How do I know what type of toenail fungus I have?

Essentially, there are three types of fungus that can cause toenails to become infected: yeast, mold, and dermatophyte. A yeast toenail infection is usually white, a mold infection is generally a dull brown, and a dermatophyte infection is generally yellow.

What does fungal infection on toenails look like?

It begins as a white or yellow-brown spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As the fungal infection goes deeper, the nail may discolor, thicken and crumble at the edge. Nail fungus can affect several nails. If your condition is mild and not bothering you, you may not need treatment.

How do I get rid of nail fungus on my toes?

Often, you can take care of a fungal nail infection at home:
  1. Try nonprescription antifungal nail creams and ointments. Several products are available, such as terbinafine (Lamisil). …
  2. Trim and thin the nails. This helps reduce pain by reducing pressure on the nails.

Does Vicks VapoRub cure toenail fungus?

Vicks VapoRub

Although designed for cough suppression, its active ingredients (camphor and eucalyptus oil) may help treat toenail fungus. A 2011 study found that Vicks VapoRub had a “positive clinical effect” in treating toenail fungus.

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 go away on its own?

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 is the best fungal toenail treatment?

Antifungal tablets

Terbinafine and itraconazole are the two 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 long does it take to get rid of toenail fungus?

Usually three months of treatment cures a toenail fungal infection. Antifungal pills, however, can cause side effects. Your dermatologist will watch you closely. You’ll also need to have blood tests every month to check for problems.

Can you file away toenail fungus?

Prescription topical treatments.

These products may work for early, superficial fungal infections because they kill fungi on the surface of the nail. Filing down the surface of the nail may enable them to penetrate more deeply into the nail or the nail bed. In studies, their cure rate averaged around 35%.

What kills foot fungus naturally?

Many natural or home remedies can be helpful in killing the fungus that causes athlete’s foot.
  1. Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) Share on Pinterest Studies suggest that tea tree oil may help to kill fungi. …
  2. Garlic. …
  3. Hydrogen peroxide with iodine. …
  4. Hair dryer and talcum powder. …
  5. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)

How did I get fungal nail infection?

Fungal nail infections develop when your feet are constantly warm and damp. You’re more likely to get an infection if you wear trainers for a long time and have hot, sweaty feet.

How long does nail fungus live on Clippers?

Fungal spores can live on all kinds of surfaces, including metal toenail clippers for months. When you cut your fungal nail with your clippers, you can easily transmit the fungi to your other toenails or reinfect yourself. In fact, the CDC recommends properly disinfecting all nail tools before every use.

Does hydrogen peroxide help foot fungus?

It may sound like a dangerous chemical, but hydrogen peroxide is an effective home remedy for treating athlete’s foot. The chemical works by killing all surface bacteria and funguses on the skin.

What kills foot fungus fast?

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.

Can you put vinegar directly on toenail fungus?

Apple cider vinegar is a popular remedy for toenail fungus due to its antifungal properties. If you want to treat your fungus using ACV, you can soak your feet in a mixture of warm water and the vinegar for about 15 minutes, twice a day.

How long does it take for Vicks to work on nail 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…”

Can I get a pedicure with toenail fungus?

A manicure and pedicure won’t hurt (or help) an existing fungal infection, but it’s possible to spread it to other salon clients. Your best course is to alert the staff ahead of time so they may sterilize the equipment, including nail files and nail clippers, after use.