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.
Topical treatment with Vicks VapoRub: The combination of camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol, the three main ingredients in Vicks VapoRub, is believed to stop the growth of certain fungi. Follow the same application process as for tea tree oil. Numerous readers swear by this.
Many fungal infections can be cured with antifungal medication, which kills fungus in and on your body. What form of medication your healthcare provider prescribes depends on where the fungus is.
Many natural remedies boast antifungal properties, but tea tree oil often takes the crown as the most potent.
What happens if fungal skin infections aren't treated? Fungal skin infections won't usually go away without treatment. If they aren't treated, they could get worse and spread to other parts of your body. You're also more likely to pass them to other people.
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.
Hydrogen peroxide is widely known for its antiseptic properties, which help to kill bacteria and fungi. As a powerful oxidizing agent, it releases oxygen when it comes into contact with affected skin or nails, effectively killing the fungus that infects nails.
Keep your feet and toes covered
Protect your partner from being exposed to fungus by covering your feet at night. If you wear socks to bed, there's no chance your bare feet will make contact with theirs.
Fungi, like other organisms, have natural predators, including fungivorous nematodes and arthropods that use them as an important food source.
The candida diet requires people to avoid foods and drinks that could increase the risk of Candida overgrowth. These include gluten, sugar, alcohol products, and certain types of dairy. The diet focuses instead on eating lean proteins, healthful fats, nonstarchy vegetables, and probiotics.
Consume foods rich in Vitamin C
This will help to treat the infections effectively. There is research that supports vitamin C can effectively treat and prevent the growth of fungal infections.
Don't go barefoot in public places. Use a spray or powder that fights fungus on your feet and in your shoes. Don't pick at the skin around your nails. Don't use nail polish or fake nails on your nails.
Terbinafine. The best pill for toenail fungus is terbinafine (Lamisil). Evidence suggests it works better than the alternatives and has the fewest side effects.
Additionally, biotin deficiency can increase the risk of fungal nail infections and subsequent nail plate discoloration. Changes in nail shape and surface.
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.
Listerine. Soaking an infected nail in the OTC product Listerine can also help reduce or kill toenail fungus, due to its antifungal and antimicrobial activity.
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.
Terbinafine and itraconazole are the 2 medicines most commonly prescribed for fungal nail infections. These usually need to be taken once or twice a day for several months to ensure the infection has completely cleared up. If you stop taking the medication too early, the infection may return.
How do dermatologists treat a fungal nail infection? Treatment usually begins with your dermatologist trimming your infected nail(s), cutting back each infected nail to the place where it attaches to your finger or toe. Your dermatologist may also scrape away debris under the nail. This helps get rid of some fungus.
Baking soda: Researchers found that baking soda prevented fungal growth in 79 percent of the specimens tested. Apply a paste of baking soda and water directly to the affected nail and let it sit for at least 10 minutes before rinsing.
Ketoconazole will kill the fungus and prevent it from growing back. Alternatively, common shampoos, like Head and Shoulders, contain selenium sulfide, another antifungal agent. Do a bit of shopping and find an over-the-counter shampoo that works for you.
While non-life-threatening, onychomycosis can lead to severe complications such as cellulitis, sepsis, osteomyelitis, tissue damage, and nail loss.
But it's the feet—the heels, the webbed skin between the toes, and the toenails—that harbor the most diverse collection of fungi, with up to 80 genera—including the yeast Saccharomyces that's used to brew beer and make bread. Toenail infections are notoriously difficult to eradicate.