Are you experiencing toenail fungus? Searching for an instant solution to toenail fungus? Don’t worry! You are not alone. It is a common condition causing discomfort for many. Toenail fungus is known as onychomycosis in medical terms which is basically caused by fungal infection. It starts with a small spot and turns to crumbling your nails. But have you ever wondered why this happens and what kills toenail fungus instantly?
Reasons can vary but we have a lot of treatment options to get rid of toenail fungus instantly. Read on this blog, we'll explore garlic, snakeroot extract, oregano oil, ozonized sunflower oil, baking soda, and vinegar. Additionally, learn about Hydrogen Peroxide for toenail fungus and bleach for effective treatment. We will also discuss the potential reason behind such a type of fungus. Continue to explore!
What Kills Toenail Fungus Instantly?
If you want an instant solution to get rid of toenail fungus, you can try these simple and natural remedies. However, when these remedies are ineffective, medical treatments are the only options.
1. Vicks VapoRub
Vicks VapoRub is a topical ointment that we use when we have a stuffy nose or a cough. It has some special ingredients like menthol and eucalyptus oil. These ingredients can help fight the toenail fungus and make our nails look better. A published study has confirmed that Vicks VapoRub for toenail fungus is a safe and effective treatment.
How to use: Apply Vicks VapoRub to your toenail and cover it properly with sterile gauze.
2. Apple cider vinegar
You can use Apple cider vinegar for early-stage or mild toenail fungus. It will create an acidic environment around the nail fungus, making it difficult for the fungal spores to grow. Make your foot soak in apple cider vinegar to treat your toenail fungus. Treating toenail fungus with apple cider vinegar will take almost five months.
How to use: You can simply soak your foot in diluted apple cider vinegar.
3. Garlic
Garlic has antifungal and antioxidant properties. Research has found that garlic can fight against microorganisms known as M. guilliermondii and R. mucilaginosa, which are responsible for causing toenail fungus.
How to use: Apply crushed garlic juice to the affected toenail and leave it on for an hour. Repeat daily for potential relief from toenail fungus.
4. Snakeroot extract
Snakeroot is a plant mostly you can find in every park and home. This is one of the most beneficial remedies to prevent toenail fungus. According to one clinical trial snakeroot extract helps to relieve the symptoms of toenail fungus.
How to use: Take a few drops of Snakeroot extract. Apply directly to the affected nail. Wash it off after an hour.
5. Oregano oil
Oregano oil is a powerful method of curing an antifungal infection. It consists of essential oils and vitamin E that can help to reduce the infection of toenail fungus. It has shown good results in treating toenail fungus.
How to use: Add a few drops of oregano oil and coconut oil. Mix properly on the affected nails. Leave it and dry it for some time.
6. Ozonized sunflower oil
The ozonized sunflower oil has helped lessen the symptoms of fungal infection. A review suggested ozonized sunflower oil as the best remedy for toenail fungus. It can inactivate the activities of fungi, bateria, and yeast and treat toenail fungus.
How to use: Apply a drop of sunflower oil on the affected area. Cover it with a normal gauze piece. Wash it after an hour.
7. Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate
Baking soda for toenail fungus has been widely used as a home remedy for a long time. It helps to reduce fungal infections. However, the mechanism of action of sodium bicarbonate has yet to be explored. Still, it is an effective home remedy for toenail fungus infections.
How to use: Take half a tablespoon of sodium bicarbonate or baking soda. Mix it well with water and form a thick paste. Apply it to the affected area. Keep it up for 20 to 30 minutes, then wipe it off.
8. Vinegar
Vinegar has versatile benefits for treating toenail fungus. You can use vinegar as it acts as an antimicrobial and antifungal. It helps to recover your toes from fungal infection. There are no studies to prove it. However, vinegar is one of the most historic remedies used in many home remedies.
How to use: Mix vinegar in the water and add it to the tub. Soak your affected feet in the tub for 20 minutes in the solution. Repeat it at least two to three times a day.
9. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is one of the most beneficial oils to prevent and cure infections. It is effective in reducing the growth of Trichophytonrubrum, a fungus that can significantly cause various complications. Those discomforts include athlete's foot, toenail fungus, etc.
How to use: You can use tea tree oil for toenail fungus either diluted or neat. You can soak your feet in warm water mixed with some other carrier oil such as coconut oil etc.
10. Mouthwash
If you are running out of your time, you can try Listerine mouthwash. A study reported that listerine mouthwash has antifungal properties which is good for toenail fungus.
How to use: You can mix Listerine mouthwash in warm water or white vinegar. Then, soak your feet for an hour at a time.
11. Terbinafine
Terbinafine is an antifungal medicine that is commonly used to treat various fungi such as scalp, feet, body, toenail fungus, etc. Breastfeeding or pregnant women should avoid using this. It is important to note that it should never be taken along with certain medications. Those drugs include amphetamine, aripiprazole, benzphetamine, and brexpiprazole. Though it is typically safe to treat toenail fungus, we recommend you consult your doctor before trying it.
How to use: You can take terbinafine tablets with food or on an empty stomach. Make sure to follow the doctor’s instructions carefully.
12. Itraconazole
This medicine is only to treat toenail fungus. This is one of the most commonly prescribed medicines to treat fungal infections. It keeps a halt to their growth for further. This medicine is available in two forms, capsules and solutions. You can buy this medicine only on your doctor’s prescription. Avoid taking this oral medicine with loperamide (Imodium A-D), simvastatin (Zocor), and certain probiotics.
How to use: Take this medicine for at least 3 months once a day or as suggested by your doctor.
13. Ciclopirox
This is also a commonly suggested medicine for toenail fungus and ringworm of the foot and the body. Moreover, Ciclopirox is available in various forms such as solution, gel, and cream.
How to use: You should apply it directly to the affected area once a day. Let the medicine dry and cover it with socks or stockings. Do not wash the affected area with water for up to 8 hours. So, it is suggested to use it overnight.
14. Tavaborole
Tavaborole belongs to a class of drugs known as oxaborole antifungals. It is sold under the brand Kerydin. This solution is used to treat toenail fungus and prevent it from spreading.
How to use: Apply it directly to the infected toenail and cover it with socks or cotton. Wash your hands properly after using the medicine.
15. Efinaconazole
It is a triazole antifungal medicine sold under the brand name of Jubia. This medicine is not approved for the use of anyone younger than 6 years of age. Additionally, breastfeeding or pregnant women should avoid it.
How to use: Apply this medicine directly to the infected toenail and avoid touching the solution directly to cuticles or surrounding skin. After applying, wait for at least 10-20 minutes before washing.
How is Hydrogen Peroxide for Toenail Fungus?
Hydrogen peroxide is known as a great bleaching agent for toenail fungus. It has antifungal and antiseptic properties, which will help anyone with toenail fungus get rid of it. Also, it is important to know that you should not apply hydrogen peroxide beyond that 3 percent concentration. Moreover, always try to dilute the Hydrogen peroxide with the water to decrease the harsh effect of Hydrogen peroxide. The best possible application would be the foot soak with the Hydrogen peroxide and water solution.
When applying Hydrogen Peroxide directly to toenail fungus, it is advisable to use a 35 percent concentration. This ensures avoidance of contact with the surrounding skin.
Alternatively, for safer and more effective treatment, consider dilution with a minimal quantity of 35 percent Hydrogen Peroxide and a higher volume of water.
Note: You should always use proper techniques and methods to use hydrogen peroxide for nail fungus effectively and in the correct proportion. A study suggests effectively treating toenail fungus with hydrogen peroxide to achieve the best and safest possible results. |
How Long Does It Take for Hydrogen Peroxide to Kill Toenail Fungus?
Dermatologists believe that regular use of Hydrogen Peroxide for toenail fungus can heal your nails within a week. However, the recovery usually depends on the severity of the infection. It is recommended to continue the use of hydrogen peroxide for toenail fungus for a couple of months at least to properly heal and prevent further infections. Moreover, it is also important to note that hydrogen peroxide for toenail fungus is just a tried and tested method. It doesn’t have any scientific studies behind it. But, still, it is considered a safe and effective method for treating toenail fungus.
Does Bleach Kill Toenail Fungus?
Yes, bleach can kill toenail fungus. All you have to do is mix it with water and soak your feet in it. While bleach has some anti-fungal properties, it is not designed for use on the nails and can be harsh on the skin and nails. It may lead to skin irritation or damage without effectively treating the underlying fungal infection. Usually, people are concerned about how long it takes for bleach to kill toenail fungus. Well, it will typically take almost five or six months.
Medical Treatments for Toenail Fungus
When the home remedies are not providing efficient relief, you can move forward with some medical treatments for toenail fungus mentioned below:
1. Nonprescription options
You can purchase any anti-fungal cream, gel, sprays, or medication online or from medical stores. They may help you fight the symptoms of toenail infections. Those medications include terbinafine and clotrimazole. Terbinafine creams are available over the counter. However, to buy the terbinafine pills, you need a prescription. These non-prescription medicines take months to show the results. However, different people have different results because each medication has different effects.
2. Prescription polish, creams, and nail removal
You can trim your nails to release some infection from the toe/finger. Clean the area with anti-bacterial, antiseptic, or antifungal soap. Let the dead area be removed from the skin until you develop a clear and fresh nail again. You can also use antifungal paints, colors, or drugs that may help you fight the infection. A journal suggests that topical treatment with nail polish may take up to one year to treat toenail fungus.
3. Prescription medications
Several anti-fungal pills may help you with your toenail infections. Although correcting things may take time, you can get your job done with such medications. Studies indicate that a two-month course of antifungal medication can effectively treat a fingernail infection.
4. Laser treatment
Some people prefer laser treatment over medications as pills have side effects. Several types of laser treatments are available. In general, the laser during the treatment heats the layer of nail-containing fungus and removes its genetic material. It typically takes 2 sessions five to six weeks apart. The first session will show results in about 2 months.
Do you know what causes toenail fungus? We will discuss all the potential reasons so that you can lower the chances of its recurrence.
What are the Possible Reasons for Toenail Fungus?
So, here are some reasons which may lead to the development of toenail fungus.
Contagious infection: You may have developed a skin-to-skin infection by coming in contact with someone who has a skin infection like ringworm, athlete's foot, etc.
Excess water exposure: Such infections develop when you walk barefoot in water for a long time and your fingers get soaked into the water. It produces whitish, light, and sensitive skin prone to bacteria attack.
Shared toiletries: You can also get toenail infections by sharing fingernail clippers with other infected persons.
Fungal infection: If you have worn smelly, sweaty, and old socks for a long time at your workplace, fungal infections affect the nails when you get a small cut surrounding your nail or there's a crack in your nail.
Bacterial infection: Any separation allows bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms to enter the skin. Once developed in any finger, the infection can spread to other fingers or toes.
How to Prevent Toenail Fungus?
After the use of home remedies and medical treatments, you can still get toenail fungus. Here are some effective ways you can consider to prevent getting it in the future:
Keep both feet completely clean and dry.
Wear shower shoes when using public bathrooms, locker rooms, or on wet deck pools.
Keep changing your socks and shoes daily. Better to wear breathable shoes and socks.
Wear shower shoes or flip-flops to avoid catching it from an infected family member.
Make sure to clean your nail clipper every time you use it.
Always trim your nails short.
Soak your feet in a bucket of warm water before trimming them.
Soak your nails in warm water before cutting them, or cut right after your shower.
If your toenail fungus reoccurs, consult with the doctor.
When to Consult a Doctor for Toenail Fungus?
You should consider visiting a doctor for toenail fungus if,
Home remedies or over-the-counter treatments have yet to improve the condition.
The toenail fungus is causing significant pain, discomfort, or spreading to other nails or areas.
You have an underlying medical condition like diabetes that can increase the risk of complications.
You notice signs of a bacterial infection alongside the toenail fungus, such as increasing redness, swelling, or pus.
Even if you have concerns or questions about the best treatment approach for your case.
Final Thoughts
We have explored a lot of home remedies and medical treatments on what kills toenail fungus instantly. We’ve also learned about Hydrogen Peroxide for toenail fungus and how to use it effectively. Keep in mind that patience is crucial, as these remedies may take time to get optimal results. If home remedies are not working, medical treatments like antifungal creams, prescription medications, and laser therapies are good options. Consult an experienced dermatologist if the symptoms persist.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take baking soda to kill toenail fungus?
It takes around 7 days for the baking soda to treat toenail fungus.
What household item kills toenail fungus?
White vinegar has been shown the best product to kill fungus in your toenail.
Can you put vinegar directly on the toenail fungus?
Yes, putting vinegar directly on your toenail can treat fungus. Its antimicrobial and acidity properties form an unfavorable environment for fungal growth.
What is the strongest over-the-counter medicine for toenail fungus?
Lamisil AT Antifungal Cream is the effective OTC medication for toenail fungus.
What kills toenail fungus instantly?
Hydrogen peroxide kills the toenail fungus instantly, but you should use it with caution.
What happens if you have toenail fungus for too long?
It can permanently damage your toenail. Additionally, if it spreads to other areas, it can cause other severe infections.
Reviewed by
