Toenail fungus is one of the most stubborn and unsightly ailments your feet may face. This sight for sore eyes issue plagues 35 million people in the United States alone and is known medically as “onychomycosis.” These bacterial infections are caused by fungal organisms that attack the nails, causing them to become thick, discolored, painful and prone to cracking.
Along with the extreme discomfort, toenail fungus can cause a real shot to someone’s self-esteem and confidence around others. Still, the medical issue at hand cannot be ignored; toenails are important to the foot, serving many functions that are otherwise interrupted by the intrusion of fungal organisms.
Treating a toenail infection should be a top priority, and any sufferer wants to know that they are getting the best treatment possible for the condition. When treated at the earliest stages, a full recovery is easy to reach. However, it is necessary to follow exact instructions for the greatest likelihood of success and interrupting the cycle can cause the fungi infection to return. These toenail fungus infections can spring up seemingly out of no where, being easily contracted from public showers or swimming pools and even contaminated nail clippers or dirty/wet footwear.
Let's review the top 10 best toenail fungus treatment options available and then cover 50 of the most popular frequently asked questions about these undesirable nail fungus infections. Many wonder if there is a “natural cure” that can remove and destroy the problematic yeast and fungal bacteria causing the onychomycosis condition to arise.
See a New Toenail Fungus Treatment Program to Follow Here
Top 10 Best Brands For Natural Toenail Fungus Treatment
This guide to toenail fungus will explain research about the top toenail fungus treatments, as well as frequently asked questions about toenail fungus and its causes and treatment methods. Here are a few of the top choices for treating toenail fungus without a prescription. However, if the infection has reached a certain level of progress, seek out the advice of a medical professional.
Contents
Arishine Fungus Treatment
Topping this list is the Arishine Fungus Treatment, which is one of the best products on the market for treating toenail fungus without everyone in the world knowing. In the interest of being discreet, this treatment comes in a pen-like applicator, which is easy to carry along in a purse or pocket and even easier to use. The treatment requires 3 daily applications, so the convenient style is a clear plus.
Along with the innovative applicator, the Arishine formula includes some of the best ingredients known for correcting a fungal infection in toenails. The creators of the formula recommend using the treatment for 4 to 12 weeks, depending on how bad the infection is. However, results can usually be seen within the first four weeks, possibly sooner.
Right now, this treatment is available on Amazon for $17.96, which includes two of the applicator pens. However, there is a coupon available for an additional discount for a limited time.
Get Arishine Fungus Treatment on Amazon
Fungi-Nail Anti-Fungal Treatment
The Fungi-Nail Anti-Fungal Treatment offers an ointment for consumers, rather than a pen-applied polish. This remedy is already FDA approved, and it is one of the safest options on the entire list. Apart from synthetic ingredients, this treatment uses some of nature’s own essential oils (eucalyptus and tea tree), along with aloe vera, to give the sufferer a break from the itching and burning commonly associated with this type of infection.
For consumers that have a rather busy lifestyle, this treatment is ideal, since it doesn’t require nearly the same level of application as the first of the list. The treatment just needs to be applied at the beginning of the day and then again at the end, which leaves the user more freed up for the rest of the day.
The total treatment time expected is four weeks, though more severe cases will take a little longer. The ointment is available on Amazon for just $6.89, though its full retail cost listed is $10.00, for a 0.7-ounce tube.
Get Fungi-Nail Anti-Fungal Treatment on Amazon
FineVine Antifungal Balm
The FineVine Antifungal Balm offers a bit stiffer of a texture that the two options above, which is what some consumers feel more confident in using. The treatment both promotes healing from the fungal infection and helps to support skin health around the affected area to prevent the fungal infection from recurring.
Along with the typical ingredients associated with healing the affected toenail, it also includes some soothing ingredients like coconut, olive oil, and lavender to deal with itchiness and cracking skin. All of the ingredients are natural, though the hard texture is a little difficult to work with when the user first opens the container.
Users can expect to apply the remedy about two to three times a day, though there is no indication of how long the treatment takes to solve the fungal infection. It is available on Amazon for $19.97.
Get FineVine Antifungal Balm on Amazon
Purely Northwest Tea Tree Oil Foot Soak
The Purely Northwest Tea Tree Oil Foot Soak is one of the few products on this list that is meant for more than one purpose. The treatment is a relaxing way to soothe the feet and treat the fungal infection, using sea salt, Epson salt, and a variety of oils that are meant to soften and heal the skin.
While other remedies may have synthetic fragrances to make the treatment more palatable, this product simply doesn’t need it. However, consumers need to make the time to sit down and let the soak do its work, and some people simply don’t have that time. Still, when life gets busy, having a sit down and a soak might be exactly the right remedy.
The 1-pound bag is available on Amazon for $14.10, though users will only need to add two to three tablespoons for every gallon of warm water they place in the bowl. For the best results, take about 15 to 20 minutes in the soak first.
Get Purely Northwest Tea Tree Oil Foot Soak on Amazon
Remedy Wash Antifungal Soap
The Remedy Wash Antifungal Soap is another one of the multi-purpose products on the list. With tea tree and peppermint, the medicated soap can be used in any shower or bath to help kill off some of the toenail fungus while soothing the discomfort. It is possible to use this formula for the feet alone, but it is also safe to use all over the body for healthy skin and nails as well, cutting on the cost for other products until the infection subsides.
Since the soap is usable for the whole body and not just toenail fungal infections, there’s no indication of how long it may take to get rid of the irritation. To pick up a bottle, consumers can visit Amazon to purchase it for $14.95.
Perfect Nail Solution Toenail Fungus Treatment
The Perfect Nail Solution Toenail Fungus Treatment is a two-step process that packs a lot of punch. The tea tree and oregano oil blend offers the soothing that every sufferer craves, but it also helps to treat the yellow color that most nails are plagued with during these infections. Since it takes an all-natural approach to healing, the process isn’t quite as rough as some medications.
While the two-step approach can seem like a lot to commit to, especially since one of the steps is a 20-minute foot soak, it might not be the best option for busy people. However, the reviews show that many people have had success with this formula, so it might be worth the exception.
The formulas can be found in a package for $17.99 on Amazon, though some websites have it listed as high as $40.95.
Get Perfect Nail Solution Toenail Fungus Treatment on Amazon
Majestic Pure Revitalizing Nail Treatment
The Majestic Pure Revitalizing Nail Treatment has a sensational combination of healthy oils for a liquid option that boast fast-acting and healing results. With a dropper included in the lid, consumers know exactly how much of the product that they need to use at once.
While the formula is made with tea tree and eucalyptus oil, one of the more powerful aromas is the use of clove oil, which isn’t appealing to everyone. For this reason, some people may opt for one of the other remedies listed here. However, if this smell is something that the customer can handle, Majestic Pure’s solution is much less greasy than oily and some oil-based formulas.
The nail treatment can be found for $14.98 on Amazon for a 0.5-ounce bottle.
Get Majestic Pure Revitalizing Nail Treatment on Amazon
Scobuty Biological Repair Fungus Treatment
The Scobuty Biological Repair Fungus Treatment is more medicinal than some of the therapeutic options on this list, but it is also highly successful for this reason. Rather than using the essential oils that many of the other options use, it combines deacetylated acid, salicylic acid, and angelica dahurica, and its success cannot be ignored.
Much like the top choice of this list, the treatment features a pen-like applicator for ease of use and the ability to apply it anytime. Since it has to be applied three times a day, this type of convenience is appreciated. The instructions indicate that it should take about four weeks before improvements are seen.
The package, which includes four bottles, is typically sold on Amazon, but it is presently out of stock.
Get Scobuty Biological Repair Fungus Treatment on Amazon
Funginix Anti-Fungal Treatment
The remedy behind the Funginix Anti-Fungal Treatment combines the power of undecylenic acid with both lavender oil and tea tree oil to break down the fungal infections. It only needs to be applied twice a day, but consumers need to take care to wash the affected area beforehand to wash away any debris or dirt that would otherwise be sealed in with the treatment.
While the creators account for the unique conditions that can plague consumers, they primarily predict that the full treatment time is three to six months. The user needs to let the formula absorb into the skin for at least five minutes.
Consumers can get two bottles of this treatment on Amazon for $35.97.
Get Funginix Anti-Fungal Treatment on Amazon
Dr. G’s Clear Nail Antifungal Treatment
Dr. G’s Clear Nail Antifungal Treatment is small and inconspicuous, offering a bottle that looks much like eye drops or ear drops are marketed in, which lets the user keep their ailment to themselves. The active ingredient in this formula is tolnaftate, which is a topical remedy for the treatment of fungal infections. Along with the treatment of affected nails, this ingredient has been used to soothe an athlete’s foot and even ringworm, according to studies.
Along with the main medicative ingredient, it also soothes the skin with tea tree oil. A 0.6-ounce bottle is available for $8.98 on Amazon, making this formula one of the least expensive on the list.
Get Dr. G’s Clear Nail Antifungal Treatment on Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions About Toenail Fungus
Q: What is the most effective treatment for toenail fungus?
A: Health experts generally recommend using oral antifungal drugs like terbinafine (Lamisil) and itraconazole (Sporanox). Laser treatments have also been proven to treat toenail fungus infections. A combination of treatments can help to increase both the rate and effectiveness of recovery, but users should consult their healthcare provider to ensure that their chosen methods of treatment won't conflict or harm one another when combined.
Q: What causes toenail fungus?
A: Toenail fungus is caused by fungal organisms (fungi). The most common cause is a type of fungus called dermatophyte. Yeast and molds can also cause toenail fungus. To avoid toenail fungus, users should regularly clean under their toenails and keep their feet dry whenever possible.
Q: What does toenail fungus look like?
A: Toenail fungus causes your toenail to discolor, thicken, and crumble at the edge. Early on, toenail fungus may appear as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your toenail. Toenail fungus gets worse as it is left untreated, so responding early to the problem is important to prevent the worst of the aesthetic harms that come with toenail fungus problems.
Q: How is toenail fungus treated?
A: Most people treat toenail fungus using oral antifungal drugs like terbinafine (Lamisil) and itraconazole (Sporanox), which help a new nail grow free of infection. However, some people can treat toenail fungus using home remedies – like Vicks VapoRub, tea tree oil, or oregano oil. At-home remedies should likely be combined with a more traditional remedy to ensure a greater likelihood of success in treating the toenail fungus.
Q: How long does it take to get rid of toenail fungus?
A: You can treat and kill the toenail fungus within weeks, although that toenail fungus will still be visible on your foot until a new toenail grows in its place. It takes roughly three months for a new, clean toenail to grow. Results vary from person to person and from treatment method to treatment method.
Q: Does vinegar kill toenail fungus?
A: Vinegar has antifungal properties, making it an ideal foot soaking treatment for people with toenail fungus. Some people recommend soaking your feet for 10 to 15 minutes per day in a vinegar bath until the infection subsides. Results with this method, as with most alternative, at-home remedies, may vary.
Q: How do you get toenail fungus?
A: A fungal nail infection occurs from overgrowth of fungi in or under the toenail. Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments. The same fungi that cause jock itch, athlete’s foot, and ringworm can also cause toenail fungus. Avoiding warm, moist environments and regularly cleaning underneath the toenails can help to mitigate the likelihood of developing toenail fungus.
Q: Where did I get toenail fungus?
A: Toenail fungus infections can come from public pools, gyms, locker rooms, or hotels. Some people also get toenail fungus infections after wearing damp, wet boots or socks for extended periods of time. Although toenail fungus can come from anywhere, public places that are often damp, warm, and include many people without shoes are generally at highest risk for a toenail fungus outbreak.
Q: Does hydrogen peroxide kill toenail fungus?
A: Hydrogen peroxide is a household remedy for toenail fungus. Hydrogen peroxide has antifungal properties that kill the fungus, letting the damaged part of the nail grow out. However, the effectiveness of hydrogen peroxide is pretty hotly debated within the community of toenail fungus sufferers, so users should manage their expectations and combine this home remedy with additional treatment methods.
Q: Can you scrape out toenail fungus?
A: You can’t scrape out toenail fungus completely. However, you may want to trim the toenail to allow the antifungal medication to work better. When scraping toenail fungus, be careful to avoid cutting or scraping the skin underneath the toenail. Avoid scraping toenail fungus if you lack the proper tools to do so.
Q: Should I remove my fungus-covered toenail?
A: It’s generally not a good idea to completely remove your toenail to deal with a fungal infection. Completely removing a toenail could potentially cause your toenail to never grow back. In other cases, if you remove part of the toenail, then the new toenail will grow back in with fungus. Removing only the infected part of the toenail is generally considered an acceptable solution for dealing with toenail fungus.
Q: What vinegar is best for toenail fungus?
A: White vinegar works best for treating toenail fungus, although any vinegar will work.
Q: Is Epsom salt good for toenail fungus?
A: Epsom salt will not cure the toenail fungus infection. However, Epsom salt may draw out the infection, soften the skin, and boost the effects of medication. Soaking your feet with Epsom salt (or a combination of Epsom salt and vinegar) is unlikely to do any harm, although it may not clear up your toenail fungus.
Q: Does lamisil cream work for toenail fungus?
A: Yes, Lamisil is an effective treatment for toenail fungus and other fungal skin infections. It’s a medication that has been proven to work in multiple studies.
Q: Can toenail fungus spread internally?
A: Yes, toenail fungus can eventually spread internally when left untreated. Toenail fungus infections can spread from one nail to another, and untreated toenail fungus can eventually spread to the surrounding skin on the foot. If that skin starts to crack, then the fungus can enter your bloodstream and become deadly.
Q: Can toenail fungus enter your bloodstream?
A: Toenail fungus can spread to other nails and the skin. If toenail fungus spreads to your skin, and the skin starts to crack, then the infection can enter the bloodstream and become deadly. This makes it extremely important that consumers take care of their toenail fungus problem immediately.
Q: What happens if you leave toenail fungus untreated?
A: If you leave toenail fungus untreated, then the infection can affect other nails and surrounding skin. When left untreated for a long period of time, toenail fungus could enter your bloodstream through a crack in your skin, which could be deadly.
Q: Should I wear socks to bed with toenail fungus?
A: Toenail fungus can spread through socks. If you sleep with another person and want to avoid giving that person toenail fungus, then you should wear clean socks to bed every night. Toenail fungus is not highly contagious, although constant intimate contact with another person can cause the infection to transfer.
Q: How long do you have to take Lamisil for toenail fungus?
A: Most doctors recommend taking Lamisil for two to 12 weeks. Results may vary and users should ask their physician for more information about what to expect when taking this toenail fungus treatment.
Q: How contagious is toenail fungus?
A: Toenail fungus is not highly contagious. It’s common for one person to have toenail fungus in a household and no others. However, toenail fungus can still spread from one person to another. You can spread toenail fungus by wearing the socks of an infected person, for example. Toenail fungus can also spread through constant, intimate contact.
Q: Can toenail fungus spread to fingers?
A: Toenail fungus can spread to fingers and fingernails in certain situations. If you scratch your itchy toes and toenail with your fingers, for example, then it’s possible for the fungus to spread.
Q: Will tea tree oil kill toenail fungus?
A: Tea tree oil is a popular home remedy for toenail fungus. Tea tree oil can soothe the affected area and provide basic relief, although tea tree oil is unlikely to fully cure a well-established toenail fungus infection.
Q: How do you apply tea tree oil toenail fungus?
A: To treat toenail fungus with tea tree oil, add tea tree oil to a carrier oil (like coconut oil), which dilutes the oil and reduces the chances of a reaction. Then, use a cotton swab to apply the mixture to the affected area. Or, place a cotton ball soaked in the diluted tea tree oil on the affected area for a few minutes.
Q: What is the best essential oil for toenail fungus?
A: Many essential oils have antifungal properties. Multiple studies have shown that clove essential oils have antifungal properties and can destroy fungus.
Q: Do you have to dilute tea tree oil for toenail fungus?
A: It’s recommended that you dilute tea tree oil before applying it to your skin to treat toenail fungus. Diluting the oil reduces the risk of side effects like allergic reactions.
Q: How do you get rid of toenail fungus fast?
A: You can get rid of toenail fungus fast using oral antifungal drugs like terbinafine (Lamisil) and itraconazole (Sporanox). Some at-home remedies, including tea tree oil and vinegar, may also reduce the fungus, although they may not fully cure the fungus infection. There’s no fast way to cure toenail fungus because you have to wait for the healthy, clean nail to grow out.
Q: How many laser treatments are needed for toenail fungus?
A: Typically, 2 to 4 laser treatments are enough to destroy the toenail fungus infection. However, you still have to wait approximately three months for the new, clean nail to grow out.
Q: How does a podiatrist treat toenail fungus?
A: A podiatrist can treat toenail fungus by prescribing topical or oral medication, including oral antifungal drugs like terbinafine (Lamisil) and itraconazole (Sporanox). Podiatrists may also use debridement, where they remove diseased nail matter and debris from the affected area.
Q: What kind of laser kills toenail fungus?
A: Most laser clinics use an Nd:Yag laser to kill toenail fungus, as this is the laser that has been clinically proven to cure toenail fungus.
Q: Does bleach kill toenail fungus?
A: Bleach can kill toenail fungus, although it needs to be used very carefully. Users should conduct extensive research to ensure they take the proper precautions when using bleach to kill toenail fungus, especially considering that using bleach on the body carries the risk of causing chemical burns.
Q: Will removing a toenail get rid of fungus?
A: Removing a toenail can get rid of fungus, but it can also remove your entire toenail, which can prevent it from ever growing back. Even if you remove part of your toenail, you might find that an infected toenail grows back in its place. Generally, you should not remove toenails to get rid of fungus.
Q: How long does it take for vinegar to kill toenail fungus?
A: You can soak your feet in vinegar daily to treat toenail fungus. It may take anywhere from several weeks or months to fully treat the toenail fungus infection.
Q: Will Vicks Vapor Rub kill toenail fungus?
A: Vicks VapoRub is a popular home remedy for toenail fungus. In fact, there’s scientific evidence for Vicks VapoRub as well: a 2011 study found that Vicks VapoRub had a ‘positive clinical effect' when treating toenail fungus.
Q: Can I get a pedicure with toenail fungus?
A: A pedicure will not harm your feet or toenails if you have toenail fungus, although you should alert the staff ahead of time. Staff may ask you to bring your own disposable tools for the job. Or, staff may use their own tools, but they’ll need to sterilize them completely after treatment.
Q: How do you get rid of fungus toenails?
A: The best way to get rid of fungus toenails is to use oral antifungal drugs like terbinafine (Lamisil) and itraconazole (Sporanox). However, home remedies for toenail fungus can also work, including vinegar, tea tree oil, and Vicks VapoRub, among other treatments.
Q: Is laser treatment for toenail fungus new?
A: Laser treatments have been used to treat toenail fungus over the past 7 to 10 years.
Q: Do laser treatments completely remove toenail fungus?
A: Laser treatments are clinically proven to treat and remove toenail fungus. One study on 72 patients over three months showed that over 90% of patients were cleared of all fungal infections after laser treatment.
Q: How long does laser treatment take for toenail fungus?
A: It takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes per foot to treat toenail fungus.
Q: Is toenail fungus laser treatment painful?
A: No, the treatment does not cause any pain. You will feel the targeted area heat up, but not to an uncomfortable level.
Q: Who gets nail fungus?
A: Nail fungus can affect anyone. It is less common in children and younger adults, however, because the immune system and blood circulation diminishes with age, making your body more susceptible to fungal nail infections. People with diabetes and psoriasis are particularly at-risk for nail fungus infections.
Q: How do I prevent toenail fungus infections?
A: You can reduce the chance of nail fungus infections by not sharing nail care tools (like clippers or brushes); avoiding footwear that is too tight and does not allow for air circulation; wearing slippers or flip flops in high-risk areas like communal showers, public pools, spas, and saunas; washing your hands and feet frequently, especially after exercising or playing sports; and keeping your feet clean and dry.
Q: Can I catch toenail fungus from someone else?
A: Yes, toenail fungus can be contagious. You can catch toenail fungus from public swimming pools or by sharing nail clippers or nail cosmetics.
Q: Why do I keep getting toenail fungus infections?
A: Some people are naturally more susceptible to fungal nail infections. Some people are susceptible due to genetic reasons. Others have weaker immune systems. Some people frequently expose themselves to environments where fungi thrive, including swimming pools or public gyms. Anyone with diabetes or psoriasis may be more susceptible to toenail fungus because of a weakened immune system.
Q: Can you ignore toenail fungus?
A: Toenail fungus should not be ignored, even if it’s not painful. Visit a doctor to properly diagnose your toenail fungus.
Q: Will your immune system kill toenail fungus naturally?
A: Your immune system would normally kill toenail fungus, although your immune system isn’t perfect. The toenails are particularly susceptible to infections because blood circulation is limited, making it more difficult for your immune system to detect and fight the infection.
Q: Does keeping toenails short reduce my risk of infection?
A: Yes, short and trimmed toenails are less susceptible to infection. Long fingernails can provide more opportunities for nail fungus to hide underneath.
Q: How can you prevent toenail fungus infections from coming back?
A: You should fully complete the treatment prescribed by your doctor, making sure the toenail fungus infection is completely cured. The nail should be clear before you stop treatment. To prevent future toenail fungus infections, change your socks frequently and keep your feet clean and dry.
Q: What’s the difference between athlete’s foot and a toenail fungus infection?
A: Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection affecting the skin between the toes. It can also be on the bottom and sides of the feet. Toenail fungus infections are infections on the toenail itself.
Why Should You Treat Toenail Fungus Urgently?
Toenail fungus is not a problem that anyone wants to keep around. Left untreated, it can spread to other toenails and even the rest of the body, since all it takes is a warm, moist, dark environment for it to grow. Anyone that wears closed-in shoes with socks on for the day immediately puts themselves at risk.
By treating the foot and nail, the pain subsides, and consumers can start to live their regular lifestyle as they want to. With increased mobility and healed feet, there’s not a single reason to delay this treatment any longer. The list above is filled with affordable remedies for all budgets, so the only decision left is to pick one to start healing.
Leave a comment about the natural toenail fungus treatment reviews below and be sure to prioritize taking care of this fungal infection condition as it can lead to many more health problems if not addressed and remedied sooner than later.