You will need to treat the area with an antifungal cream or liquid such as Betadine, which effectively and rapidly kills common bacteria and fungi and is available from most supermarkets and pharmacies.
If you suspect an ingrowing toenail, there are a few things you can do to help it resolve. Soak the toe in warm, salt water twice a day for 10 minutes. Apply antiseptic liquid to the affected area (for example Betadine).
It is advisable to apply betadine to minor cuts and open wounds. After ensuring that the affected area is clean and dry, apply a small amount of the solution or ointment. Doctors recommend using it one to three times a day at regular intervals. Betadine should not be used on deep, open wounds or severe burns.
Your health care provider may prescribe an antifungal cream, such as efinaconazole (Jublia) and tavaborole (Kerydin). You rub this product into your infected nails after soaking. These creams may work better if you first thin the nails.
The fastest way to eliminate the infection is through toenail laser treatment. Laser nail therapy specifically targets the microorganisms under your nail while leaving the keratin intact. In just a few treatments, the infection can be entirely eliminated.
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.
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.
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.
You should not use Betadine if you are allergic to it. Ask a doctor or pharmacist if Betadine is safe to use if you have any medical conditions or allergies. Do not use this medicine on a young child without medical advice. Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Absorption of iodine from povidone iodine may interfere with thyroid function tests. Contamination with povidone iodine, of several types of test for the detection of occult blood in faeces or blood in urine may produce false positive results.
BETADINE
Betadine works by releasing iodine which results in the death of a range of microorganisms. Since Betadine is sold over-the-counter, many people use this solution as a home remedy to prevent wound infection. Once again, however, experts agree that Betadine is too harsh to put on a healing wound.
A. Iodine has broad-spectrum antibacterial activity that has been recognized since the early 19th century. It also is active against yeast, mold, viruses and fungi. Readers have reported that iodine can be effective against warts as well as nail fungus.
It's a long process and depends on how far under the nail the fungus resides. A minimum of six months to get clear. — Monika H., Yonkers, N.Y. Monica H.: I have long touted decolorized (also known as colorless or white) iodine to strengthen weak and brittle nails.
Hot water will cause more swelling and subsequently more pain. B: Add a small amount of Povidine Iodine 10% solution or Betadine to the water just enough to change the color of the water. (approximately 2 teaspoons). C: Soak 20-30 minutes and let air dry for 15 minutes.
“Applying Vicks VapoRub to fungus-infected toenails can clear up the notoriously hard-to-treat condition. Michigan State University clinicians found that applying the product daily to the infected nail cleared the condition in 32 of 85 patients, though it took anywhere from 5 to 16 months…”
You can get it if your nails are frequently moist or you often wear sweaty socks and shoes. The fungi usually infect a nail by getting into a: Small cut in the skin surrounding your nail. Crack in your nail.
Baking soda works by removing excess moisture from your feet, a common cause of toenail fungus. While this home remedy has been shown to reduce fungal growth, it doesn't completely get rid of the fungus.
Soaking your feet and toes in a bath containing Epsom salts can help dry out fungal infections by killing fungal spores. Add 1–2 cups of Epsom salt to a footbath of warm water and soak for 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can add 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt to 2 cups of water and soak a cotton ball in it.
When used topically, tea tree oil is believed to be antibacterial. Tea tree oil is commonly used to treat acne, athlete's foot, lice, nail fungus and insect bites.
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.