Toenail fungus, referred to medically as onychomycosis and tinea unguium, is a condition that affects millions of Americans and can develop as a result of mold, yeast, or fungi when they come into contact with your skin. Here’s the best solutions to kill toenail fungus instantly.
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Oral and Topical antifungals
- Oregano Oil
- Ozonized Oils
- Vinegar
- Baking soda
- Essential oils
There are a number of methods you can implement to start the recovery process right away. Alongside these treatments, you can also make some dietary changes to reduce the risk of feeding fungal growths. The rest of this article will explore the different tactics you can employ to get rid of fungus quickly.
What Is Nail Fungus?
Various organisms, including fungi, molds, and yeasts can cause conditions that we associate with nail fungus. Typically, these organisms take root in cracked skin or nails.
Your risk of developing nail fungus can increase with exposure to moist, warm environments. Men generally tend to develop fungal infections more often than women do, as do people with weaker immune systems from other conditions.
You can identify infections by nail discoloration, whether white, yellow, black or brown. The nail can get brittle or thicken and separate from the nailbed, and a foul odor often accompanies other symptoms of nail fungus.
This condition can be unpleasant and sometimes painful, leaving people wondering how to get rid of nail fungus.
How to Cure Fingernail Fungus Fast
So what kills toenail fungus fast? Different types of fungi can affect both your fingernails and toenails, but treatments for each may differ. There is no instantaneous fix for nail fungus, because your new nail must fully develop in order to take the place of the old one, a process that can take up to 18 months.
An OTC nail fungus treatment can help, as can various at-home remedies that rely on soaking your nails with an antifungal solution.
Topical Nail Fungus Treatment
For those who are asking what’s good for toenail fungus, let me tell you topical toenail fungus treatments like Swissklip Fungus Treatment are one of the best over the counter toenail fungus treatment. These treatments come in the form of creams, gels, or ointments, and are applied directly to the affected area. Topical antifungal treatments work by killing the fungus on the surface of the nail.
Hydrogen Peroxide
The best nail fungus treatment is hydrogen peroxide, which works wonders as an antifungal and antiseptic treatment.
To use this treatment, you can either wipe hydrogen peroxide directly onto your nails with a cotton swab or use a soak, mixing 1/8 cup of peroxide to 4 cups of cool water and soaking for 10-20 minutes.
Oral Medication for Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus oral medication is prescribed by a doctor. These medications work by attacking the fungus from the inside out, and can be more effective than topical treatments.
Medical practitioners can prescribe you pills that can get rid of fungus quickly over a course of a couple months. However, they can also have more side effects and require close monitoring by a healthcare provider.
Laser Toenail Fungus Treatment
Laser treatment for toenail fungus is a newer treatment option for toenail fungus that uses focused light to kill the fungus. This treatment is non-invasive and painless, but may require multiple sessions for optimal results.
Essential Oils for Toenail Fungus
Some essential oils, such as tea tree oil for toenail fungus may be effective in treating as they have antifungal properties. These oils can be applied directly to the affected nail, but should be used with caution as they can cause skin irritation.
Oregano Oil for Toenail Fungus
Oregano contains antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help treat fingernail fungus. Apply twice daily to expedite the healing process. Avoid using this home remedy for toenail fungus if you experience allergic reactions to oregano and stop treatment if irritation occurs.
Ozonated Oils for Toenail Fungus
Olive and sunflower oils injected with ozone gas have been shown to render different yeasts, fungi, and bacteria inert. Apply to the affected area twice a day for treatment.
Vinegar
Another great solution to treat fungal infections from home is something you probably have at home already. Vinegar has been touted as a natural remedy for toenail fungus. It is believed to work by changing the pH of the nail and creating an environment that is inhospitable to fungus.
Vinegar is highly acidic, enabling it to kill fungus and bacteria. Of course, because this treatment is only topical, it can’t get to the root of the problem and may only be effective in mild cases.
Mix 1 cup of warm water and white vinegar in a bowl and soak the affected nail for 20 minutes. Dry your feet carefully after soaking.
Repeat twice daily until your symptoms disappear. If the fungus persists or worsens over the course of two weeks, seek medical advice.
What Is the Most Effective Treatment for Toenail Fungus?
Toenail fungus treatments often overlap with fingernail treatments, since the fungus that affects your fingernails can also affect your toenails. As a general rule, you should trim and file your toenails weekly, clipping them if necessary.
Doing so relieves pressure on your nails and can help antifungal solutions penetrate the nail more effectively. Disinfect your utensils and keep your nails dry to avoid spreading the fungus or reinfecting your nails.
Regularly change your socks and shoes, washing them as necessary to get rid of yeasts or fungi growing on the fabric.
Using vinegar or baking soda can help reduce the risk of infection from clothing, but the important thing is to always let your clothes fully dry before wearing them again.
Any solution mentioned above for fingernails is also effective at treating toenails, but you can also consider adding baking soda to your foot soak to help the affected nail heal. Until the nail recovers, you remain at an increased risk of fungal infection and reinfection.
As with your fingernails, topical and oral treatments can help.
We recommend SwissKlip Nail Fungus Treatment as the best topical solution to get rid of toenail fungus fast.
You can also sprinkle baking soda in your shoes and let them sit for 24 hours before removing to reduce the risk of introducing yeasts or fungi to your feet from your shoes. Here are some of the best home remedies for toenail fungus.
Essential Oils
Some essential oils have antifungal properties that can aid in the healing process with toenail fungus treatment. These include the following:
- Tea tree oil
- Clove oil
- Lavender oil
- Eucalyptus oil
- Lemongrass oil
- Cinnamon oil
- Lemon oil
- Manuka tree oil
Dilute any essential oil in a carrier oil before applying to the skin to avoid irritation and apply a few drops to the damaged nail. Doing so not only nourishes your damaged skin, helping you recover faster, but the antifungal properties can also help aid the recovery process.
Epsom Salt
Another nail fungus treatment is Epsom salt. Mix a cup of Epsom salt in 2 quarts of warm water, soaking your feet for around 15-20 minutes.
If you choose, you can blend this approach by adding 4 cups hot water, ½ cup Epsom salt, ½ cup baking soda, ¼ cup hydrogen peroxide, ¼ cup vinegar, and a couple drops of essential oils, soaking for 15-20 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Nail fungus is uncomfortable and sometimes painful, leaving many asking, “What kills fungus?” Addressing it might be a lengthy process that takes a couple of months through topical or oral treatments, as well as proper foot or hand care, but you can sometimes speed up the process by introducing antifungals to your feet.
It’s important to note that while these treatments may be effective in killing toenail fungus, they are not an instant cure.
Toenail fungus can take several months to fully heal, especially if you are not treating it with the proper ingredients. It’s important to be consistent with your treatment regimen in order to see results.
In addition to using these treatments, it’s also important to practice good foot hygiene, keep your nails trimmed and dry, and avoid sharing your best nail clippers or other personal grooming items.
If you have a severe case of toenail fungus, it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider for a personalized treatment plan. Some cases may require professional medical attention, and if OTC or home remedy treatments don’t produce results within 2 weeks, it’s best to consult with your podiatrist.
