What Is Toenail Fungus?
Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is an infection that occurs when a fungus takes hold in the toenails. According to the Mayo Clinic, this infection often starts as a white or yellow spot under the nail. If left untreated, the spot can grow, causing the nail to thicken, crumble, and become painful and discolored.
Signs of Toenail Fungus
The signs of toenail fungus are usually quite noticeable and can be painful. Common symptoms include:
Thickened nails, a foul odor, a dull color lacking the usual shine, separation of the nail from the nail bed (onycholysis), dry, crumbly, or brittle texture, distortion in the shape and color of the nail, and pain in the infected nail.
Causes of Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungal infections typically occur when a type of fungus called a dermatophyte invades the nail. They can also be caused by mold or yeast infections. These infections thrive in warm, moist environments such as gyms, locker rooms, hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, swimming pools, and showers. Walking barefoot in these places can increase the risk of infection.
The dark, warm environment inside shoes and socks, especially when sweaty, is also ideal for fungal growth. Small cuts between the nail and nail bed can make the area more susceptible to infection. Toenails are more prone to fungal infections than fingernails due to poorer circulation in the toes.
Who Is at Risk for Toenail Fungus?
Anyone can get a toenail fungal infection, but older adults are at higher risk due to reduced blood circulation to the feet. As we age, our nails thicken, making them more susceptible to fungal invasion. Men are more likely to get toenail fungus than women, and the condition can be hereditary.
Other risk factors include diabetes, nail trauma, poor personal hygiene, athlete’s foot, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), peripheral vascular disease, continuous exposure to water, and conditions that weaken the immune system.
Natural Remedies & Tips For Nail Fungus
To prevent and treat toenail fungus, consider the following tips:
Change socks and shoes immediately after exercising. Wear flip-flops in public locker rooms, saunas, and poolside areas. Avoid shoes that restrict ventilation. Opt for organic cotton or hemp socks that absorb sweat well. Never walk barefoot in wet public places. Address athlete’s foot promptly, as it is linked to toenail fungus. Exercise to improve blood circulation to the toes, enhancing your immune system’s ability to fight infections. Keep your feet and toes clean.
For natural remedies, try soaking your toenails in a mixture of 32 ounces of water, 3 ounces of organic apple cider vinegar, and 1/4 cup of Himalayan salt for 15 minutes daily. Applying a drop of organic tea tree oil mixed with oregano oil to the toenails before bed can also be effective. Another remedy involves mixing one drop of 35% food-grade hydrogen peroxide with six drops of distilled water, three drops of organic apple cider vinegar, and one drop of DMSO. Apply this mixture to the infected nails in the morning and before bed. It may cause a slight burning sensation but is known to be one of the fastest remedies.
Supplements That Help Toenail Fungus
In addition to the tips above, taking an herbal supplement called Candida Balance can help. This all-natural product targets the fungus circulating in the blood, which may contribute to the infection. Candida Balance works internally, while the other tips address the fungus externally.
If you notice signs of toenail fungus, try these remedies and let me know your results. Feel free to share any other successful treatments you have used.
