Enhance Your Health

Read expert insights and recommendations on how to improve your health and boost your overall well-being - naturally.

Fungus 5 Best Nail Growth Supplements for Strength and Thickness in 2023 Worried about brittle and broken nails? To make them grow strong and healthy, you first need to rule out nutritional deficiencies and other issues like fungus, which can make your nails brittle and discolored. Once you do so, biotin, omega-3, and collagen supplements can do wonders for your nails. A good multivitamin supplement will ensure you get all the vitamins and minerals you need for your nail health. However, you need to ensure your body is absorbing these nutrients well and making full use of them. Here are 5 nail growth supplements that will strengthen and thicken your nails, making them shine with health. 5 Best Supplements for Strong and Healthy Nails Best for Nail Growth: Biotin MD™Best Vitamins for Nails: Multi-VitaminBest for Strong Nails: Omega-3 MD™Best for Nail Moisture: Collagen PillsBest for Nail Health: BioPerine® 1. Best for Nail Growth Also known as vitamin H, biotin (vitamin B7) is a water-soluble vitamin that offers numerous health benefits. The name biotin originates from 'biotos,' a Greek word meaning 'life.' Biotin plays a vital role in the conversion of food to energy for various body functions. Apart from protecting against certain cognitive disorders, maintaining nervous system health, and having anti-inflammatory benefits, biotin is essential for keeping your nails, skin, and hair healthy. Biotin deficiency results in hair loss as well as nail and skin problems. As supplementing with biotin strengthens brittle nails, Approved Science's Biotin MD™ brings a dose of 10,000 mcg of pure biotin per tablet to promote nail growth. Clinical studies have found this to be the optimal potency for the effective supplementation of biotin. In addition, this supplement is 100% vegan-friendly. » Promote nail growth with Biotin MD™ 2. Best Vitamins for Nails Multivitamins usually contain a multitude of minerals and vitamins that help prevent nutritional deficiencies. If you're looking for a multivitamin that works as a nail growth supplement, Approved Science’s Multi-Vitamin is a perfect choice. It provides you with all the 22 essential vitamins and minerals, along with antioxidants to support and protect your entire body. Apart from boosting your immune system, fighting free radicals, reducing inflammation, and assisting with wound healing, this supplement will support nail strength and thickness thanks to its vitamins A and C, as well as the green tea antioxidants it offers. » Give your nails the essential vitamins with Multi-Vitamin 3. Best for Strong Nails Omega-3 fatty acids offer numerous benefits for the mind and body. Aside from boosting brain development and cognitive functioning, treating depression and improving your mood, and reducing the risk of heart disease, Omega-3 fatty acids are great for nail strength too. As Omega-3 reduces inflammation and enhances the health of your nail beds, it can help your nails grow thick and strong in no time. With these benefits in mind, Approved Science’s Omega-3 MD™ offers you 900mgs of EPA and 600mgs of DHA. This is a 100% pure omega-3 supplement with pharmaceutical-grade deep ocean Omega-3 for the best results. » Strengthen your nails with Omega-3 MD™ 4. Best for Nail Moisture Collagen is the most abundant protein in our system that provides structures and support throughout the body, including our nails. However, our collagen stores diminish as we age, so using collagen supplements can replenish the collagen in our system to help our joints, skin, hair, nails, and more. Apart from strengthening hair follicles and slowing down graying, collagen is also vital for joint health, as it supports cartilage growth. Collagen supplements made from hydrolyzed marine collagen are absorbed faster than other collagen types, which makes them the best choice. In line with this, Approved Science's Collagen Pills contain vitamin C to boost collagen production and BioPerine® to increase the absorption and bioavailability of nutrients. This results in all-around better hydration of your body, providing more moisture to your nails to prevent brittleness. » Moisturize your nails with Collagen Pills 5. Best for Nail Health Approved Science's BioPerine® is a thermogenic bioavailability enhancer, meaning it increases the bioavailability of nutrients in the food or supplements taken along with it. As it contains 95% piperine, a black pepper extract that triggers heat production in the small intestine to boost the absorption of nutrients, this supplement can increase the absorption of beneficial nutrients by up to 2000%. Along with being beneficial for blood and brain health and having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, this supplement optimizes your overall health, which in turn results in healthier nails. » Boost your nail health with BioPerine® Get Stronger and Thicker Nails With the Right Supplements As vitamin deficiencies are the primary cause of brittle and weak nails, the right nutritional supplements can help bridge this gap and strengthen your nails, especially a good multivitamin. If your nails aren't brittle and discolored due to fungus (in which case a solution like Fungix™ can do the trick), the supplements on this list can help your nails grow strong and healthy. Apart from having beneficial ingredients such as biotin, omega-3, and collagen, these products have high effectiveness when it comes to nail health. Make sure to choose the right product for the specific issue you want to tackle in regard to your nails.

Fungus Laser Treatment and More for Nail Fungus Nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is an infection of the toenail caused by fungi such as dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds. The nail may become discolored, chalky, crumbly, brittle, and/or thick. In some cases, there may also be a foul smell (1). Most cases of nail fungus can be treated with simple home remedies, while more severe cases may require oral or topical antifungal medicines. However, these treatments take time and may not be 100% effective. Laser treatment is an effective and convenient method for treating nail fungus and preventing further infections. Read on to learn more. What Is Laser Treatment for Nail Fungus? Laser treatment is getting quite popular as a treatment for eliminating nail fungus as it gives instant results. Home remedies and topical treatments for nail fungus require a long duration of treatment. With laser treatment, the fungus clears completely within days. How Does It Work? The laser is precisely directed at the infested area, killing the fungus without harming the surrounding nail tissue. Lasers produce coherent light energy of a specific wavelength that is projected into the nail tissue with the right strength. This produces heat and destroys the fungus for good. Other tissue surrounding the infected tissue remains unharmed. Unlike topical treatments, the laser can penetrate through the toenail to reach the fungus. Generally, it takes just 10-20 minutes. How Effective Is It? Studies show that laser treatments are one of the most effective methods of treating toenail fungus. The success rate is nearly 80% or greater, which is much more than other treatments (2). How Much Does It Cost? The cost of laser therapy varies from $500-$1200, depending on the severity of the infection and the number of nails involved. Most of the time, two sessions with your podiatrist should be enough. Preparing for Laser Treatment for Nail Fungus Before laser treatment for nail fungus, you should take the following actions (3): Cleanse your nail Remove your nail polish and take out artificial nails. Toenails should be clipped straight across.Pack clean socks Carry a pair of clean, cotton, white socks and sanitized shoes with you to the appointment to wear afterward.Clean your house Vacuum your house floor and change your towels and bed linen after washing them in hot water. Thoroughly clean your shower and bathroom floor with bleach-based bathroom cleaner to make sure there are no signs of fungus.Sanitize your clippers and filesWear shoes that breathe Flip flops or similar will give the nail time to heal. Alternative Treatment for Nail Fungus There are many natural remedies for nail fungus. Try out these alternative treatments for nail fungus if the infection is mild. Epsom salt foot soakTea tree oilIodineHydrogen peroxideSnakeroot extractOregano oilOzonated oilOlive leaf extractVicks vaporub One of the most effective treatments for toenail fungus is Fungix anti-fungal formula, a non-prescription nail fungus treatment that comes with an enclosed brush to apply the cream. It has an advanced formula with 25% undecylenic acid and many potent herbs. Laser treatment is effective in eliminating nail fungus in case other remedies are not working, but it depends on the severity of the infection. Dangers of Leaving Nail Fungus Untreated As per the American Podiatric Medical Association (4), an untreated toenail can become thick and deformed, as well as spread and cause difficulty in walking, pain, and swelling. It can even spread to other areas of your body and cause jock's itch and fingernail fungus. In severe cases, untreated nail fungus can cause cellulitis, characterized by the skin around the nails becoming tender, red, and swollen. Nail beds can get infected and even seep into the bloodstream, causing further health complications that may become life-threatening. As such, it's best to get it treated at the earliest possible instance rather than hoping it will go away on its own.

Fungus The Difference Between Nail Mold and Nail Fungus If there are white or yellow spots under your nail, it can very well be a fungal infection—but if the nail color is green, it may be a sign of nail mold. In fact, this nail color variation is used primarily for differentiating the two. However, the term "mold" generally denotes a fungus. Therefore, scientifically speaking, nail mold should fall under the umbrella term of "nail fungus." Surprisingly, nail mold is not caused by any type of mold or fungi—recent studies have found that the causative agent for green nail discoloration is actually a type of bacteria called Pseudomonas, more commonly known as “greenies.” Let's find out more about the differences between nail mold and nail fungus. What Is Nail Fungus? Nail fungus comes under the family of fungi. The most common cause of fungal nail infection are dermatophytes, yeast, and molds. Dermatophytes are fungi that require keratin for growth. Since nails are made up of keratin, they are prone to these fungal infections. These fungi invade and consume the nail, leading to characteristic nail fungus symptoms. Also known as Onychomycosis, nail fungus usually starts with a spot on the nail and gradually results in the discoloration of the whole nail. How fast it will spread depends upon the intensity of the infection. This is accompanied by thickening of the nails, pain, and a foul smell in some cases. Nails become brittle, chalky, and distorted in shape. Fungus thrives in warm and moist conditions. When your nails come in contact with these infected surfaces, the fungus can enter through a cut or crack. They are contagious and the chances of getting them are very high in public places that are the hub of these fungi. Walking barefoot in common shower rooms of the gym or swimming pool is a recipe for disaster. People who are most susceptible to nail fungus are old people, diabetics, people with poor blood circulation in the feet such as those with PVD, and immunocompromised people. The other risk factors are heavy sweating, a history of athlete’s foot, nail injury, and conditions like nail psoriasis. What Is Nail Mold? The bacteria that causes green nail syndrome (GNS) is Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It is one of the most prevalent pathogens of nail infection. It is characterized by green-black discoloration of the nail (greenish chromonychia) that is restricted to one or more nails (1). People who have a history of prolonged exposure to water and detergents are likely to get nail mold. Other causes include nail fungus (onychomycosis), nail disease in general, diabetes mellitus, immunosuppression, and paronychia (inflammation of the skin around the nails). Pseudomonas bacteria can also be transmitted from the infected site into a wound in the nail. How to Diagnose Nail Fungus and Nail Mold Both nail fungus and nail mold can be self-diagnosed by recognizing the symptoms. To confirm whether the infection is fungal or bacterial, it is best to go to your doctor. He will perform a physical examination, take your history, and send your sample of pus, blood, or tissue to the lab for confirmation and diagnosis. How to Treat Nail Fungus and Nail Mold Nail fungus can be treated with various tried and tested home remedies. The effectiveness will depend upon the severity of the infection. Examples are iodine, essential oils, ozonated oils, Vicks Vaporub, and Snakeroot extract. These can be directly applied to the toenail. Epsom salt and apple cider vinegar foot are also very effective. Popular over-the-counter medications such as Fungix are fast-acting treatments for nail fungus. It is due to their potent combination of natural ingredients that are strongly anti-fungal. To treat GNS or nail mold, topical octenidine 0.1%, topical aminoglycoside, and nail extraction in severe cases are recommended. Another topical fluoroquinolone that has been approved to treat nail mold, as well as other skin infections, is Nadifloxacin (2). Even though it's an acne medicine, it has proved to be highly effective. Tobramycin is an antibiotic that is also given for treating nail mold (3). Meanwhile, try and prevent the infections by following these given points. Maintain a good hygieneKeep your toes and fingers dry Let them breatheDo not wear used socksKeep your shoes cleanUse shower shoes in the communal places Clip your toenail and keep them cleanChoose breathable footwear Should You See a Doctor for Nail Mold and Nail Fungus? Home remedies can be very useful. If left untreated the nail can completely separate from your nail bed. It can become painful and disturb your quality of life. However, in case things don’t work you should see a doctor for nail mold and nail fungus. This will help in proper diagnosis and the right treatment. Natural medicines such as Fungix are very effective and the best overall choice.

Fungus The Difference Between Nail Fungus and Psoriasis Pitted nails, cracked nails, spots, and discoloration of nails can be a sign of nail psoriasis or nail fungus. At first glance, they are difficult to differentiate due to their common symptoms, but their causes and treatments are quite different. Let's dive deeper and learn to identify the differences between nail fungus and psoriasis. What Is Nail Fungus? Nail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a widespread infection that affects your toenails and fingernails by entering your body through cracked or broken nails when exposed to an infected surface. Fungal nail infections are caused by microorganisms that thrive in warm, moist environments, typically dermatophytes, yeasts, or molds. Nail fungus is prevalent in people who are older, diabetic, have psoriasis, or suffer from peripheral vascular disease. Symptoms of Nail Fungus There are many different possible symptoms of nail fungus (1), including: Nail discolorationNail deformationBrittle nailNail thickeningFoul odorPain in the affected area What Is Psoriasis? Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition where your body creates antibodies that attack your own healthy tissue. With psoriasis, certain areas of your skin are replaced every 3-5 days instead of 28-30 days, which causes redness, scaliness, and flakiness, the most common symptoms (2). Flare-ups can be triggered by various factors, including: StressInfections such as strep throat or skin infectionsCertain medicationsAlcoholDry and cold weatherInjury to the skinSevere sunburn The mechanism is likely to involve an overreaction of the body’s inflammatory response, resulting in dilation of the blood vessels and a release of chemicals that cause redness and itchiness. Symptoms of Nail Psoriasis Nail psoriasis is a very common occurrence in people with general psoriasis, usually affecting the fingernails more than the toenails. Symptoms include: Yellowing or browning of the nailsPitting or crumbling nailsOnycholysis, wherein the nail detaches from the nail bedSubungual hyperkeratosis, wherein the nail lifts due to underlying chalky buildup (3)TendernessBlood under your nails How to Diagnose Nail Fungus and Psoriasis Nail psoriasis is usually diagnosed clinically, typically following skin psoriasis. However, there can be isolated cases of nail psoriasis that can pose a challenge to detect. Biopsy and histopathology can help identify nail psoriasis and delineate it from other nail infections (4). Nail fungus, on the other hand, can be diagnosed by examining the affected nail. Your doctor may take a nail clipping to look under the microscope or send to a laboratory for a culture test (5). Whether it is a nail fungus or nail psoriasis, it can only be diagnosed properly by a specialist, so it is best to consult a dermatologist or podiatrist. Interested in learning more? Read The Difference Between Nail Mold and Nail Fungus. How to Treat Nail Fungus and Psoriasis Nail fungus can be treated using simple home remedies. Popular over-the-counter medicines such as Fungix with potent anti-fungal ingredients are fast-acting treatments. With 100% natural ingredients such as Manuka oil and Bee Propolis, Fungix alleviates symptoms of nail infection and helps regrow healthy nails. Nail psoriasis, on the other hand, can be treated the same way as skin psoriasis. Doctors might recommend medicines such as acitretin, apremilast, cyclosporine, etc., or drugs that target specific parts of your immune system. In extreme cases of nail psoriasis, doctors may prescribe corticosteroids. Other medicines include Calcipotriol, Tazarotene, and even immune-strengthening vitamin D3 supplements (6). Topical oils and ointments containing active or synthetic vitamin D3 are also used to treat psoriasis flares (7)(8). Whether nail fungus or nail psoriasis, if the symptoms are not severe, the most effective treatments include a combination of home remedies and proper foot and hand hygiene. However, if the symptoms are progressive and causing discomfort, you should consult a doctor.

Fungus What Are the Most Common Causes of Fungal Toenail Infections?A fungal toenail infection may just be a cosmetic problem, an ugly discoloration of the toenail that is easily treated with an antifungal cream. However, it can also signify underlying metabolic or immune system disorders, such as diabetes or psoriasis. Toenail fungus is also known as onychomycosis, and it can make the nails thicker and brittle—you may even detect an unpleasant odor from the infected toenails. Different Types of Fungal Toenail Infections Fungi thrive in dark, warm, and moist places and are extremely contagious and easy to pick up when exposed. An example is walking barefoot in public areas such as shower rooms, swimming pools, and the gym. Fungal toenail infections are usually one of four kinds: 1. Distal or Lateral Subungual Onychomycosis These are the most common form of fungal toenail infection, accounting for approximately 85% of cases and caused by the dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum. These fungi feed on the keratin of the nails. Visually, it usually starts with a dot of yellow color on the nail bed that gradually spreads from the edges to the center—often, it spreads beyond the nail bed. With time, the whole nail can crumble and split (1). 2. White Superficial Onychomycosis (WSO) This is caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes and is characterized by affecting the outer layer of the nail plate. However, the nail doesn't come out but can be covered with a white, chalky powder (2). 3. Proximal Subungual Onychomycosis This is the least common form of fungal toenail infection and is rare in healthy people. It is mostly seen in people with compromised immune systems, such as HIV patients. The point of fungal entry is the proximal nail fold region (3). 4. Candidal Onychomycosis This is a yeast infection affecting the nail and is more common in fingernails than toenails. It is responsible for 5-10% of fungal nail infections (4). What Causes Fungal Toenail Infections? The most common cause of toenail fungus are: Dermatophytes These are keratinophilic fungi, which means that they feast on keratin, the protein that forms the cells of your nails. Around 85-90% of all cases of toenail fungus are caused by these dermatophytes, which are: Trichophyton mentagrophytesTrichophyton violaceumTrichophyton rubrum The latter is the most common cause of nail fungus (5). Non-dermatophytes Non-dermatophytes are molds and yeasts that cause secondary fungal infections of your nails because they penetrate the surface through gaps and cuts that are already present or via a nail that is injured. It usually discolors the nail and thickens the nail plate (6). Who Is Most at Risk of Developing Fungal Toenail Infections? People who are at higher risk of getting toenail fungus are: Athletes Being physically more active results in heavier sweating. Additionally, athletes tend to wear tight-fitting shoes and socks that can make their feet warm and moist, a perfect environment for the fungus to thrive. Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection affecting the skin near their toes that can spread to toenails if not treated.Diabetics Toenail infection is twice as common in diabetics than in non-diabetic people. Poor circulation, nerve damage due to high blood sugar, and delayed wound healing make diabetics more prone to this fungal infection.People with hyperhidrosis Fungi need a warm and moist environment to thrive. People with hyperhidrosis sweat profusely, making it conducive for the fungi to grow.The elderly Older individuals are more prone to toenail infection as their nails dry out with age, leading to cracks within the nail. People with nail injuries This gives the fungi an opening to infect.People with peripheral vascular disease (PVD) The body needs oxygenated blood to work properly. In PAD, the blood flow is hampered, thus reducing your body's ability to function properly, making it a perfect host for fungus.Those with weakened immune systems The good bacteria that protect your body from these fungi are highly compromised, which can be exacerbated by the overuse of antibiotics. Good bacteria help prevent fungal invasion.Psoriasis Psoriasis causes progressive damage to the nail, giving the nail fungus an open field to work on. Can You Treat Fungal Toenail Infection? Yes, you can treat fungal toenail infection. There are many effective treatments for toenail fungus. Natural remedies for toenail fungus include Epsom salt, tea tree oil, and iodine. Other than that, keep your feet dry and let them breathe. In case these treatments don't work, get yourself checked by a dermatologist or a podiatrist to receive an antifungal medication. In general, fungi live on sugar. Therefore, if you reduce your sugar and carb intake, your risk of the toenail fungus returning will be minimal.

Fungus The Difference Between Nail Fungus and Melanoma Nail fungus is a common infection that affects the nail. Nail melanoma, on the other hand, is a type of skin cancer that develops in the skin under your nails. Although they may sometimes be confused, they are actually very different. Keep reading to understand the subtle difference between the two, their symptoms, causes, treatments, and more. What Is Nail Fungus? Nail fungus usually presents itself as a discoloration on the nails. You may find yellow-white spots on the nails that have become brittle or thicker. Nail fungus, also known as Onychomycosis, is an infection that affects your nails, especially the toenails. It is caused by a fungus, the dermatophytes, and can be in, under, or on the nail (1). Yeasts and molds can also cause nail infections. Nail fungus is more common in men than women and more common in adults than children. In this condition, your nails become brittle, discolored, and more likely to crack or break (2). Who Is Most at Risk? People who are most susceptible to nail infection are: ElderlyDiabeticsThose with psoriasisThose who sweat a lotThose with PVD (peripheral vascular disease) with limited blood circulation to the hand and feetHave a nail injury or skin injury surrounding the nailAthletesThose who use public areasThose with a weak immune system When Does It Occur? Excessive sweating, usually in physically active people, is one of the most common causes of fungal toenail infections. Fungi thrive in warm and humid conditions that might enter your body through a crack in the nail or surrounding skin. They are contagious and can spread by touching infected surfaces. For example, if you walk barefoot in an infected area such as your gym's locker room, shower room, or swimming pool, you can easily pick up the infection. What Is Melanoma? Nail melanoma presents itself as an irregular pigmentation of the nails. Often, it looks like a brown-black colored band, and it might be accompanied by pain. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that originates from the pigment-producing cells of the skin known as melanocytes (3). Nail melanoma, also known as subungual melanoma, is one of the most dangerous types of skin cancer if left untreated. It develops underneath the fingernail or toenail and is very uncommon, usually occurring in only 0.7 to 3.5% of malignant melanoma seen worldwide. Who Is Most at Risk? People in the age group of 50-70 yearsAfrican-Asian or Native American by originPeople who are mostly outdoors and are exposed to ultraviolet lightPeople with Dysplastic Nevus Syndrome (atypical mole syndrome)Family history of melanomaHaving a weak immune systemPeople with Xeroderma pigmentosum, a rare, inherited condition that lowers the ability of the skin cells to repair damage to their DNA When Does It Occur? Nail melanoma begins in the nail matrix. It is a part of the nail bed that protects the skin under your nail (4). In most cases, it starts with an injury or trauma of the nail or the area around it, with the cause being the activation and proliferation of the melanocytes of the nail matrix. How and why exactly the subungual melanoma starts is still unknown. How to Diagnose Nail Fungus and Melanoma Diagnosing Nail Melanoma Nail melanoma is very difficult to diagnose because of the similarity of its signs with other benign ones. They are usually (5): Brown or black-pigmented band that is usually vertical on the nailChange in skin pigmentation around the nailBleeding nailNail lesionsNodule under the nailPainful pus formation under the nailDelayed healingSeparation of the nail from the nail bed Even with nail injury or fungal infection, similar symptoms are detected. It is better to show your doctor for a proper diagnosis. Diagnosing Nail Fungus Nail discolorationThickened nail bedBrittle nail The right diagnosis can only be given by your healthcare provider as they may have to take your nail clipping to send for a fungal culture. How to Treat Nail Fungus and Melanoma Prevention is always better than cure, and the first thing is to maintain proper foot hygiene. You should also eat foods rich in antioxidants such as retinol and vitamin D. Retinol-rich foods such as dark green leafy vegetables, orange, and yellow fruits and vegetables, fish, eggs, etc., can reduce your chances of developing melanoma by 20%. Nail Fungus Treatment The most effective treatments for toenail fungus include: Antifungal cream applied topicallyAntifungal medications taken orallyMedicated nail polish or cream such as FungixMaintaining proper hand and feet hygieneKeep your hands and feet dry and let them breatheUse natural remedies for nail fungus such as Epsom salts, tea tree oil, and/or iodine Melanoma Treatment Nail melanoma or subungual melanoma is treated surgically. The other options are: Removing the abdominal tissueImmunotherapyChemotherapyRadiation therapyAmputation of the finger in the worst-case scenario Should You See a Doctor for Nail Fungus or Melanoma? Immediately go to your doctor if the self-care steps aren’t working. Red flags to watch out for include: Toe swellsThe nail has a greenish-black or reddish huepainfulWarmth, tenderness, and extreme painOozing pusPitting or deep gaps Though nail fungus is pretty common, melanoma isn’t. If you feel that the signs exhibit a possible melanoma, show your doctor immediately. It's better to rule out cancer rather than get a late prognosis that will be more difficult to manage.

Fungus Best Natural Remedies for Nail Fungus Nail fungus or fungal nail infection is caused by a fungal invasion of the nail structure. They are very common, making up to 50% of the nail abnormalities. Although they can also affect fingernails, the toenails are more susceptible to the fungus due to less blood flow (1). Fungal nail infections can be caused by dermatophytes, yeasts, or molds. They can cause permanent damage to the nails and may lead to other serious infections that can spread to the rest of the body. However, fungal toenail infections are treatable. Many home remedies are proven to be highly effective in treating toenail fungus, which will be discussed in this article. Keep reading to learn more. Can You Self-Diagnose Nail Fungus? Yes, you can self-diagnose nail fungus if your nails are: Brittle or crumblyWhitish-yellowish or brownishThick and changing in shapeDetached from the nail bed Smelling and slightly foul However, your healthcare provider can do it more precisely and rule out other causes with similar symptoms. How to Treat Nail Fungus at Home Prescription oral antifungal drugs are very effective in treating nail fungus, but significant adverse effects limit their use. Topical antifungal therapies have minimum adverse effects, but they aren’t as effective as oral ones. Therefore, the various tried and tested home remedies to treat toenail fungus are advised whenever possible, the effectiveness of which will depend on how severe the infection is. Home remedies to treat nail fungus: Snakeroot extract This extract is very popular in Ayurvedic medicine. It has strong anti-fungal properties and is commonly used to treat toenails. Apply the extract two to three times a week on the toenail and reap the benefits in a few months.Essential oils Essential oils have natural antifungal and antibacterial properties. The ones that are very effective in treating toenail fungus are tea-tree oil, clove oil, clary sage oil, lavender oil, eucalyptus oil, jojoba oil, lemongrass oil, cinnamon oil, and manuka tree oil.Vicks Vaporub The camphor and the eucalyptus oil in Vicks Vaporub are very effective in treating infected toenails. Just apply a small amount to the infected site before going to bed and see the miracle within a week (2).Ozonated oil Oils that contain ozone gas are called ozonated oil, such as olive oil and sunflower oil. When applied to the infected nail, the ozone delivers oxygen to the infected area and may kill microbes. It also stimulates the skin cells to heal faster (3).Olive leaf extract This oil contains oleuropein, which is naturally antifungal. You can either take them in the form of a capsule or apply them to the toenail to reduce infection (4).Garlic Place chopped or crushed garlic cloves on the affected area for 30 minutes every day and see the difference within a week. Garlic has powerful antifungal properties that may kill the fungus and prevent it from growing again (5).Epsom salt This is magnesium sulfate and can be beneficial in relieving your nail fungus. You can mix 2 tsp of Epsom salt with 4 cups of hot water and soak your feet or hands in the solution for 15 minutes a day. You can also try to make a concoction with several natural antifungal agents. For example, in 4 cups of warm water, mix half a cup each of Epsom salt and baking soda and a quarter cup each of hydrogen peroxide and vinegar.Iodine Iodine applied topically can be a very effective cure within a reasonable price range. It is better to get a decolorized iodine (that will not stain). Gradually your infected nail will fall off, and a new healthy nail will take the spot (6).Apple cider vinegar (ACV) You can mix this with water to make a foot or hand bath and soak your nails for 15 minutes twice a day. ACV has strong anti-fungal properties and can cure nail fungus, especially those infected with Candida species (7). Can Nail Fungus Be Prevented? Yes, nail fungus can be prevented with the following methods: Wash your hands and feet regularlyKeep them dry and allow them to breatheMoisturize your nails after washing so that they are not dry and prone to cracksWear clean socks every dayKeep your shoes cleanDo not walk barefoot in public areasClean your nails wellClip your toenails correctlyChoose breathable footwear Fastest Natural Remedies For Treating Nail Fungus Among natural remedies for treating nail fungus, daily application of essential oils such as tea tree oil, oregano oil, or clove oil is recommended. A faster natural remedy, however, is Fungix anti-fungal therapy, a natural anti-fungal, anti-itching, and antiseptic toenail formula made of potent natural ingredients. It is scientifically formulated to fight even deep-rooted infections. Manufactured in the USA in a cGMP certified lab, this unique blend is 100% vegan friendly.

Fungus The Most Effective Treatments for Toenail Fungus Toenail fungus is a disease that affects the nails, making them thicker, discolored, and brittle. It is more common in men than women and among older people than the younger lot. Toenail fungus is also known as Onychomycosis. It is estimated that around 1 in 10 people have toenail fungus. Thankfully, there are many natural remedies for nail fungus. If these do not cure the infection, then anti-fungal medication is advised. Causes and Symptoms of Toenail Fungus The most common causes of fungal toenail infections are (1): Dermatophytes They are a kind of fungus that causes diseases of the skin, hair, nail, etc. They require keratin for growth.Non-dermatophytes and yeasts They cause toenail infection as a secondary fungal infection of the nails. In other words, there is already damage to the nail and these microbes penetrate that to cause a secondary infection. These are caused by yeasts and molds. The difference between nail mold and nail fungus is that nail mold is actually caused by the Pseudomonas bacteria. People who are at higher risk of fungal toenail infection are aged people, diabetics, athletes, people with hyperhidrosis (sweat a lot), and those who share common areas such as swimming pool, shower room, etc (2). Symptoms of toenail fungus White, yellow, or brown nailsCracked or broken nailsThickened nailsBrittle and chalky nailsCloudy in some places How to Treat Toenail Fungus Toenail fungus is treatable, but it takes time. Often simple home remedies can do the trick or else antifungal drugs might be needed. Home Remedies First and foremost, our Fungix anti-fungal formula is an effective, non-prescription nail fungus treatment with anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. It has an advanced formula with 25% undecylenic acid and many potent herbs. Fungix comes with an enclosed brush to apply the medicine to the nail coat. Aside from that, some other effective home remedies for toenail fungus include: Epsom salt Add 2 tsp of Epsom salt to 4 cups of hot water. Soak your feet in it for 15 minutes a day, drying them thoroughly afterward. Tea tree oil This can be directly put on the infected area. Tea tree oil helps reduce the growth of the fungus causing the infection. Effects are seen almost by the 14th day.Iodine One drop of iodine on the affected area every day and your toenail fungus can be a thing of the past. It is very effective in alleviating both signs and symptoms of toenail fungus.Vicks Vaporub The camphor and the eucalyptus oil in Vicks Vaporub are usually effective in treating infected nails. Just apply a small amount to the infected site once a day and see the results soon.Hydrogen peroxide This can kill fungus very well. You can directly put hydrogen peroxide on the affected area with a cotton swab or even add some to a foot soak.Apple cider vinegar Soak the affected part in one part apple cider vinegar to two parts warm water for 15-20 minutes. Wash your feet, dry them properly, and keep them open, allowing the feet to breathe. Should You Cut the Infected Nails? Yes, the infected nail should be cut, but not by individuals without some experience in this. Your podiatrist might start with trimming or cutting the infected nail and scraping away the fungus as much as possible. Cutting back each infected nail to the place where it attaches to the toe is a very feasible option. The doctor may also scrape away the debris under the nail to get rid of the fungus before applying the medicine. Prescribed Medication In case, home remedies don’t work, antifungal medications are your best bet for treating toenail fungus. They can be either applied topically or taken orally. Oral antifungal drugs These include griseofulvin, terbinafine, itraconazole and ketoconazole. They might show some side effects.Anti-fungal Topical cream Penlac (ciclopirox) and Jublia (efinaconazole) are the two antifungal prescription drugs that are used to treat toenails fungus. Penlac is a lacquer that needs to be applied to the nail. It takes around a month to completely cure toenail infection depending upon how bad it was. As per studies, the other medicine, Jublia, is more effective than Penlac. However, it is very expensive. If you apply the medicines topically, it is better to keep your nails short and clean. What Is the Fastest Way to Cure Toenail Fungus? The fastest way to cure toenail fungus is undoubtedly an antifungal medication. Fungix anti-fungal formula has potent anti-fungal ingredients which fight deep-rooted infections and speeds up the healing process. It is possible to cure toenail fungus permanently, but it takes time and perseverance. A toenail grows out completely in 12-18 months, which is round about the expected recovery time.