Use an antifungal product. After washing and drying your feet, apply an antifungal product. The antifungal terbinafine (Lamisil AT) has been shown to be very effective. Another option is clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF).
Clotrimazole and miconazole are imidazole antifungals that work by preventing the fungus from producing a substance called ergosterol, a component of fungal cell membranes.
Nothing kills toenail fungus right away. It can take at least 6 months to as long as 18 months to see your nail return to normal. What kills toenail fungus the fastest? A prescription medication like terbinafine will work faster than a home remedy, but you'll still need to take it for about 12 weeks.
Peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is an everyday household disinfectant that can be used for foot fungus. It works by breaking down the fungus and disinfecting the skin. Soak a small cotton ball in the solution and apply it to the affected area.
How Does Hydrogen Peroxide Fight Foot Fungus? Hydrogen peroxide is a well-known disinfectant that possesses powerful antifungal properties. It works effectively by releasing oxygen when it contacts the affected area. This process ultimately kills the fungus.
Soaking your feet in Epsom salt not only combats the fungus but also alleviates discomfort, facilitating a quicker recovery. Simply dissolve the Epsom salt in the warm water until fully dissolved. Soak your feet for 20-30 minutes to allow the remedy to take effect.
Certain conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, among other things, can also look very much like Athlete's foot. Sometimes, if the skin barrier is compromised, a secondary bacterial infection can occur.
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. To take full advantage of this, mix one cup of apple cider vinegar with at least 2 cups of water – this will dilute the vinegar so that it won't burn your skin.
The active ingredient in Lamisil, terbinafine hydrochloride, is generally considered the most effective over-the-counter treatment for fungus issues, says Dr. Zeichner. And in our testing, we found that this easy-to-use, non-greasy cream really did zap our athlete's foot problems quickly.
Over-the-counter (OTC) creams and powders like terbinafine (Lamisil) and tolnaftate (Tinactin) can get rid of the infection. Home remedies like tea tree oil, hydrogen peroxide, and baking soda can help, too. To cure more stubborn infections, some people need prescription medications like terbinafine and itraconazole.
A study in Mycopathologia found that sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda, does have antifungal abilities when used on the skin. To make a foot soak, mix about a half cup of baking soda in a large bucket or basin of warm water. Soak feet for 15 to 20 minutes, twice a day.
Complications. 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.
Ultraviolet radiation from the sun kills fungi capable of causing athlete's foot. Avoid reinfection by keeping feet dry as much as possible.
Skin peeling between toes may itch or become inflamed or infected. In more severe cases, athlete's foot can cause a bumpy, red rash or scaly feet that are dry, cracked and peeling. There also may be sores, bumps and blisters that can become painful, especially if the fungal infection becomes infected with bacteria.
You might have fungal sweat rash if you notice:
A red rash with scaling around the edge. Sore or stinging skin. Itchy or burning skin. Broken skin (in the space between fingers or toes)
Over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription antifungal creams, ointments, gels, sprays or powders effectively treat athlete's foot. These products contain clotrimazole, miconazole, tolnaftate or terbinafine. Some prescription antifungal medications for athlete's foot are pills.
Soaking your feet in hydrogen peroxide can kill any potentially harmful bacteria and foot fungus. It can also help to reduce odor-causing bacteria and soften calluses and corns. If you want to use hydrogen peroxide on your feet, mix one part hydrogen peroxide with three parts warm water.
According to the Epsom Salt Council, Epsom salt does not kill the fungus that causes athlete's foot. However, it may help draw the moisture out, which makes the environment less inviting for fungus.
For best results, repeat the hydrogen peroxide treatment daily or a few times a week until the infection clears up. Be consistent and patient, as it may take weeks or months to see results. Keep an eye on the affected nail(s) for signs of healing, such as less discoloration or thickening.
Both rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide kill fungi, too. Which product you use depends on what germs you're trying to kill, the surface you're trying to kill them on, and how much time you have. Rubbing alcohol works faster, but it can damage porous surfaces such as wood or granite.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has antibacterial qualities that may be able to stop a toenail fungal infection from worsening. Apply the oil to a cotton ball or paper towel, and apply some to your nails two times a day. You may find after several weeks of daily application that the appearance of your toenails improves.