Toenail fungus can come with a variety of different symptoms. Some of the most common are discoloring of the nail, hard and brittle nails, and even a foul odor. But, sometimes it can also cause inflammation of the skin surrounding the fungus. So, it’s no surprise many people want to know how to reduce redness and inflammation from toenail fungus.
Inflammation is a normal response from the body. It occurs when tissue is irritated and can cause itchiness, redness, and swelling. So, if you have a toenail fungus that has gotten out of hand, the infection can go hand in hand with inflammation.
The worst thing is the pain. A nail fungus isn’t just a cosmetic issue. It can lead to other health problems if left alone, but the pain is a big problem. Toenail fungus is considered to be an infection. It can be caused by different factors, but it’s an infection that comes with side effects. Unfortunately, when left untreated, one of those side effects could be irritation and redness.
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Reducing Pain, Redness, & Inflammation from Toenail Fungus
To reduce the overall redness surrounding your toenail fungus, the best thing you can do is to treat the fungus itself. We’ll cover a few treatment options later in this article. But, there’s a good chance you want to get rid of the irritation that comes with inflammation.
Thankfully, there are quick solutions for inflammation. Anything from aloe vera lotion, to healing creams, or even home remedies like honey and avocado can help to soothe the burn that comes with this type of irritation. As long as you use a solution that coincides with treating the fungus, you should feel less pain and redness fairly quickly.
Other Possible Causes of Discomfort
If you’re unaware that you have toenail fungus and are experiencing inflammation, make sure that it’s not another condition. The following possible conditions/infections could also be what’s causing the changes on your skin:
- Cellulitis (an infection of the skin)
- Joint or bone infection
- Diabetes
- Arterial disease
If you’re unsure of what might be causing the inflammation and redness, it’s a good idea to see your doctor as soon as possible for a diagnosis. A toenail fungus can clear up with fairly non-invasive treatment, such as laser treatment. But, some of these more serious conditions require extensive medical attention, and shouldn’t be ignored.
Treatment Options for Toenail Fungus
Mild inflammation usually clears up on its own. But, if you have a toenail fungus, it’s not a risk you should be willing to take. If a fungus spreads, the inflammation and redness could get worse. If the fungus spreads to the skin, it could cause the skin to crack. This is commonly known as athlete’s foot.
If those open areas of skin get infected, your toenail fungus could go from a cosmetic annoyance to something far more serious.
So, before the inflammation gets out of control, the best thing you can do is to treat the fungus. As stated above, there are plenty of solutions and options to choose from; everything from doctor-prescribed antifungal medications/creams, to over-the-counter solutions, or even home remedies.
Medical Treatment Options
Your doctor might suggest prescription drugs for a toenail fungus that has either spread or one that isn’t responding to other treatment. Typically, this will come in the form of an oral antifungal medication, taken for weeks. They work by allowing ‘fresh’ nail to grow. Eventually, the infected part of the nail will grow out, and you can clip it away.
In extreme cases, your doctor may suggest a surgical procedure. This usually involves either cutting away the infected part of the nail or removing the toenail altogether.
Over-the-Counter Treatment Options
Everything from antifungal creams and sprays, to antifungal nail polish, can help to get rid of a toenail fungus. Be sure to choose products that you can use along with anti-inflammatory creams, to deal with the inflammation and redness at the same time. Topical antifungal solutions are used to help the nails and skin. So, if your fungus has spread, it will also help to reduce the risk of athlete’s foot.
Home Remedies for Toenail Fungus
While it’s important to be careful when it comes to choosing a home remedy that works, most are harmless. One of the most popular solutions is tea tree oil. It has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties. So, it can be a great solution to help get rid of the fungus, and the redness and inflammation.
One of the best things about tea tree oil is that it’s 100% natural. So, you don’t have to worry about any negative side effects, unless you have an allergy. You can use it topically every day for several weeks, and you’ll likely see both the fungus and inflammation disappear.
Getting Rid of Inflammation and Toenail Fungus at Once
No one wants to have to deal with the cosmetic embarrassment that can come with toenail fungus. But, when it comes painful, inflamed, and red, it feels even worse. Plus, the problems that go along with that inflammation can escalate into other health issues.
The best thing you can do to reduce redness and inflammation from toenail fungus is to get rid of the fungus altogether. There’s no point in treating the symptoms and not the root of the problem. So, while using a soothing, healing solution for the inflammation, focus on the treatment of the fungus. If you’re not sure where to start, seek out your doctor or a podiatrist. They’ll be able to tell you just how severe your fungus might be, and the type of treatment that will work best for you.
