Fungus under the toenail is a very common condition. Millions of people suffer from this problem every year. A fungus is highly contagious, and it thrives in damp, humid, warm places. If you regularly visit places like gyms or public swimming pools, you could be at higher risk of developing toenail fungus.
Once you develop a fungal nail infection, you might notice a range of unpleasant symptoms. These including brittle, yellow toenails, a foul odor, an itching sensation, and even pain, in serious cases. As well as being unpleasant, having a fungal nail infection can cause real embarrassment.
Toenail fungus can be hard to treat, and a full cure can take months of consistent treatments. But with dedication and the right treatment, you can get rid of toenail fungus. From over-the-counter and prescription treatments to natural remedies that have been used for centuries, there are many ways you can get rid of fungus from your toenails.
Fungus growing under the toenail can be even harder to address than regular fungus. But the good news is that it is treatable. Let’s take a look at the various ways you can treat fungus under the toenail.
Table of Contents:
Why is Fungus So Hard to Treat?
Fungal infections can be difficult to treat anywhere on the body – but especially under the toenails. There are various reasons why this is the case:
- Dermatophytes, the bacteria that cause fungus, feed on keratin and eventually destroy it. Unfortunately, that’s what toenails are made out of – so the fungus will always have a great food supply.
- Fungus thrives in warm, moist conditions. Our feet spend a lot of time covered by shoes and socks, and can often get sweaty. This creates the ideal conditions for fungus to thrive.
- Our toenails are made to act a little like shields – they’re very strong and durable, to protect the feet against impact. If you have fungus under your toenail, it can be hard to penetrate far enough to reach the fungus with many popular treatments.
OTC Treatments That Can Cure Fungus under the Toenail
Although fungus under the toenail is hard to treat, there is a range of options available to cure the condition. Here are just a few of them:
Xenna NonyX Nail Gel
We’ve already established that fungus feeds on keratin, which is abundant in the toenail region. Xenna NonyX Nail Gel is a simple product which can help to reduce the build-up of keratin debris underneath the toenail.
As the fungus eats away at the keratin, it creates debris which causes the discoloration of the toenails that is a classic symptom of an infection. If left untreated, the debris can continue to build up and even cause the toenail to lift from the nail bed. This can be incredibly painful, and can even open you up to other infections.
Xenna NonyX Nail Gel helps to exfoliate the area underneath the nail, clearing out the debris and ensuring that the fungus has less to ‘feed’ on. The treatment contains ethanoic acid, which you may already know as the popular household ingredient, vinegar. However, this form of vinegar is much stronger and has potent exfoliating power.
The formula is a gel, which means it has real staying power and will remain on your toenail for a long time. Unlike many liquid solutions, it won’t wash away, which gives it a real chance to penetrate through the toenail to reach the debris and get rid of it properly.
Check the Price of Xenna NonyX Nail Gel on Amazon!
Kerasal Fungal Nail Renewal Treatment
Approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association, Kerasal Fungal Nail Renewal Treatment is a great choice for those suffering from fungus under the toenail. The unique formula reduces discoloration, restoring your toenails to their original color, as well as normalizing the thickness of your toenails with regular use.
Kerasal is said to improve nail appearance in more than 90% of fungal nail suffers, with ingredients like propylene glycol, lactic acid, and urea. The easy applicator makes life simple for users. Gold the tip of the tube above the nail and press lightly to spread a thin layer of Kerasal over the nail. You can also use it under the free edge of the nail for increased penetration.
Check the Price of Kerasal on Amazon!
Excilor Treatment For Fungal Nail Infection
This convenient treatment comes in a handy pen applicator which contains 400 applications – enough for a year’s worth of treatment if you use it once daily.
Excilor can penetrate through the nail, to get to the fungus on the underside. The treatment lowers the pH of the nail, which creates an environment where fungus can’t grow or thrive. As the fungus dies, a healthy nail will grow through in its place, over time. Excilor estimates that toenails grow an average of 1.5mm each month, which means it’ll take at least six months to see a noticeable difference.
Check the Price of Excilor on Amazon!
Terrasil Foot & Nail Antifungal Ointment Maximum Strength
This powerful antifungal ointment is packed with natural ingredients to help fight fungus under the toenail. Terrasil’s unique blend of volcanic clay, magnesium oxide, silver oxide, and zinc oxide delivers the active ingredient (clotrimazole) to the affected area quickly and effectively.
Other ingredients in Terrasil maximum-strength ointment include peppermint oil, cottonseed oil, organic beeswax, and tea tree oil – all renowned treatments for toenail fungus.
The moisturizing formula helps address discoloration and odor, as well as providing relief from redness, itching, and soreness around the toenail.
Check the Price of Terrasil on Amazon!
Fugacil Anti-Fungal Nanomedicine Cream
This natural antifungal cream is suitable for treating toenail fungus and a range of other associated infections, including ringworm and athlete’s foot. With botanical ingredients and essential oils, the gentle formula gets right to the root of the problem.
The treatment is said to penetrate through skin and nail to target fungal infections from all angles. It contains fungus-fighting ingredients like tea tree oil, thyme, lavender, and lemon balm.
Having won a 2015 Dermatology Research Award and a 2014 New Product of the Year award, Fugacil has become a popular option for many people trying to address toenail fungus. It also comes with a fantastic money-back guarantee. If any customers are not satisfied with the results of their treatment after sixty days, they can contact the manufacturers for a full refund of the product price.
Check the Price of Fugacil on Amazon!
Laser Treatment
Laser treatment for toenail fungus is a relatively new treatment option. The good news is that it has been backed up by dermatologists and podiatrists alike. The technology used in the treatment has already been in use for many years, and it’s proven safe, effective, and painless. The main issue is that laser treatment can be expensive.
The treatment involves pointing a focused beam of light at the infected toenail. The powerful light can penetrate straight through the nail and reach the fungus underneath, vaporizing it entirely. Before the procedure, doctors will draw a simple grid pattern on your toenail to guide the light to the right place. There are also at-home options, such as the Ncure Toenail Fungus Laser Device.
Clinical studies have shown that there are no adverse side effects of laser treatment. The entire process is also completely painless. Laser treatment can be an effective way to treat toenail fungus, especially fungus that is hidden under the nail.
The Importance of Keeping Your Toenails Short
When treating fungus under the toenail, it’s essential that you keep your toenails short and neat. Long toenails will only make it harder for you to treat the fungus – and it’ll provide more keratin for the fungus to feast on.
Invest in a good stainless steel pedicure kit to keep your nails trimmed and neat at all times. Not only will this help to speed up your treatment, but it’ll also reduce the risk of you developing fungal nail infections in the future.
You should also ensure that you keep your pedicure kit clean. You can accomplish this by using rubbing alcohol on it after each use, as well as encouraging others in your household to avoid using the kit.
Hints & Tips for Removing a Fungal Nail Infection
If you’re using an over-the-counter treatment or a product like Xenna NonyX Nail Gel and you want to increase your chance of great results, here are some additional hints. Follow these tips for a better chance of curing the fungus under your toenail:
- Wear a fresh pair of antifungal socks every day, no exceptions.
- If you visit the gym or the swimming pool, change your socks afterward. Always wear flip-flops, so your feet don’t come into contact with the floor.
- Clean your pedicure kit with rubbing alcohol after use.
- Use shoe sanitizers and sprays to keep feet and footwear as dry as possible.
Act Fast to Cure Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus needn’t be the end of the world. Yes, the condition can be embarrassing, painful and hard to treat – but with diligence and dedication, you can restore your toes to their natural, healthy state.
If you’re concerned that your toenail fungus doesn’t seem to be getting better, or if the infection is causing you serious pain, please see a medical professional to rule out any other possible conditions. They may also be able to prescribe a more powerful treatment option to help wipe out the fungus more effectively.
