You generally shouldn't wear regular nail polish over a fungal toenail infection because it traps moisture, creating an ideal environment for fungus to thrive and potentially worsening the infection, but some breathable polishes or medicated lacquers might be okay for short periods or if recommended by a doctor, especially to disguise the nail during treatment. It's best to consult a podiatrist for treatment advice, but if you must use polish, opt for "breathable" types, wear it for short intervals, and ensure you're consistently applying antifungal treatments underneath or separately.
Medical advice recommends you avoid covering fungal nail infections when possible. But, if you're self conscious – breathable, well-fitting footwear with cotton socks is the best option. Avoid tight-fitting, leather, and high heeled shoes. These create the perfect environment for fungi to grow.
Fungus can flourish in environments created by nail polish. Antifungal nail polish can be covered with non-medicated nail polish. But, it's recommended to completely avoid non-medicated nail paint if you want your fungal infection to go away.
If you've noticed some discoloration or disfiguration of your toenails, you might be tempted to cover it up with bright red nail polish so nobody will notice. We hate to break it to you, but that's not a great idea. The reasons are that nail fungus grows in moist, dark environments, and can spread through nail polish.
The Best Treatments to Kill Toenail Fungus Instantly
Oral Antifungals (like Terbinafine or Itraconazole) – These work from the inside out, attacking the infection at its source. Topical Antifungal Solutions – Prescription-strength treatments penetrate the nail for faster and more effective results than OTC options.
Podiatrists recommend a multi-pronged approach for toenail fungus, often starting with prescription oral antifungals (like terbinafine) for moderate to severe cases due to their high success rates, though requiring liver monitoring. They also use topical antifungal lacquers, often combined with professional nail debridement (thinning) for better penetration, alongside laser therapy (PACT) and strict foot hygiene (drying, airing shoes, antifungal sprays) to prevent recurrence, as single treatments often fail.
“Each evening, patients go to a bathroom or other place with a vinegar-resistant floor, don old cotton socks, pour a few spoons of plain or apple-cider vinegar and a few spoons of water over the toes, and sit and read for 10-15 minutes. They then doff the socks, apply topical antifungals, and go to bed.
Vicks Vaporub for Toenail Fungus
And, while this may sound like a crazy idea, this study actually suggests that applying the over-the-counter product has a positive healing effect. Still, within the study, completely clearing the fungus took 48 weeks when using topical Vicks products.
Dry Thoroughly: After soaking, dry the nails completely to prevent any residual moisture, which can promote further fungal growth. Apply Directly (Optional): Some people choose to apply undiluted apple cider vinegar directly to the affected nails using a cotton ball, leaving it on for a few minutes before rinsing.
You'll know a toenail fungus is dying when the base of your nail begins to improve in color and texture. When this new growth is smooth, pinkish, and clear, the infection is considered clinically cured.
One small study found that pure tea tree oil helped a small amount of people who used it to treat toenail fungus. But other studies on using lower amounts of tea tree oil haven't found it helps treat toenail fungus. Tea tree oil may work well when used with other antifungal medicines.
What is most interesting is when the contaminated socks worn by patients with tinea pedis and onychomycosis were laundered in a domestic washing machine at 40ºC. Thirty-six percent of the socks revealed positive fungal cultures at the end of the cleaning and drying cycle.
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.
What is the strongest natural antifungal? Many natural remedies boast antifungal properties, but tea tree oil often takes the crown as the most potent. Its effectiveness against a broad spectrum of fungi makes it a popular choice for treating various skin infections.
For prompt, effective treatment of your toe nail condition, you should see a podiatrist as soon as possible, especially if you notice certain changes to your nails. These abnormalities may include toenail deformities, discoloration, or thickening.
Keratin granules are areas of damage to the top layers of the nail. They show up as small, chalky white spots or rough patches and happen when nail polish, especially if left on too long, dries out and weakens the surface of the nail.
Medicated nail polish.
Your health care provider may prescribe an antifungal nail polish called ciclopirox (Penlac). You paint it on your infected nails and surrounding skin once a day. After seven days, you wipe the piled-on layers clean with alcohol and begin fresh applications.
Cinnamon can be used to treat conditions such as toenail fungus, where cinnamon “has the ability to stop drug-resistant yeast infections.” Cinnamon leaf oil in particular or cinnamon oil diluted in water can both be used to treat toenail fungus and other conditions such as Athlete's foot.
One small study found that treating affected nail samples with baking soda stopped fungal growth in 79% of cases and reduced it in 17% of cases, compared to samples not treated with baking soda. This was after 7 days of treatment. This means baking soda is more likely to prevent fungi than kill it.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Epsom Salt
Another foot soak method, this is said to work really well for toenail fungal infections. Apple cider vinegar (also known as ACV) has a number of healing and antibacterial properties if it's organic, making it a go-to for many homeopathic treatments.
Researchers from the Institute for Hygiene and Biotechnology at the Hohenstein Institute in Boennigheim (Germany) has proven infected socks and other garments can transmit the fungus to other textiles i.e. laundry basket or hamper.
Athlete's foot, also called tinea pedis, is a skin infection caused by fungi. It usually starts between the toes. The condition can occur when feet get hot and sweaty inside closed shoes. Signs and symptoms of athlete's foot include an itchy, scaly rash.
That's because you'll need to fill a basin with Listerine, such that you're able to submerge your entire foot and nails in the liquid. He recommends doing this foot soak for fungus for 15 minutes two or three times per week. (Four times a week is even better, but that may not be doable for everyone.)
What Happens if You Don't Dilute Tea Tree Oil on Your Skin? Essential oils on their own are very powerful, so it's important to dilute them. Applying undiluted tea tree oil could cause harmful skin reactions and side effects such as rashes, blisters, or dryness that could make eczema symptoms worse.