This article was reviewed by Dr. Emilija Ashtalkoska on August 22nd, 2018. Products listed therein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.
Introduction
Also referred to onychomycosis, toenail fungus is a fungal infection that occurs under your toenail tip.
It starts as a tiny yellow, orange, or white spot and then as it spreads, your toenail discolors and thickens before eventually crumbling. At this stage, treatment is necessary because you’ll start experiencing pain.
And if not treated, the fungus could spread to the skin and between your toes causing athlete’s foot.
The crumbling and skin peeling can also cause foot ulcers and sometimes cellulitis and toenail loss, along with jock itch, ringworm, athletes foot, and various other conditions.
Below we will thoroughly discuss how to get rid of toenail fungus quickly so you can be fungi-free, once and for all!
1. Get Rid Of Toenail Fungus Quickly – Cure-Ex Nail Fungus Laser Treatment
Laser technology works by exposing the fungus to high doses of energy (light). This light destroys the fungal cells.
The two types of lasers being used in the cosmetics industry are Neovon and Pinpointe Laser. Cure-Ex Nail Fungus Laser Treatment is one of the best laser treatments on the market today, and it is incredibly simple to use.
To use the nail cleaning laser device, clamp the infected toenail in between and let it sit for 7 minutes (per toe) twice a day.
There is no mess, no side-effects, and nothing to clean up. It is super quick and easy to use.
And because this is a targeted type of treatment, there is no damage to the surrounding skin and nail. Similarly, other than killing the fungus, the results are not immediately visible.
You know the treatment is working once your toe starts to grow. It’s more like “out with the old and in with the new”.
What we love most about this device is that your toe remains undamaged, you don’t have to deal with any side effects, and this device is portable.
Additionally, you can utilize it with a topical solution such as EmuaidMAX to optimize your treatment effects. This is a phenomenal choice for you to get rid of your toenail fungus.
Doctors Note: Laser therapy is not FDA approved for treatment of toenail fungus, and there is no relevant data to support its use as a therapy for fungal nail infections.
Click here to view Cure-Ex Nail Fungus Laser Treatment on Amazon.com
2. Natural, Anti-Fungal, Anti-Bacterial Ointment – EmuaidMAX
EmuaidMAX is a powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial solution. It provides fast relief for hard to treat infections like the toenail fungus.
The key ingredients in Emuaid are Vitamin E, Bacillus Ferment, Tea Tree Oil, and Argentum Metallicum. Tea Tree Oil reduces inflammation and scarring while vitamin E promotes skin cells repairs and rejuvenation.
Therefore as you continue to apply EmuaidMAX ointment, your toenail skin will appear young, smooth, and radiant.
The main ingredient, in EmuaidMAX, Argentum Metallicum, fights the fungus and contains its spread. There are other ingredients such as wax, glycerin, castor oil, fruits and vegetable oil that improve the overall usability of the ointment.
However, the one thing we love most is that all these ingredients are chemical free. It doesn’t contain artificial preservatives either. Therefore, it supports many skin types with minimal side effects.
Wash your toes, pat them dry, and apply the ointment three times daily for best results.
Click here to view EmuaidMAX on Amazon.com
3. Clotrimazole Cream – Family Care Clotrimazole Cream
You can purchase Clotrimazole cream over the counter (OTC). It treats all skin conditions that are fungus related such as Ringworm, toenail fungus, Jock Itch, and Athlete’s Foot.
We recommend Family Care Clotrimazole Cream. Each cream contains 1 oz of the ingredient clotrimazole. The rest are various inactive ingredients that make it easier to spread on your skin and readily absorbed.
The main ingredient Clotrimazole, a white, odorless crystalline anti-fungal ingredient, works by inhibiting the division and growth of fungus and other organisms such as yeasts, pathogenic dermatophytes, and Malassezia furfur.
The other ingredients in Family Care Clotrimazole Cream also ease various symptoms including burning sensation, itching, and redness that are correlated with fungal infections.
The cream is safe to use for many. However, like any other medication, it may cause side effects such as stinging, rash, itching, redness, and burning sensation for some people.
Should you encounter these side effects, please seek medical advice.
For best results, apply Clotrimazole after washing the infected part twice daily.
Make sure you apply the cream even after the fungal infection has subsided to prevent reinfection.
Click here to view Family Care Clotrimazole Cream on Amazon.com
Home Treatment Solutions
There are a variety of home treatments that you can utilize to help treat your toenail fungus. Below we outline a few of the most popular.
Sodium Borate and Baking Soda
Fungus flourishes in an acidic environment. Baking soda, which is alkaline, prevents it from thriving by creating an environment that’s uninhabitable.
Sodium borate, also referred to as borax is a naturally occurring mineral. It’s a very powerful fungicide. A combination of these two creates a remedy which cures nail fungus.
Mix equal portions of baking soda and borax with sufficient water to form a paste. Wet your feet then rub the mixture gently onto the infected nails twice daily for two weeks.
Garlic & Vinegar Mix
Garlic has an antimicrobial compound known as allicin that helps to eliminate toenail fungus within a short period.
Mix crushed garlic with vinegar and then apply on the infected nails. Cover with a bandage or a clean cloth and sleep with it. Wash it off in the morning and apply coconut oil.
The medium-chain fatty acids found in coconut oil (also called caprylic acid) penetrates tough cell walls of the fungi and offer a protective coating.
Utilize Tea Tree Oil
As both a fungicidal and antiseptic remedy, tea tree oil treats onychomycosis rapidly. We recommend using Purely Northwest Antifungal Tea Tree Oil Body Wash.
Clean areas around and on the infected part using rubbing alcohol. Apply tea tree oil which is 100 % undiluted on the nails then allow soaking for fifteen minutes.
Using a soft bristle toothbrush, scrub the nails gently. Repeat it daily till healthy new nails grow out.
How To Prevent Toenail Fungus
Like many conditions, it is easier to prevent toenail fungus than to treat it. And like any other form of fungal infection, hygiene is the number one preventive measure.
- Always trim your toenails.
- Don’t ever share shoes nor share nail files and clippers.
- Select breathable footwear like flip-flops.
- Wear properly fitting shoes.
- Use antifungal creams, powders, or sprays whenever you suspect exposure to the fungus. For example, if a family member is infected.
- Avoid going barefoot whenever possible – i.e. in the grass, in public pools, etc.
What Are The Symptoms Of Toenail Fungus?
Toenail fungus is usually not painful unless it spreads. The common symptoms include yellowing of the toenail, swelling, inflammation, thickening, or crumbling of the nails.
Additionally, if you have toenail fungus, it is also highly likely that you have athletes foot as well, which is a fungal infection usually affecting the webbing of the toes and the feet.
This infection tends to be rash-like, itchy, and scaling – if you have toenail fungus, it is crucial to treat your athlete’s foot as well, otherwise, you risk reinfection.
How Does Toenail Fungus Grow?
Fungus thrives in certain conditions like abnormal skin pH levels and poor hygiene.
Weak immune system and consistent exposure to a moist environment like sweaty socks and shoes also propel their growth.
But unlike most other conditions, toenail fungus is a recurrent nuisance even after successful treatment.
The above prevention tips will help keep it in check after treatment. And by the way, the sooner you treat it, the more comfortable and quicker you’ll get long-lasting results.
Proceed with the treatment plan even after the infection has cleared up.
How Long Will It Take For My Fungal Infection To Go Away?
To be honest, this is an extremely difficult question to answer because it is going to differ from person to person.
Additionally, it depends on the severity of your toenail fungus and if you have any other fungal infections, such as athletes foot or jock itch.
With the treatments listed above, you may start seeing results in as little as one week.
However, it is crucial that you stay active with the treatment, otherwise, you risk reinfecting yourself once you stop. We recommend continuing treatment for upwards of a month after the fungal infection has cleared.
It is also crucial that you remove the fungi from your shoes, socks, and linens using either anti-fungal powders, sprays, or an anti-bacterial appliance. If you do not, you risk becoming reinfected.
Where Should I Purchase A Toenail Fungus Treatment?
Many of our readers have asked us where they should purchase a toenail fungus treatment. They have inquired about CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, and various other stores.
We believe you should purchase your toenail fungus treatment on Amazon.com.
Click here to view our top recommended product, the Cure-Ex Nail Fungus Laser Treatment, on Amazon.com.
In Conclusion
There you have it! Here are a number of great tips on how to get rid of toenail fungus quickly.
Please keep in mind that different people will respond differently to various treatments and that treatment time will differ depending on a number of factors – your overall health, severity of the infection, diligence of the treatment, and more.
Additionally, this website does not provide medical advice. Talk to your doctor if you believe you have a fungal infection.
References
Source for more information:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22991095 – baking soda can be used as an antifungal ;
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0924224416300073 – allicin has antibacterial and antifungal properties in laboratory tests
I am the founder of DestroyNailFungus, and I do my best to provide comprehensive guides on health and wellness.
When I’m not running the site, I enjoy spending time outdoors and drinking coffee.