To get rid of toenail buildup, soak your feet in warm water with Epsom salts or vinegar, then gently scrub the area with a soft brush and trim softened nails carefully; for persistent buildup or suspected fungus, consult a podiatrist for professional cleaning or antifungal treatments like prescribed oral medications, lasers, or strong topical antifungals. Prevention involves good hygiene, proper nail trimming, breathable shoes, and moisture control.
A mycotic nail is a fungal infection that affects your toenails or fingernails. It separates your nail from your nail bed, making it thick and fragile. It may change colors. The word “mycotic” means an infection with a fungus or a disease caused by a fungus.
How do you get rid of buildup under your toenails?
Fungal Infection medicationsCompare prices and information on the most popular Fungal Infection medications. Try Vicks VapoRub for toenail fungus by applying a layer to your nails once daily. You may find that doing this at night and putting on cotton socks afterward helps to keep the ointment in place.
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.
Waldman recommends mixing one part white or apple cider vinegar to three parts warm water. Soak your toes for at least 10 minutes (but up to 40 minutes is better). Instead of vinegar, you can use Listerine, which contains thymol, the main compound in the herb thyme.
Treatment for thickened toenails
Treatment involves cutting the nails and reducing the thickness with a special file or burr. Our podiatrists also have special tools that can help remove callus or corns from underneath the nail plate or sulcus which is a common cause of pain.
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.
Nail fungus can cause the nail to become thick, ragged and discolored. An infected nail may separate from the nail bed. Nail fungus is a common infection of the nail. It begins as a white or yellow-brown spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail.
Before you trim your toenails, soften them by soaking your feet in warm water for 5 to 10 minutes. Then dry your feet and toenails with a towel. Nail nippers, shown below, work best for trimming thickened toenails. They're lightweight, easy to grip and easy to control.
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.
The best way to get rid of keratin granulation is to give your nails a several-week-long break from nail polish, nail polish remover and chemicals in conjunction with using moisturizers and/or hand creams to replenish the moisture balance of the nails.
What are the signs and symptoms of thickened toenails? The toenail will appear thick, and in most cases discoloured. It may feel bruised or tender due to the pressure.
Can You Scrape Out Toenail Fungus? No. You may be able to scrape a bit off the top of or from under your nails, but that won't cure the infection.
What is the 1-minute sock trick for fungus? This viral remedy involves soaking socks in a diluted vinegar or antifungal solution before wearing. It may offer some relief, but it's not a substitute for medical treatment.
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.
Listerine Antiseptic Mouthwash—Original Flavor
“This mouthwash can be used to treat nail fungus,” Dr. West says. “While it's not particularly effective, some patients want to try something less aggressive, which is reasonable.”
If the toenail fungus progresses, it can go deeper into the nail, causing discoloration, thick white stuff under the toenail (keratin debris), nail thickening and crumbling, and even transmission to surrounding nails.
Soak in Warm Water and Epsom Salt: Soaking your feet in warm water with Epsom salt can soften thick toenails, making them easier to trim and reducing discomfort. Soak for 15-20 minutes, then dry thoroughly. Apply Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil has antifungal properties that can help treat fungal infections.
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.
Topical treatment with Vicks VapoRub: The combination of camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol, the three main ingredients in Vicks VapoRub, is believed to stop the growth of certain fungi. Follow the same application process as for tea tree oil. Numerous readers swear by this.