What is the root cause of toenail fungus?

The root cause of nail fungus are microscopic organisms that cause an overgrowth of fungi. This can occur in, under, or on the nail. Your toenails more often develop fungus because they are usually inside your shoes, where the warm environment allows fungi to thrive.

What is the underlying cause of toenail fungus?

Fungal nail infections are caused by various fungal organisms (fungi). The most common cause is a type of fungus called dermatophyte. Yeast and molds also can cause nail infections. Fungal nail infection can develop in people at any age, but it's more common in older adults.

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.

How do I stop my toenails from getting fungus?

Keep your feet clean and dry.

Wash them with soap and water every day. Dry them off very well afterward. Get in-between your toes, too. Clean and dry feet and nails are less likely to pick up a fungus.

What is the number one cure for toenail fungus?

The best pill for toenail fungus is terbinafine. Evidence suggests it works better than the alternatives with the fewest side effects. Terbinafine results in resolution of toenail fungus 76% of the time. Common side effects may include headaches, skin rash, and vomiting.

How to prevent and treat nail fungus

Should I cut off my fungus toenail?

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.

What kills toe fungus naturally?

What happens if you leave toenail fungus untreated?

If you have toenail fungus and it goes untreated, you may experience: Pain in your feet and toes due to thickened, distorted toenails. Spread of the fungus to your skin, causing athlete's foot. Infection of the surrounding areas, causing cracked skin, and increasing bacterial spread.

What is the white hard stuff under my toenails?

This overgrowth is called subungual hyperkeratosis. People with hyperkeratosis may notice a white, chalky substance under the nail. When this occurs in the toenails, the pressure of shoes pushing down on the nails might cause pain.

What foods help nail fungus?

Some of the foods that may help to keep the body healthy can include fresh vegetables, chicken, and fish. Eating these types of foods may be instrumental in improving the immune system and are often considered when beginning treatment for toenail fungus.

How long does apple cider vinegar take to cure toenail fungus?

The antifungal properties also make vinegar soaks a good idea for people who have toenail fungus. Soak your feet for 10 to 15 minutes daily in a vinegar bath until the infection subsides. You can increase the length of time in the soak gradually. It may take two to three weeks or longer to see improvement in symptoms.

How do I know if my toenail fungus is dying?

Is toenail fungus related to gut health?

Because toenail fungus is often a symptom of an infection such as Candida overgrowth, the best natural nail fungus treatments involve attacking yeast and Candida albicans in your gut and repopulating it with good bacteria through diet and supplementation.

Is toenail fungus hereditary?

Although it is not a hereditary condition, not everyone is equally susceptible. There are families with genes that make them more prone to fungal nail infections. They are the ones who usually get onychomycosis at a younger age and those with repeated infections.

What do your toenails say about your health?

Yellow Toenails

Your toenails tell a lot about your overall health. A fungal infection often causes thickened yellow toenails. Thick, yellow nails also can be a sign of an underlying disease, including lymphedema (swelling related to the lymphatic system), lung problems, psoriasis, or rheumatoid arthritis.

Does nail fungus turn black when it dies?

A toenail can also become discolored from fungal infections in the skin under and around the nail. Toes can turn black from a lack of circulation causing gangrene, which is death of body tissue. If there is any doubt what is causing your black toenail, see your doctor or podiatrist.

Why is my big toenail so thick?

Toenails that grow thicker over time likely indicate a fungal infection, also known as onychomycosis. Left untreated, thick toenails can become painful. Prompt treatment can be key to curing the nail fungus. Fungal infections might be difficult to cure and may require months of treatment.

Does toe fungus ever go away?

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 kills foot fungus instantly?

Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide can effectively kill the fungus on the surface level of the foot, as well as any surface bacteria that could cause an infection. Pour hydrogen peroxide directly onto the affected area. Note that it may sting, and it should bubble, especially if you have open wounds.

Does sugar cause toenail fungus?

However, did you know that high blood sugar may be connected to toe nail fungus? If you have toe nail infections, you might want to check your blood sugar or be tested for diabetes. Experts believe people with diabetes have a higher risk of fungal nail infections because their blood sugar levels alter their immunity.

Is hydrogen peroxide good for toenail fungus?

Hydrogen peroxide also works as a great bleaching agent and it has antifungal and antiseptic properties which will definitely help anyone with the toe nail fungus to get rid of it.

Can toenail fungus be cured?

Treatment. Fungal nail infections can be difficult to cure, and they typically don't go away without antifungal treatment. The best treatment for a fungal nail infection is usually prescription antifungal pills taken by mouth. In severe cases, a doctor might remove the nail completely.

Should I file down my nail fungus?

With that in mind, I generally encourage healthy adult patients with mild toenail fungus to not treat it or to treat it just using topical measures. For example, you can buff the nail down with a file to keep it thin, so the fungus has less of a home to live in. You should also keep the nail trimmed.

How long does it take for nail fungus to go away?

Results of treatment

It can take between 6 and 18 months for the appearance of the affected nail to return to normal, and in some cases the nail may not look the same as before the infection.