The fastest way to get rid of toenail fungus often involves prescription oral antifungal medications or professional laser therapy, as these penetrate the nail effectively, though oral meds need liver checks and lasers may require multiple sessions, while topical treatments and home remedies work slower but can manage mild cases or prevent recurrence. A podiatrist can best assess your infection and recommend the quickest effective treatment for your specific situation, combining options like antifungal lacquer, nail thinning, and strict hygiene.
To get rid of nail fungus fast, use prescription oral antifungals (most effective) or laser therapy for quick results, but for mild cases, try filing the nail and applying topical antifungal nail lacquers (like amorolfine or ciclopirox) or OTC creams (terbinafine, clotrimazole), consistently applying and filing the nail for months until a healthy nail grows out, as it's a slow process. For immediate relief, trim and thin the nail, and always consult a doctor or podiatrist for proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Treatment for a fungal nail infection
A GP can prescribe antifungal tablets if you have a fungal nail infection and treatments from a pharmacy have not worked. But before they give you tablets, they should take a sample of your nail and have it tested, to find out what type of infection you have.
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.
Nail fungus is caused by various fungal organisms (fungi). The most common is a type called dermatophyte. Yeast, bacteria and molds also can cause nail infections. The discoloration from a bacterial infection tends to be green or black.
If toenail fungus goes untreated, it worsens, causing the nail to thicken, discolor (yellow/brown), become brittle, crumble, and potentially separate from the nail bed, leading to pain, odor, and difficulty walking; it can spread to other nails/skin (athlete's foot) and, in rare cases, lead to serious bacterial infections like cellulitis, especially for those with diabetes or weakened immunity, potentially causing permanent nail damage or systemic issues.
A podiatrist can treat the infection effectively and thoroughly with prescription anti-fungal medications and creams. They may alternatively use a special laser that passes light energy through the nail and under the nail bed to target and eradicate the fungi.
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.
Don't pick at the skin around your nails. Don't use nail polish or fake nails on your nails. Don't share personal things, such as towels and nail clippers.
If you want to try this remedy, apply a bit of Vicks Vaporub to your affected toenails daily. It can still take several weeks to a couple of months for results to appear.
“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.
Eating foods and oils that improve your gut health is a great way to ward off toenail fungus. Doing so also improves your immune system. Try to eat fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, kefir, garlic, onions, and asparagus.
It's not recommended to apply nail polish over toenail fungus as it can seal in moisture and worsen the infection. If you do, ensure to use antifungal treatment first.
Healthy nails are smooth and even, whereas fungal-infected nails tend to be brittle, crumbly, and ragged. If you observe your nail's texture improving, becoming smoother, and less brittle, it is a clear sign that the fungus is dying. This improvement indicates that your nail is starting to heal and regenerate.
What permanently kills foot fungus? Persistent use of antifungal treatments, topical or prescription and consistent hygiene can eliminate foot fungus. Severe cases may require podiatric care or laser treatment.
Prescription strength antifungal cream may be prescribed to treat the fungus. Over-the-counter products to treat athlete's foot are not effective on toenail fungus.
Additionally, biotin deficiency can increase the risk of fungal nail infections and subsequent nail plate discoloration. Changes in nail shape and surface.
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.
You can take a prescribed oral antifungal medication to treat the fungus. Options include terbinafine (Lamisil®), itraconazole (Sporanox®) or fluconazole (Diflucan®). You'll need to take the medication every day for several months (or longer).
Soaking your foot in peroxide can, in some cases, help get rid of toenail fungus. However, because it is difficult for hydrogen peroxide to reach all of the areas of the toe where the fungus can grow, such as under the nail, in the nail bed, it can be difficult to completely treat advanced fungus with peroxide alone.
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 toenail fungus goes untreated, it worsens, causing the nail to thicken, discolor (yellow/brown), become brittle, crumble, and potentially separate from the nail bed, leading to pain, odor, and difficulty walking; it can spread to other nails/skin (athlete's foot) and, in rare cases, lead to serious bacterial infections like cellulitis, especially for those with diabetes or weakened immunity, potentially causing permanent nail damage or systemic issues.
You should consult a podiatrist for: Ingrown toenails – Podiatrists are experts in managing and correcting this painful condition, sometimes with minor surgical procedures. Severe toenail fungal infections – They can provide comprehensive treatment, including prescription medications and nail debridement (thinning).
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.