How do you beat toenail fungus?

Topical antifungal medications often are effective in treating mild to moderate toenail fungus. Topical solutions may include medicated nail polishes or liquid medications. Penlac (ciclopirox), Kerydin (tavaborole), and Jublia (efinaconazole) are among the top prescription drugs for toenail fungus.


What kills toenail fungus permanently?

Medications
  • Oral antifungal drugs. These drugs are often the first choice. ...
  • Medicated nail polish. Your health care provider may prescribe an antifungal nail polish called ciclopirox (Penlac). ...
  • Medicated nail cream.


What is the fastest way to cure toenail fungus?

The fastest way to eliminate the infection is through toenail laser treatment. Laser nail therapy specifically targets the microorganisms under your nail while leaving the keratin intact. In just a few treatments, the infection can be entirely eliminated.


Can toenail fungus be completely cured?

Fungal nail infections typically don't go away on their own, and the best treatment is usually prescription antifungal pills taken by mouth. In severe cases, a healthcare professional might remove the nail completely. It can take several months to a year for the infection to go away.

What effectively kills toenail fungus?

Effective products include efinaconazole (Jublia), tavaborole (Kerydin) and ciclopirox (Penlac). All require daily applications, and it may take as long as a year to see noticeable improvement. These products may work for early, superficial fungal infections because they kill fungi on the surface of the nail.


How to prevent and treat nail fungus



Does hydrogen peroxide get rid of toenail fungus?

Hydrogen can kill the fungus that grows on toenails, causing the unsightly disfigurement that comes with this condition. There are two common ways to use hydrogen peroxide to treat your toenail fungus.

How long does it take for hydrogen peroxide to get rid of fungus?

Kill mold and mildew

To kill them without having to breathe in toxic bleach fumes, spray with undiluted 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and allow it to sit for 30 minutes. Rinse. The peroxide will kill the mold and mildew, but you may still need to remove the stains they left behind.

What is the main cause of toenail fungus?

Risk factors

Wearing shoes that make your feet sweat heavily. Having had athlete's foot in the past. Walking barefoot in damp public areas, such as swimming pools, gyms and shower rooms. Having a minor skin or nail injury.


Should I cut off toenail fungus?

Nail removal: If you have a severe infection or other treatments just don't work, your dermatologist may recommend removing the nail(s) to get rid of the infection.

Does sunlight help toenail fungus?

Fungus thrives in moist and dark places so give it some light. Keep them naturally dry by exposing them to the sun whenever you can.

How long does it take for Vicks VapoRub to cure toenail fungus?

“Applying Vicks VapoRub to fungus-infected toenails can clear up the notoriously hard-to-treat condition. Michigan State University clinicians found that applying the product daily to the infected nail cleared the condition in 32 of 85 patients, though it took anywhere from 5 to 16 months…”


What is the number one home remedy for toenail fungus?

Tea Tree Oil

It's a popular treatment for many conditions, including foot fungus. Research shows it works as well as clotrimazole, which is found in many OTC treatments.

Does Vicks fix toenail fungus?

For example, a small study published in the Journal of the American Board of Family Physicians in 2011 demonstrated that Vicks can help eliminate toenail fungus.

How often do you use hydrogen peroxide on toenail fungus?

I used it five times a week starting out. After the nail was once again normal, I started using it about once a week for maintenance and prevention.


Can you get rid of toenail fungus on your own?

Home remedies are typically not effective for treating toenail fungal infections. While some options may help temporarily suppress milder infections, they are unlikely to treat the infection. Instead, people should use prescription-strength oral and topical antifungal medications.

Why won't my toenail fungus go away?

Toenail fungus can be tough to get rid of because it can get into and in between those layers. It may also sit on top of the nail or grow underneath it. In some cases, fungus can get into the cells that make the nail, called the nail matrix.

Is it OK to paint toenails with fungus?

Nail polish gives fungus an environment to thrive in. Non-medicated nail polish can be applied over antifungal nail polish. But it is best to avoid non-medicated nail polish entirely when you want your fungal infection to clear up. Non-medicated nail polish will make the antifungal treatment penetrate the nails slower.


What is the latest treatment for toenail fungus?

Lamisil Terbinafine Antifungal Cream treats fungus all over the body, including athlete's foot, making it the best overall choice.

How do podiatrists treat toenail fungus?

Toenail fungus treatment options

After a gentle evaluation of your nails, a podiatrist may prescribe an antifungal medication, administer laser therapy, or surgically remove affected nails. Medications could include a topical cream or nail lacquer, as well as prescription pills.

Is toenail fungus permanent?

But nail fungus doesn't go away by itself. And if you don't treat it, there's a chance it could get worse. It could spread to other nails or through your body. It could cause pain when you walk.


What happens if you leave toenail fungus untreated?

Infection & Other Conditions

If toenail fungus is left untreated, it can spread to the surrounding skin on the foot, causing another condition known as athlete's foot. An athlete's foot is a condition resulting in itchy, red, and cracked skin, which can become very uncomfortable.

How long can fungus live in nail polish?

Created: January 14, 2015; Last Update: June 14, 2018; Next update: 2021. Nail fungus can be very persistent. Topical treatment with nail polish may take up to one year.

Can you put apple cider vinegar directly on toenail fungus?

Despite its rather rancid scent, vinegar can prove to be quite useful in a wide variety of situations. 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.


Does Epsom salt help toenail fungus?

Soaking your feet and toes in a bath containing Epsom salts can help dry out fungal infections by killing fungal spores. Add 1–2 cups of Epsom salt to a footbath of warm water and soak for 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can add 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt to 2 cups of water and soak a cotton ball in it.

Is there a pill for toenail fungus?

Terbinafine belongs to the group of medicines called antifungals. It is used to treat fungus infections of the scalp, body, groin (jock itch), feet (athlete's foot), fingernails, and toenails. This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.