. It’s also a popular remedy for toenail fungus because of its anti-fungal properties, as proven by a 2017 study. However, the study also notes that more research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of apple cider vinegar for toenail fungus. Using vinegar to treat your fungal infection is easy. Prepare a mixture of vinegar and warm water. Place in a basin and soak your feet in the mixture for about 15 minutes. Try the vinegar foot soak for fungus twice a day, and you will see improvement in only a few days.

Garlic

Although garlic is used to season food, it’s also considered one of the best home remedies for toenail fungus. Some studies show that garlic contains strong anti-fungal properties, making it an effective remedy for treating all types of fungal infections, including toenail fungus. However, more research is needed to confirm this claim. Also, some studies suggest using garlic together with anti-fungal drugs to make it more effective. If you want to give this home remedy a try, chop up a clove of garlic and apply it directly to the infected nail for 30 minutes twice a day.

Epsom Salt

The Epsom salt has long been used to treat wounds and infections effectively. While it may not completely eliminate toenail fungus, the Epsom salt for toenail fungus can be a part of an anti-fungal regime. Soaking your feet in the salt could relieve you of the fungus that causes the infection in your toenails. Mix one cup of Epsom salt to two quarts of warm to hot water and soak your feet in the mixture for up to 20 minutes. Some people would add essential oils to the mix to make it more effective.

Mouthwash

Some mouthwash products like Listerine contain active ingredients that could kill the fungus that causes the toenail fungus infection. Thus, many people believe it’s the best toenail fungus remedy, especially when combatting the odor of toenail infections. But it’s worth noting that some mouthwashes that contain chlorhexidine, which is believed to be the ingredient with antifungal properties, require a prescription from the doctor. The mouthwash can be used as a foot soak for fungus toenails. Just mix it with warm water.

Essential Oils

Some studies suggest that certain essential oils contain antifungal properties that can help treat toenail fungal infections, especially when used with other antifungal treatments. One of the essential oils used for antifungal treatment is tea tree oil. To use tree tea oil for nail fungus, add five drops of the oil to half-ounce of carrier oil. Mix well, stir into warm water, and use it as a foot soak for fungus toenails.

Vicks VapoRub

Although Vicks VapoRub is more commonly used to suppress cough, it contains active ingredients that may help to treat toenail fungus. A study about Vicks VapoRub toenail fungus has shown a “positive clinical effect.” However, more studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of Vicks VapoRub on feet fungus. To use, apply a small amount of the Vicks VapoRub on your toenails at least once a day.

Snakeroot Extract

The Snakeroot may not be popular in the US. However, in places like Mexico, the Snakeroot extract is a popular traditional treatment for different skin conditions, making it one of the best home remedies for toenail fungus. This plant is part of the sunflower family and is believed to have potent antifungal properties. To use, apply the snakeroot extract directly to the affected area every third day for the first month, twice a week for the following month, and once a week for the third month.

Unsafe Home Remedies for Toenail Fungus

While some of the best home remedies for toenail fungus are somewhat effective, some products could cause more harm than good. For instance, you should never use bleach for nail fungus. It can be toxic to the skin and lead to severe skin irritation. In addition, you must use only a small amount of hot water when preparing foot soak for fungus toenails. Excessive heat can further injure the nails and skin and make your condition even worse. Always use lukewarm water for soaking. And finally, never remove the nails or avoid trimming them excessively. Doing so could cause damage to the nail bed and lead to further injuries. There is also a risk of causing further infections if the damaged nail is not properly removed.

You need to understand one thing. Home remedies are just like that – home remedies. If you are looking for the best toenail fungus treatment, you look for a professionally made supplement from proven all natural ingredients. Look for ingredients that fight free radicals and boost immune system. That will be the best toenail fungus treatment for you.

Best Toe Nail Fungus Treatments

Out of the Dozens of Toe Nail Fungus Treatments I’ve Tried,
Most Of Them DO NOT WORK.
Read These Reviews So You Don’t Waste Money

Toe nail fungus reviews

Hello! I’m Janine and I’d like to share my personal experience with my hunt for toe nail fungus treatments. It may be an embarassing story to tell for most, but if you have a daughter who is miserable about her toe nails, you would be as vigilant as me in looking for a treatment.

Below, I will share with you MY REVIEWERS CHOICE treatments that do work in treating your toe nail fungus.

Let’s share thoughts, experiences and reviews in discovering the best toe nail fungus treatment.

 

 

Lamisil Review
lamisilVisit Lamisil Toenail Fungus Treatment

Price:$60.00 – $240.00

Let me share why I chose to recommend this product based on a few facts.

Lamisil is one of the popular products in the fungus removal market, which is why it was one of my first choices to try for my daughter.

As stated in their packaging, Lamisil (terbinafince) is an antibiotic which comes in a 250-mg. tablet. The Lamisil tablet should be taken with 8 full ounces of water over a period of 6 – 12 weeks.

This treatment should be used upon physician’s recommendation because it can contradict some medicines and may cause the person taking it a few discomforts.

Given all these information, to be sure the doctor checked to see if my daughter had any of the following condition:

  • liver disease
  • kidney disease
  • a history of depression; or
  • an autoimmune disorder such as lupus or psoriasis

    • Luckily, she didn’t have these. Also, she was obviously not pregnant so we need not worry about her breastfeeding!

    After trying it, here is what we found

    Advantages of Using Lamisil:

    • Effectively removes the fungi attacking your toenails
    • Attacks and kills fungi from inside of the body so it is effective
    • It can be used in the hair follicles of children as early as 4 years of age

    Disadvantages:

    • It can give many side effects most especially to people who have liver, kidney, autoimmune related disorders and even depression
    • It can also contradict and cause unwanted reactions with other drugs used by the body. It can also cause side effects such as gastrointestinal disturbance, stomach aches, nausea and a lot more
    • It is expensive because a tablet costs $30.00 so if you were to buy for a month’s supply, you will spend about $4200. Remember that skipping doses will not only cause a relapse of fungi as I stated below, but it will also increase risks of infection and resistance to anti-biotics.
    • You should use it for 6 weeks to 12 weeks to avoid the relapse of fungi

    Directions for Use: The Lamisil tablet should be taken with 8 full ounces of water over a period of 6 – 12 weeks.

    Recommendation: I have seen results, so I would give credit to this product. I would give it a 5 out of 5. Although its a bit pricey but its also very effective and I am thankful that my daughter was lucky enough because she didn’t have any conditions that may have cause side effects.

    Note: Avoid coffee, tea, cola, energy drinks, basically anything that contains caffeine in it.

    VN:F [1.9.10_1130]

    VN:F [1.9.10_1130]Out of the Dozens of Toe Nail Fungus Treatments I’ve Tried,
    Most Of Them DO NOT WORK.
    Read These Reviews So You Don’t Waste Money

    Best Over the Counter Toenail Fungus Treatment

    If your toenails have developed a fungal infection, then you are probably searching for the best over the counter toenail fungus treatment. While you will find many medications out there that claim to treat toenail fungus, a common infection affecting about 40 million Americans, none of the are to be used without the advice of a licensed doctor. If you must try an over the counter toenail fungus treatment, your best option is to opt for an all natural supplement that has proven ingredients that are known to treat such conditions.

    Before you turn to over-the-counter medications, it’s important to know that not all toenail fungal infections are the same. Therefore, the method of treatment will vary as well. If none of these medications will work for you, it is best to see a doctor who can prescribe the best over-the-counter toenail fungus treatment.

    Here are some medications you might want to try.

    Undecylenic Acid

    Undecylenic Acid is a common ingredient in many otc toenail fungus treatments. It’s also used to treat other conditions like jock itch and athlete’s foot. Undecylenic Acid is a fatty acid that works by stopping the fungus from growing.

    Before applying this medication, clean the affected area and make sure it’s thoroughly dry. Apply it directly to the affected area, twice a day or as directed by the product label or your doctor. The dosage and the length of treatment will depend on the type of toenail infection you have.

    Apply a generous amount of this medication on the affected area, including the surrounding skin. After application, wash your hands thoroughly. You don’t need to wrap or cover the treated area. Use the medication regularly or until your toenail fungus is gone. If irritation occurs, see your doctor immediately. You can buy this medication from local drugstores, and it is often sold in the form of a liquid or a polish that you can apply directly to your nails.

    Clotrimazole

    Although Clotrimazole is more commonly used to treat yeast infections, it’s also considered the best over-the-counter toenail fungus treatment. A group of scientists in the UK has found it effective in treating the fungal infection of patients who used the medication for 12 weeks.

    Aside from being used as an otc nail fungus treatment, Clotrimazole can also work to treat ringworm, athlete’s foot, nappy rash, and thrush. The product comes in the form of a cream, spray, or a solution that you can apply directly to your skin. The treatment method will vary depending on the type of fungal infection you have. You can buy Clotrimazole from a supermarket or pharmacy.

    Terbinafine Gel

    The Terbinafine Gel is used for treating a variety of fungal infections, including jock itch, athlete’s foot, and ringworm. It can help relieve itching, burning sensation, and other symptoms of fungal infections. Terbinafine is an antifungal gel considered one of the most effective toenail fungus otc medications.

    To use the gel, apply it directly to the affected area. Make sure you clean and dry your toenails before application. Apply a thin layer of the gel on the toenails and the surrounding skin, usually once a day or as per the direction of the product label. If you have any concerns about the product, better ask the pharmacist of your doctor. After application, do not wrap, cover, or apply a bandage on the affected area.

    Your toenail fungus will continue to improve with regular use of the terbinafine gel. It could take several weeks after the treatment of the infection to heal fully. See your doctor if your condition worsens or does not show any improvement within two weeks of use.

    Tolnaftate

    Tolnaftate is a topical antifungal agent considered the best otc toenail fungus treatment. It can work against mild to moderate cases of fungal infection in both nails and skin. Just like with the other toenail fungus otc medications, you can also use this medication to treat other fungal infections, such as ringworm, jock itch, and athlete’s foot.

    Tolnaftate can be brought from the pharmacy and comes in a cream, spray, powder, or liquid form. You could start to feel relief after two to three days of using. But it’s recommended that you continue using it for at least two weeks, even after the symptoms disappear.

    Mentholated Creams

    Although mentholated creams are usually used to treat chest colds, they are also considered the best over-the-counter toenail fungus treatment. One of the most popular mentholated creams is the Vicks VapoRub. It’s a popular home remedy for fungal infections, including toenail fungus. Although there are not too many studies to prove that it works, one small study involving 18 people has shown that it can work to treat fungal infections.

    The mentholated cream works by killing the fungus that causes the infection, eradicating it from the nail surface. Make sure the area is dry and clean before application. Use your fingertips to take some amount of the cream and rub it gently on your toenails in circular motions. Thoroughly wash your hands after use.

    Essential Oils

    Essential oils are another otc toenail fungus treatment that many people swear by. These oils are extracted and distilled from different plants and contain chemical compounds with powerful properties. Many of these oils have antifungal properties, which can help to treat toenail fungus. The best part about using essential oils is that they will not trigger any harmful side effects, unlike other otc nail fungus treatment, which contains synthetic ingredients.

    Some of the most popular essential oils that can treat fungal infections are eucalyptus, citronella, peppermint, geranium, tea tree, and lemongrass. Some studies show these oils were truly effective in fighting fungal infections.

    To use the antifungal essential oils, you can mix two or three drops of these oils to a carrier oil like coconut oil. Mix two to three drops of the essential oils with 20 drops of carrier oil. Then use cotton to coat the mixture of oils to the affected area of your toenail. You may need to apply the oils two to three times per day for several weeks until your symptoms improve.

    Conclusion

    Toenail fungus is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Although it’s not a pressing health problem and will not lead to life-threatening symptoms, it can cause discomfort to the patient. If left untreated, it may lead to more severe complications. So, if you find yourself suffering from this type of fungal infection, you can refer to the list above for the best over-the-counter toenail fungus treatment. If none of them works or if you are looking for the best toenail fungus treatment that is all natural, you can look at the link below.

    Medicines for Toenail Fungus: What is the Best Option?

    Many people are interested to know the best medicines for toenail fungus. It’s a common condition in the toenails caused by the growth of a fungus. Different fungi species can trigger skin problems such as bumps and rashes. However, it’s more common in the toenail. The fungus that causes the toenail infection thrives on damp surfaces, such as public showers and swimming pools.

    The best medicines for toenail fungus will depend on the type of infection you have. That’s why proper diagnosis from the doctor is a must. Your doctor can examine your fungal nails and take a sample by scraping some portions. The specimen will be sent to the lab to check your infection type. Once the doctor receives the result, your doctor will decide the best treatment. Sometimes, the condition may only be due to psoriasis and is only mistaken as a fungal infection. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to get tested with your doctor.

    What Is the Best Treatment for Toenail Fungus?

    To determine the best med for toenail fungus, seek medical advice from health professionals. There are different medications that the doctor can prescribe for the treatment of toenail fungus. But the type of medication will depend on the kind of nail fungus you have and the severity of the infection.

    Over the Counter Medications

    Over-the-counter drugs are some of the best medicines for toenail fungus. They work to prevent infection and prevent the growth of toenail fungus. Usually, they come in the form of creams and topical gels that you can apply directly to the affected area.

    There are also over-the-counter foot powders and foot sprays that can help prevent the growth of foot fungus before it gets into the toenails. These are the best products to treat mild cases. However, otc nail fungus treatment cannot penetrate deep into the cuticle and may not treat the infected nail fully. When it comes to this, you may be required to take prescription medicine or try a good all natural supplement.

    Oral Medications

    When you see a doctor for the treatment of your toenail fungus, your doctor will most likely prescribe you oral medications. They are usually the first choice for nail fungus med since they can help clear the fungal infection more quickly, unlike topical drugs.

    The oral medications work by causing new nails to grow, replacing the infected nail. These medications have to be taken orally for six to twelve weeks, depending on the severity of your infection. Sporanox and Lamisil are some of the most popular oral medicines for toenail fungus.

    Topical Medications

    Prescription topicals are also some of the most common medications used to treat toenail fungus infection. But it’s only recommended for those infections that are not widespread but do not seem to go away with over-the-counter drugs. These medicines can come in the form of nail polish or cream.

    Using the medicated nail polish as a med for nail fungus is easy. Just like with using regular nail polish, you just paint it directly into the affected nail using a brush. You should layer it for about a week. After a week, you can wipe the layers clean and start the process again. If you prefer the topical medication cream, you have to apply the cream directly to the affected toenail. Leave the cream for a few minutes to allow it to seep through the skin and kill the fungus that causes the infection.

    Surgery

    In the most extreme cases, your doctor might require you to undergo surgery, especially if none of the medicines for toenail fungus will work for you. There are also cases when the infection can make your toenails extremely painful. In this case, the doctor might consider removing the nail completely and will require you to apply the anti-fungal medication directly under the skin.

    Home Remedies

    Most of the toenail fungal infections come with only mild symptoms and will eventually go away on their own. If your infection is only mid, there are some home remedies for toenail fungus that you can try at home to eliminate the infection.

    Trim and thin – regular trimming and thinning your nails can help to minimize the pain and inflammation brought by the toenail fungal infection. After trimming your nails, consider applying over-the-counter med for nail fungus for more effective results.

    Footbath – a footbath is among the most effective home remedies for toenail fungal infections. For this, you can use baking soda, apple cider vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or Epsom salt. Mix them with warm water and soak your feet for 15 to 20 minutes. These home remedies have been proven to be effective in treating all kinds of toenail fungus.

    Antifungal essential oils – certain types of essential oils have also been found to contain powerful antifungal properties that can help treat toenail fungus infection. Some of the best essential oils for toenail fungus are clove oil, tea tree oil, jasmine oil, sage oil, lavender oil, eucalyptus oil, ylang-ylang oil, cinnamon oil, lemongrass oil, and lemon oil. Prepare a footbath by mixing any essential oils with warm water and soaking your feet in the mixture.

    Self-Care

    While you can easily treat most toenail fungal infections, and there are many effective medicines for toenail fungus out there, prevention is always better than cure. If you do not want your toenails to be infected, here are some tips to keep in mind:

    Keep your toenails trimmed at all times. Make sure they are clean, dry, and short.

    If one of your toenails is infected, use a different nail clipper to trim it. Avoid using the same clipper for the rest of the toenails, or the infection will spread.

    Always wear a pair of breathable shoes.

    Keep your feet dry at all times. Wear socks made of cotton and change them regularly.

    Always maintain good feet hygiene.

    Wear shower shoes when using a communal bathroom.

    Conclusion

    If you are struggling with getting rid of your toenail fungus, see your doctor immediately. Your doctor will prescribe the most effective medicines for toenail fungus to help get rid of the infection. You can also give the home remedies a try if your symptoms are only mild. alternatively, you can also use a good all natural supplement as a best toenail fungus treatment option.

    Types of Toenail Fungus: Toenail Fungus Treatments

    There are different types of toenail fungus. Also known as “onychomycosis, ” a fungal infection that occurs under the toenails, affecting one or more nails. It will usually start as a tiny white spot under the tip of the nail before turning yellowish. Eventually, it will progress deeper into the nail, causing additional symptoms and potentially losing the nails.

    Nail fungus can also affect the fingernails. However, it’s more common in the toenails. That’s because shoes and socks create a dark and damp environment, an ideal breeding ground for fungus. The treatment will vary according to the types of toenail fungus you have.

    Symptoms of Toenail Fungus

    The symptoms of toenail fungus will vary, depending on the types of toenail fungus and other factors, such as the duration and extent of infection. Other complicating factors can also affect some other parts of the toes. In extreme cases, the infection could spread to the foot and the body. Generally, the most common symptoms of toenail fungus include the following:

    Thickened nails

    Brittle and crumbly nails

    Whitish to yellow discoloration

    Darkened with debris

    Thickened nails

    Distorted and misshapen nails

    Mildly foul odor

    Different Types of Toenail Fungus

    There are several different types of toenail fungus. However, the three main types are white superficial onychomycosis, subungual onychomycosis, and candida onychomycosis. Each type defines the nature of the fungus.

    White Superficial Onychomycosis

    The white superficial onychomycosis is a type of toenail fungus characterized by fungi growth at the nail plate’s dorsal surface or the top layer of the nail. It happens due to Acremonium, a type of fungi that belongs to the Hypocreaceae family. There are about 100 different species of Acremonium. This type of toenail fungus is sometimes caused by Fusarium, a filamentous fungus also belonging to the Hypocreaceae family. 

    The white superficial onychomycosis will first appear as white spots before turning yellowish. It’s usually the easiest to treat in all types of toenail fungus because it’s so easy to get to. But once the infection spreads across the toenail, the nails could get crumbly or rough. It can be treated through mechanical debridement of the affected toenails, followed by anti-fungal agents.

    Aside from the standard form of white superficial onychomycosis, which is usually quite common in the toenails, other varieties of this type of toenail fungus exist. These include white superficial onychomycosis in children, mold white superficial onychomycosis, and white superficial onychomycosis on individuals diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

    Subungual Onychomycosis

    Subungual onychomycosis is a type of toenail infection caused by the fungi dermatophytes. There are about 40 different dermatophytes species categorized into three genera – Trichophyton, Epidermophyton, and Microsporum. Dermatophytes are the same class of fungus that causes the Athlete’s Foot. If the infection begins in the skin below the nail, it’s known as the distal subungual onychomycosis. There are cases when the infection will start at the toenail base. This type is called the proximal subungual onychomycosis.

    If the doctor suspects that you have subungual onychomycosis, he will take a sample from the nail for examination. The specimen will be taken from the site nearest the cuticle, where the growth of fungi is the greatest. Topical antifungal medications are usually applied to the affected area in the nails to kill the fungi and other pathogens that cause the infection.

    Candida Onychomycosis

    The candida onychomycosis is the type of fungal infection caused by a yeast, scientifically known as candida. There are about 60 different species of candida. Although candida onychomycosis is less common in nails, this is a common type of fungal infection. It usually accounts for most infections affecting the GI tract and the mucus membranes.

    Other Types of Toenail Fungus

    Sometimes, the toenail fungus is categorized according to the color of the nails. So, aside from the three main types of toenail fungus, there are other varieties of toenail fungus, which include the following:

    Black toenail fungus

    If your toenail is thick and dark, this type of fungal infection is due to a fungus known as the dermatophytes. This infection affects the toenail, including the area underneath the nail, and causes discoloration of the nails. Sometimes, the nail will be thickened and deformed.

    The black toenail fungus is relatively common, with about 12% of Americans diagnosed with the condition. Older adults, individuals with diabetes, weakened immune systems, and blood circulation problems are more likely to develop black nail fungus. The infection will not go away on its own. Sometimes, it can take a year or more to treat it using prescription medicines, which are applied directly to the toenails or taken orally in the form of a pill.

    Yellow toenail fungus

    As the name suggests, the yellow toenail fungus refers to a fungal infection where the nails turn yellowish. But it’s worth noting that having thick yellow toenails is not always a result of fungal infection. It can also be due to many factors, such as nail polish and aging.

    When a fungal infection causes the condition, it’s usually because of the fungi known as dermatophytes, which thrive on keratin. Keratin is abundant in skin and nails, and when the fungi start feeding on the toenails, the yellow toenail fungus occurs.

    Green nail fungus

    The green nail fungus is an infection that results in the greenish discoloration of nails. Usually, the discoloration will vary from bluish green to dark green or bluish grey. Since the infection occurs underneath the nail, the green color will not disappear with washing or scrubbing.

    The green nail fungus is due to a bacteria known as pseudomonas aeruginosa. It usually flourishes in wet environments, like Jacuzzis, sinks, and bath sponges. Once it grows on your toenails, it produces green pigments known as pyocyanin and pyoverdin.

    Conclusion

    There are many things you can do to avoid developing any of these types of toenail fungus. Always maintain proper hygiene by cleaning your feet regularly and making sure you wear a pair of clean and dry socks. But if you do develop a toenail fungus, you can use antifungal medications to treat the condition. However, if the infection will not go away even after treatment, it is best to see a doctor. Browse through out best toenail fungus treatment site for more information.