This article was reviewed by Dr. Emilija Ashtalkoska on August 29th, 2018. Products listed therein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.
Introduction
You are going about your life and everything seems normal. One day you look down at your toenails and all of a sudden you realize that they are turning orange.
You panic, wondering exactly what could cause the change in color and what you can do to treat it.
Why are my toenails orange? . Is it harmless, or something I need to worry about?
Do not fret! This article will tell you everything you need to know about your orange toenails and how to get rid of them for good.
You Have Nail Fungus!
If your toenails are turning orange, the most likely answer is that you have contracted nail fungus.
Nail fungus, also known as Onychomycosis is a common condition that affects millions of people across the globe.
It is caused by a variety of different types of fungi and bacteria penetrating the nails.
It usually starts with white or yellow spots forming on one of the nails. Eventually, it can lead to thickening, discoloration, crumbling of the nail, and a foul odorous discharge.
When left untreated for, it can eventually spread through the body.
How Did I Get Nail Fungus?
It is incredibly easy to get a fungal nail infection. In fact, it is estimated that over 10% of people will contract a fungal infection at some point in their lifetime.
All it takes is for the fungi to come into direct contact with the nail, and from there it will slowly grow and take over the nail.
There are a few common sources of nail fungus. We frequently receive reports from people who have contracted the disease from public pools, lakes, saunas, or gyms.
Fungi thrive in moist environments, and it possible that you came into contact with the fungi in one of these places without ever realizing it.
Do you enjoy pedicures and manicures? If so, it is possible that you contracted a fungal infection from a nail salon or acrylic nails that have been tainted with fungi.
All it takes is for one piece of unsanitized equipment to touch to your nail bed, and you become infected!
What Is The Best Treatment Option For Orange Nails?
Your toenails have turned orange, and it is because of nail fungus. The longer the fungal infection is allowed to grow and spread, the more difficult it is to treat.
We recommend starting a treatment program immediately to prevent the fungi from spreading to other parts of your body, such as your hands, fingernails, groin, or head.
Fortunately, there a number of powerful topical treatments that you can use at home to fight your fungal infections. Below we outline our top three choices.
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1. Purely Northwest Toenail Fungus System
Purely Northwest Toenail Fungus System is one of the best nail fungus treatments on the market today.
Technically it is a 3-in-1 system, which comes with a Tea Tree Oil Foot Soak, Antifungal Body Wash, and ReNew Toenail Solution.
The three treatments options utilized together create a powerful antifungal force.
It is our highest rated nail fungus treatment, it will help you get rid of your orange toenails once and for all. Click here to read our full review.
2. Zane Hellas Fungus Stop
Zane Hellas Fungus Stop is a top rated antifungal solution.
Harnessing the power of Oregano Oil, Essential Tea Tree Oil, and other powerful essential oils, the easy-to-use topical treatment will help destroy your nail fungus and return your nails to their original healthy color.
It is one of the best-priced treatments available and comes highly recommend. For more information, read our full review.
3. EmuaidMAX
EmuaidMAX is an incredible antifungal and antibacterial treatment.
It is one of the best-selling ointments in the world and treats over 75 types of severe skin issues, including orange nails caused by fungus.
Emuaid has a powerful formula with medical grade ingredients, including Tea Tree Oil, Vitamin E, Castor Oil, and more. The treatment is highly recommended by our staff.
How To Treat Orange Nail Fungus
1. Clean & Prepare The Nails
Now that you have picked what topical treatment you are going to use to treat your orange toenails, the first thing you need to do is clean and prepare the nails.
Using a sterilized nail clipper or filer, clip or file the nail down to a short length.
Make sure you are extremely careful when disposing of the remains, as they are most likely infected with the fungi.
You do not want the fungus to spread! After you have prepared the nails, take a shower in order to wash away any residual infected skin.
2. Apply The Treatment
Now that you have prepared the nails, it is time to apply the antifungal treatment.
If you are using Zane Hellas Fungus Stop or EmuaidMAX, simply apply the formula to the nails and surrounding skin and let it sit for upwards of thirty minutes.
If you are utilizing the Purely Northwest System, follow the directions in this guide.
3. Repeat Until You See Results
We recommend applying the topical treatment to the nails twice a day, once in the morning and once at night.
The most important thing is to remain diligent and apply the solution every day.
Eventually, the nails will start to clear up as the infection dissipates. We recommend still utilizing the treatment even after the fungus is destroyed to prevent reinfection.
Are There Any Possible Side Effects?
Many people turn to natural topical treatments for their fungal infections because the risk of side-effects is low.
Although it is always possible to have an adverse reaction, it is highly unlikely that you experience any negative side-effects.
The most common side effect is a mild warming sensation upon the treatment site. We also recommend consulting your doctor before starting any treatment option.
Can Toenails Turn Orange For Other Reasons?
Toenails can be orange due to causes other than fungal infection. One of those is eating too much fruit and vegetables that contain carotene.
Fruits and vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, apricots and many others.
However, you would need to eat a large amount of these, over a period of time, in order for your toenails to become orange.
Also, toenails can become orange if they come into contact with some types of hair dyes. However, for most people, the most likely explanation is that it is caused by nail fungus.
Can My Nails Turn Any Other Color?
Yes, unfortunately, nail fungus can turn nails a variety of colors. Yellow nails are the most common, followed by black, orange, and blue, and green.
Can The Fungus Spread?
If left untreated for long enough, the fungus will certainly spread to other parts of the body. Common infection sites include the other fingernails, toenails, hands, and skin.
This is why it is so important to treat the fungal infection as soon as the symptoms appear.
Conclusion – Start Treating Your Orange Toenails Today
Orange toenails can be frightening, embarrassing, and even scary.
After reading this article, we hope you decide to take action and start treating your orange toenails with an antifungal solution.
Although no antifungal treatment works overnight, by utilizing the treatment as directed you will start to see results, and your orange toenails will become healthy again.
References
Sources for more information:
- https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110214201842.htm – Antifungal effect of lavender oil
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9055360 – reference about the antifungal properties of tea tree oil
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17897206 – A study about the antifungal properties of oregano oil
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.
I purchased EmuaidMax for toe nail and fingernail fungus. I am going to start using this today. Right now I only have my two big toes and two finger nails infected. Should I treat all of my nails (toe nails and finger nails)? Thank you