If you’re struggling with toenail fungus or foot fungus, you’re certainly not alone. According to InformedHealth.org, these conditions affect up to 15% of the population. While this type of fungal infection is extremely common, getting rid of it isn’t always easy. However, there are several ways to treat and even help prevent foot and toenail fungus.
Foot fungus is commonly known as athlete’s foot and is a fungal infection of the skin. While foot fungus most often occurs between the toes, it can also affect the entire sole of the foot. Toenail fungus, referred to as onychomycosis in the medical community, is a fungal infection that occurs in the toenails. These two infections are caused by the same fungi.
Fungi are microscopic organisms that can live on your skin and often don’t cause any problems. However, if you have any tiny wounds or cracks in your skin, fungi can enter and cause infection. Fungi generally need a moist, warm environment to grow and spread, which is why your feet and especially the skin between your toes are such common areas of fungal infection. Foot fungus can be spread through either direct skin contact or by contact with infected flakes of skin, while toenail fungus can be spread by having a pedicure with unsanitized tools, wearing shoes that cramp your toes, and walking barefoot in warm, damp areas.
Amazon.com: Nonyx Fungal Nail Clarifying Gel
While runners and swimmers often suffer from foot fungus, you don’t have to be an athlete to get athlete’s foot. Several other risk factors for athlete’s foot include:
Foot fungus and especially toenail fungus might not seem like a big deal at first because symptoms can be extremely mild in the beginning. However, athlete’s foot can eventually become extremely uncomfortable and can also cause toenail fungus. If left untreated, the effects of toenail fungus can be much more serious. The damage to your toenails can become permanent, the infection can spread to other parts of your body (such as the hands or groin), and walking can become difficult. At that point, surgery might become necessary.
Fungal infections won’t go away on their own, so seeing a dermatologist is the best option. A board certified dermatologist can provide an accurate diagnosis and prescribe the right treatment for you.
How To Treat Toenail Fungus: Effective Remedies & Prevention
Treatment for foot fungus usually involves anti-fungal creams or sprays applied directly to the skin. In addition to topical medications (those applied to the skin or nails), the treatment options for toenail fungus include oral anti-fungal medication, and in some cases, even surgical removal of the infected nail.
If you think you might have foot or toenail fungus, the dermatology experts at Valley Skin Institute are here to help. Click here to request an appointment.
Dr. Leslie Storey is a board-certified physician specializing in medical and surgical dermatology. Her mission is to find and remove skin cancer, which she does more than 2, 000 times a year. An expert in Mohs Surgery, Dr. Storey’s patients often comment that they are amazed at how minimal their scar is after they have healed from surgery. If you notice anything suspicious on your skin, request an appointment with Dr. Storey to have it checked out.
Summer Hack: Quick Fix For Ugly Toenails: Central Massachusetts Podiatry: Podiatrists
Valley Skin Institute is the home of Dr. Leslie Storey, Board Certified Dermatologist who specializes in Mohs Surgery for the removal of skin cancer.
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
How To Get Rid Of Toe Fungus: 10 Doctor Approved Methods
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.Nobody likestoenail fungus. The yellow, brittle toenails, however, are very common. Toenail fungus is not only embarrassing, but it can lead to further, more serious foot conditions if not treated.
Fungal Nail Infection
If you have an event or maybe a beach vacation coming up, and you want to show off your cute and relaxing sandals, you want to get rid of your toenail fungus fast.
As toenail fungus is acommon foot health issue, many treatment options are now available. There are over-the-counter creams, and pills as well as those prescribed by your podiatrist.
There are also natural, at-home toe fungal treatments as well that include the use of essential oils, spices, vinegar and a healthy diet.
Amazon.com: Toenail Fungus Treatment Kit Extra Strength
There are many toenail fungus treatments available in stores and online including antifungal creams, gels, and nail polish. These options are best for the more mild cases of toenail fungus.
Your podiatrist may recommend a paint-on prescription antifungal medication. A prescription cream may also be suggested to use in conjunction with antifungal pills.
Usually, as a last resort, will we suggest prescription antifungal pills. These can take many months to show improved results and can have negative side effects including headaches. Some antifungal pills can cause liver damage so we will closely monitor you while taking these medications.
Toenail Fungus Treatment Laser
For stubborn toenail fungus, having it zapped with lasers may work for you. Lasers toenail fungus treatment is expensive as it isn’t covered by insurance.
Some patients prefer and swear by more natural antifungal treatments. The most common remedies include having a diet high in fiber and protein and low in yeast, grain, and sugar, using vinegar, cornmeal, baking soda and essential oils including oregano, lavender, coconut, tea tree, olive leaf, and orange. Other common at-home remedies include consuming probiotics, soaking in Epsom salt and baking soda, over-the-counter urea paste, Vicks VapoRub and Listerine mouthwash mixed with white vinegar.
Toenail fungus can take a year to a year and a half to completely go away. Many of the above mentioned antifungal treatments can yield noticeable results in as little as a few weeks, with some taking multiple months to produce significant improvements. As of now, there isn’t an immediate cure for toenail fungus nor is there a treatment that produces immediate results. In many cases, noticeable results aren’t immediate and not all antifungal treatments address the underlying causes of toenail fungus.
How To Clear Up Fungal Toenails Fast: Advanced Foot & Ankle Center: Podiatry
If there’s an event or occasion coming up where you need your toes looking great, it is recommended that you begin treating your toenail fungus a few months beforehand.
Some patients have advanced toenail fungus that can only be treated at the podiatrist’s office. In the worst-case scenario, all or part of the toenail may be removed. This can take around a year to heal.
Whether you have a recent, minor form of toenail fungus or you’ve been battling your toenail fungus for many years, it is a good idea to pay us a visit at Advanced Foot and Ankle Center. Our feet specialist can help you find the best antifungal treatment for your case that is quick and which addresses the underlying cause of your toenail fungus.
Best Ways To Treat A Nail Fungus
Diabetes can have a significant impact on the health of your feet. These tips can help you make sure that you are taking care of your feet if you have diabetes.
Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that affects the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes. It is often caused by overuse or repetitive strain, and can lead to heel pain, discomfort, and difficulty walking.
Foot ulcers are sores or wounds on the feet that can develop due to several factors. Podiatrists are medical professionals who are trained to diagnose and treat foot problems, including foot ulcers. Keep reading to find out more about foot ulcers.
Black Toenail Fungus: What It Is And How To Treat It
Many people that complain of foot pain, may just need an orthotic. Indeed, they should talk to their podiatrist about customized orthotics, but most will settle for cheap, ineffective shoe inserts instead.
Our feet are something we often take for granted. We often forget how much we rely on our feet until we start experiencing pain. Foot pain can range from an uncomfortable inconvenience to being unable to walk, ...
Even though poor circulation isn’t a condition, if you are experiencing poor circulation in your feet this is often a symptom of a much larger issue. This is why it’s important to understand the warning signs of poor circulation.This article was co-authored by Zora Degrandpre, ND. Dr. Zora Degrandpre is a Natural Health Doctor and Licensed Naturopathic Physician in Vancouver, Washington. She is a grant reviewer for the National Institutes of
What Causes Nail Fungus (onychomycosis), And Do You Treat It?