The Complete Guide to Treating Toenail And Foot Fungus Naturally

Understanding Toenail and Foot Fungus

The fungus affects the toenail, skin and surrounding areas of the foot. The most common causative agent is dermatophytes, a fungi living in warm, moist environments.

Do you know that toenail fungus is also called an athlete's foot? Do you want to know why we call it what we call it? This condition is commonly associated with athletes. The athletes get exposed to an ideal environment for fungal growth due to factors such as warm, moist conditions and the use of communal facilities.

Let's discuss the causes, risk factors, symptoms and possible complications in detail:

Causes and Risk Factors Leading to Toenail and Foot Fungus

• As discussed earlier, the causative agent lives in a damp, moist environment. This makes communal areas like swimming pools, gyms, and locker rooms familiar sources of infections.
   
• Not taking proper care of your feet could be a possible cause of infection. Not drying your feet properly after a bath or wearing wet socks and damp shoes can lead to fungal growth.
   
• People with weak immune systems, diabetes or other chronic illnesses can be at risk of developing the infection. Also, conditions that impair blood circulation to the feet can lead to the development of foot fungus.
   
• Minor injuries and microscopic cuts on the feet can be entry points for fungus. People who do jobs that constantly put their feet at risk for developing such cuts and injuries are susceptible to developing fungal infections.
   
• With age, the risk of developing an infection increases as your nails become thicker and grow slowly.

Symptoms of the Infection

Following are the major symptoms you will experience from foot fungus

• Thickened, discoloured (usually yellow or brown) and brittle (easy to break) nails.
• Distorted nail shape.
• Accumulation of debris under the nail.
• Foul odour.
• Red, itchy, and peeling skin, often between the toes.
• Burning sensation or discomfort.
• Blisters and cracked skin.

Complications Associated with the Infection

Timely medical intervention and care are crucial in treating this condition as, in severe cases, it may lead to several complications, as listed below:

• Untreated toenail fungus can lead to structural changes in toenails. The nail's shape and texture change permanently.
• Long-term fungal infections can lead to the development of secondary bacterial infections.
• Persistent itching, redness, pain, and discomfort may affect your foot functionally, such as mobility. It decreases the quality of life.
• In severe cases, untreated foot fungus can even lead to the development of systemic infections. This is especially true in the cases of individuals with weakened immune systems.

Prevention Tips for Toenail and Foot Fungus

The key mantra for preventing infections is practising good hygiene and self-cleanliness. Keeping oneself clean and well-hygienic is one of the life habits that everyone should follow.

By considering good hygiene as the core principle, we shall discuss some of the tips for preventing toenail and foot fungus:

Keep Your Feet Clean and Dry

Keeping your feet clean and dry helps create an inhospitable environment for fungal growth.

Wash your feet daily with soap water, and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes.

Choose Breathable Footwear

Breathable footwear allows for proper circulation and reduces risks of moisture buildup.

Use footwear made of breathable materials like leather or mesh. Avoid tight-fitting ones.

Change Socks Regularly

Fresh, clean socks help keep feet dry and prevent moisture accumulation that can lead to fungal infections. Regularly change your socks to ensure you only use the clean ones. Always carry an additional pair for the backup.

Practise Good Foot Hygiene

Regular maintenance of toenails and feet reduces fungal infections. Keep your toenails short and well-trimmed. Always use clean and sanitized nail clippers. Ensure you do not cut the skin surrounding your nail, as it may provide entry points for fungus.

Avoid Walking Barefoot in Public Places

Always avoid barefoot contact with the communal places. Use flip-flops or sandals in places like swimming pools, gyms, and locker rooms.

Use Antifungal Powder or Spray

Antifungal powders or sprays can help control moisture and inhibit fungal growth on the feet. Those with a history of fungal infections should use antifungal powders or spray on the feet and inside the shoes.

Avoid Sharing Personal Items

The fungus can easily get transmitted through shared nail clippers, shoes, and socks. Use your footwear, socks, and nail care tools. If using communal facilities, ensure they are adequately cleaned and sanitised.

Treatment Options for Toenail and Foot Fungus

Common treatment methods could range from general antifungal ointments to procedures like toenail removal. Depending upon the severity of your condition, the healthcare expert suggests you with proper management.

Timely diagnosis and medical intervention are the keys to avoiding invasive and expensive treatments, as this condition can lead to many potentially risky complications.

Let's discuss some of the standard treatment options available:

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Antifungal Medications

You can buy these from a chemist without a doctor's prescription. They include creams, ointments, powders, and sprays containing antifungal agents.

They are convenient and accessible and are generally suitable for mild cases. They help control fungal growth and relieve symptoms at the earlier stages.

As these have mild actions, visible improvement may take several weeks. Following the product's instructions and continuing treatment as directed is crucial.

Prescribing Oral Antifungal Medications

A healthcare professional prescribes these. Oral medications are generally used in severe or persistent cases. They reach the affected nail through the bloodstream. Potential side effects to the liver are possible, so regular monitoring is required.

Prescribing Topical Antifungal Medications

Prescription creams contain higher concentrations of antifungal agents. It helps with high-impact targeted applications for localized infections. It can penetrate the nail to reach the infection site.

Laser Therapy

It is a non-invasive procedure where heat destroys the fungi. It has minimal side effects, quick single procedure time, and helps with improved nail appearance. The requirement for multiple sessions and the high cost can be factors.

Effective Home Remedies for Toenail and Foot Fungus

Vinegar Soaks

Ingredients: 

White or apple cider vinegar, warm water.

Procedure:

• Take equal parts of water and vinegar. Mix them in a basin or tub.
• Soak the affected foot for 15-20 minutes.
• Dry the foot thoroughly.
• Repeat it until you observe improvement.

Precautions:

• If any irritation occurs, dilute the vinegar further.
• Discontinue if irritation persists and consult a healthcare professional.

Tea Tree Oil

Ingredients: 

Tea tree oil and carrier oil (like coconut oil).

Instructions:

• 4-5 drops of tea tree oil mixed with coconut oil.
• Apply the mixture directly to the affected nail and surrounding skin.
• Leave it on for at least 15 minutes.
• Repeat 2-3 times daily.

Precautions:

• Tea tree oil irritates some people. Do a trial test before applying it to the affected part.
• Avoid oral ingestion, as it can be toxic.

Garlic

Ingredients: 

Fresh garlic cloves

Instructions:

• Crush a few garlic cloves and make a paste.
• Apply the paste to the affected area.
• Leave it on for 30 minutes.
• Wash the area with lukewarm water and let it dry.
• Repeat it every day until you notice improvement.

Precautions:

• Discontinue use if you feel any irritation.
• Garlic odour may persist. Use odourless garlic capsules as an alternative.

Home remedies are cost-effective and easily accessible. You can enjoy these and employ them in the earlier stages of the infection from the comfort of your home. The results may vary and may take a longer time to show improvements.

Nail Removal

The procedure includes surgical removal of the infected nail, wholly or partially. It helps to get direct access to the infection site. It allows for more effective topical treatments.

It is generally reserved for severe cases only. As nail regrowth takes time, there is a risk of infection. So, the patient should take utmost care and keep the site well-cleaned all the time.

Ayurvedic Management of the Infection

The core aspect of Ayurveda treatment or management is identifying and eliminating the causative factors from your routine. Different treatment methods include internal and external medications and therapeutic procedures.

The selection of treatment method or combination of treatment methods depends upon several factors, including the patient's condition, the disease's severity, and complications. Let's briefly look at common Ayurvedic medicines and procedures used in this condition. You can use some of the internal medications:

Gandhaka Rasayana

Gandhaka Rasayana contains purified sulphur. Ayurveda employs it traditionally for various skin conditions. It has antimicrobial properties that may help fight fungal infections.

Triphala

Triphala is an herbal combination of three fruits: Amla (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), and Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica). This combination has antioxidant and immune-boosting properties. It supports the body's ability to fight infections.

Triphala Guggulu

Triphala Guggulu consists of Guggulu resin with Triphala fruits. Triphala has cleansing and detoxifying properties. Guggulu promotes overall well-being.

Kaishora Guggulu

Kaishora Guggulu is a classical Ayurvedic formula. It contains herbs like Guggulu, Triphala, and various blood-purifying herbs. It is used to treat skin-related issues and helps in maintaining healthy skin.

Let's discuss some of the external ayurvedic medications that you could use:

Jatyadi Taila

It is a herbal oil that contains ingredients like Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Manjishta (Rubia cordifolia), and others.

Traditionally, you can use it as an antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing agent. 

Neem Oil

Derived from the seeds of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica), it is known for its antimicrobial, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. Neem oil fights fungal infections, soothes irritation and promotes skin health.

Therapeutic Ayurveda Procedures

In Ayurveda, along with medications, some therapeutic procedures are done to alleviate the disease and its symptoms. In toenail fungal infection condition, some of the exclusive ayurvedic therapies you could use include:

Local snehana (oil application) & swedana (fomentation) are also helpful. Applying neem oil over the infected part and covering this with warm Karanja leaves (Pongamia pinnata) acts like a local fomentation.

Upanaha (poultice) treatment helps reduce the redness and swelling in nails. A poultice of flax seeds mixed with turmeric is helpful in such conditions.

Are you familiar with an interesting therapy called leech therapy in Ayurveda? Blood-sucking leeches are used in this procedure to suck out the vitiated blood from the affected area. It helps prevent infection and reduces pain in the infected part. This also prevents the infection from spreading to other parts.

To Conclude

Your feet and nails require as much care as other body parts. Since the feet are in constant close contact with the floor or soil, it is crucial to ensure proper hygiene.

Also, your feet are most susceptible to injury or cuts, an entry point for infective agents. This blog has discussed tips for properly caring for your feet. Follow those hygienic tips in your lifestyle. Also, you would have gained a general idea about toenail fungal infection, its causes, symptoms, complications and different treatment options. This knowledge is crucial for identifying early signs and symptoms and seeking timely medical interventions.