Although the antibacterial mechanism of probiotics is not yet clear, it is evident that they have a strong antifungal effect. Therefore, probiotics have enormous development potential as a safe and cost-effective new method of treating fungal infections.
While there are plenty of anecdotal accounts online citing probiotics' positive effects, few studies truly show the effects of probiotics for treating toenail fungus. GrannyMed.com stated, “Probiotics are particularly recommended for people with internal yeast infections.
Causes of Toenail Fungus
Just like with other health conditions that stem from gut-related problems, when you don't have enough good bacteria living within your gut, you wind up developing high levels of yeast and fungus (bad bacteria) in your body that can show up on your skin.
He concluded: “Daily topical application of the contents of a vitamin E capsule appears to have resolved a severe, chronic dermatophytosis of the toenails.” Nail fungus can be hard to eradicate. Some people respond well to one treatment while others do not.
Because toenail fungus is often a symptom of an infection such as Candida overgrowth, the best natural nail fungus fighters involve attacking yeast and Candida albicans in your gut and repopulating it with good bacteria through diet and supplementation.
Oral antifungal drugs.
These drugs are often the first choice. One option is itraconazole (Sporanox). These drugs help a new nail grow free of infection, slowly replacing the infected part.
Taking antifungal pills for two months can cure an infection under the fingernails. Usually three months of treatment cures a toenail fungal infection. Antifungal pills, however, can cause side effects. Your dermatologist will watch you closely.
Additionally, biotin deficiency can increase the risk of fungal nail infections and subsequent nail plate discoloration. Changes in nail shape and surface. Nutritional deficiencies can cause several changes in the shape and surface of nail plates.
Best Overall
We chose the Lamisil Terbinafine Hydrochloride AntiFungal Cream as our top pick because it works to address a variety of infections, including toenail fungus. The prescription-strength cream comes highly recommended by Dr. Lipner because it can treat athlete's foot before it spreads to the toenails.
You can develop foot fungus with a healthy immune system, but your odds go up, especially of getting chronic or severe foot fungal infections, if your immune system is weaker. This is because your body has a more difficult time fighting off fungal spores and preventing them from developing into an infection.
Some of the foods that may help to keep the body healthy can include fresh vegetables, chicken, and fish. Eating these types of foods may be instrumental in improving the immune system and are often considered when beginning treatment for toenail fungus.
rhamnosus 5.2 and L. fermentum 20.4 isolates showed the greatest antifungal activity, helping to prevent the formation of Candida biofilms. Lactobacilli strains produce lactic acid, which has a mild antifungal effect.
Two strains of probiotics have over 30 years of scientific evidence to support their use for this condition – Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1® and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14®.
Fungal nail infections typically don't go away on their own, and the best treatment is usually prescription antifungal pills taken by mouth. In severe cases, a healthcare professional might remove the nail completely. It can take several months to a year for the infection to go away.
Although the fungus affects the appearance of the nails, it actually lives on the layer directly beneath the toenail. That's why it's so difficult to treat. Your nails are made up of keratin, a tough, fibrous protein. The same hard shell that protects your toes is giving shelter to the fungus.
Vicks has a little impact on toenails. Vicks Vaporub softens and lightens toenails. This makes it look like the fungus is being treated. Vicks may have some antifungal qualities, but it is unable to penetrate the toenail well enough to cure the infection.
Terbinafine and itraconazole are the 2 medicines most commonly prescribed for fungal nail infections. These usually need to be taken once or twice a day for several months to ensure the infection has completely cleared up. If you stop taking the medication too early, the infection may return.
CMC is a tendency to develop infections of the skin, the nails, and the moist lining of body cavities (mucous membranes) caused by a type of fungus called Candida.
Consuming food rich in Vitamin C
Vitamin C or Ascorbic Acid enhances our immune system and protects our body from the outside. Foods that have to be rich in Vitamin C like lemon, orange. They help your immune system fight off the fungal infection too. Remember having a strong immune system is the key.
Fungal infections are more common in places on your body that trap moisture or have a lot of friction. You're at higher risk for infection, especially severe ones, if you have poor circulation or diabetes, or if you have a weakened immune system from: HIV/AIDS. Cancer or cancer treatments.
If you do have a toenail fungus, your doctor will likely recommend one or more of the following treatment options: Trimming the Toenail Trimming the toenail is usually combined with medication, but having a podiatrist periodically trim the nail down is helpful and allows the medication to work better, says Sundling.
The best type of vinegar to treat toenail fungus is apple cider vinegar, a very acidic and strong solution that destroys toenail fungus at the source. To take full advantage of this, mix one cup of apple cider vinegar with at least 2 cups of water – this will dilute the vinegar so that it won't burn your skin.