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.
Although there are prescription topical creams for treating fungal infections, certain foods can also help alleviate symptoms. Garlic, cayenne pepper, yogurt, cranberries, and high fiber foods all can help treat infection. Opt for foods high in fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and zinc.
They feed off of keratin, a protein found in your fingernails and toenails. Keratin makes nails hard. Dermatophytes are the cause behind 90% of toenail fungal infections. But other types of fungi can infect your toenails as well.
There are multiple treatments for toenail fungus, though some are faster than others. The fastest way to eliminate the infection is through toenail laser treatment.
Causes of Toenail Fungus
Besides poor gut health, other risk factors that can tip the scale in terms of an infection forming include: Having athlete's foot. Coming into contact with fungi, for example in nail salons, contaminated swimming pools, gyms and saunas. Damaged nail beds.
Diets high in sugar, refined carbohydrates, and alcohol feed the yeast naturally present in your body. While factors such as birth control pills or a high-stress lifestyle may disrupt the delicate balance of your gut flora, providing the ideal environment for yeast to flourish and manifest as a fungal infection.
Nail fungus is not a health risk to most people. But anyone with a compromised immune system, such as a diabetic who contracts nail fungus, is at risk of developing serious complications like foot ulcers.
Try nonprescription antifungal nail creams and ointments.
Several products are available, such as terbinafine (Lamisil). If you notice white markings on the surfaces of the nails, file them off, soak your nails in water, dry them, and apply the medicated cream or lotion.
Vitamin C: A primary ingredient of Keravita Pro is vitamin C and it is filled with antioxidants that can enhance your skin health. Vitamin C also has antifungal properties which help in fighting off toenail fungus. Vitamin E: Vitamin E is considered a topical therapy that can help in the treatment of toenail fungus.
Sea salt is known to have strong antifungal and antibacterial properties, making it another ideal home remedy for treating athlete's foot. Treating athlete's foot with sea salt involves either soaking your feet in a sea salt bath or making a paste out of sea salt and vinegar and applying it to the feet.
Additionally, biotin deficiency can increase the risk of fungal nail infections and subsequent nail plate discoloration. Changes in nail shape and surface.
Nutrient-rich diet: Help fight your fungal infection from the inside by enriching your diet with garlic, probiotic-rich yogurt, protein, iron, essential fatty acids, calcium, and vitamin D.
Don't go barefoot in public places. Use a spray or powder that fights fungus on your feet and in your shoes. Don't pick at the skin around your nails. Don't use nail polish or fake nails on your nails.
Antifungal pills also work more quickly than medicine applied to the nails. Taking antifungal pills for two months can cure an infection under the fingernails. Usually three months of treatment cures a toenail fungal infection.
Many people pick up the fungi when they have skin-to-skin contact with someone who has a fungal infection such as athlete's foot or ringworm on their hands. Another common way to get a fungal nail infection is by walking barefoot in a warm, moist area such as a pool deck or locker room.
There are a few telltale signs that your toenail fungus is dying and your treatment is working. First, you'll start to notice your nails returning to their original color and thickness. Then, you'll see new, healthy nails growing in and a stark contrast between the new growth and the old, infected nail.
High blood sugar levels alter immunity or resistance to fungal infection, making foot care an important key to maintaining overall good health for everyone with Type 2 diabetes. Toenail fungus is not, in itself, a sign of diabetes, but diabetics are more susceptible to toenail fungus.
Lemon juice, specifically citric acid, is antifungal and antiseptic. Get lemons - not the bottled lemon juice - and squeeze them to get fresh juice. Apply it to the nails. Rinse the area 30 minutes later.
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.
Fungus thrives in moist and dark places so give it some light. Keep them naturally dry by exposing them to the sun whenever you can.
If toenail fungus is left untreated, it can spread to the surrounding skin on the foot, causing another condition known as athlete's foot. An athlete's foot is a condition resulting in itchy, red, and cracked skin, which can become very uncomfortable.