What Is Toenail Fungus?
According to the Mayo Clinic, toenail fungus—also known as onychomycosis—is an infection that sets in when a fungus makes its home in your toenails. This fungal presence often starts as a white or yellow spot on the nail. While it can affect fingernails, it’s more common in toenails. If left untreated, this spot grows larger, and the nail begins to crumble, thicken, become painful, and change color.
Signs of Toenail Fungus
The signs of toenail fungus are usually quite obvious, both visually and painfully. You might notice your nails becoming thickened, a foul odor emanating from them, or a dull color with the nail losing its usual shine. Sometimes the nail separates from the nail bed, a condition known as onycholysis. You might also observe a dry, crumbly, or brittle texture, distortion in the shape, and a change in color—either darker or lighter than normal. Pain in the infected nail is also quite common.
Causes of Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungi are microscopic and can enter your toenails under various conditions. Generally, these infections occur when a type of fungus called a dermatophyte invades the nail. They can also result from mold or yeast infections. All these infections thrive in warm, wet environments like gyms, locker rooms, hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, swimming pools, and showers. Walking barefoot in such places can lead to fungal infections. Likewise, the warm darkness of your shoes and socks, especially when sweaty, creates an ideal breeding ground.
This issue is exacerbated if you have small cuts between your nail and nail bed, opening up space for the fungus to grow. Toenails are more susceptible to these infections than fingernails because of reduced blood circulation in the toes.
Who Is at Risk for Toenail Fungus?
Everyone is at risk for toenail fungus, but older adults are particularly vulnerable due to decreased blood circulation to the feet as they age. Thickening nails, a natural part of aging, also make seniors more prone to infections. Men are more at risk compared to women, and genetics can play a role. Additional risk factors include diabetes, nail trauma, poor personal hygiene, athlete’s foot, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), peripheral vascular disease, ongoing water exposure, and conditions linked to immunodeficiency.
Natural Remedies & Tips For Nail Fungus
There are several practical tips and natural remedies you can follow to manage toenail fungus:
— Change your socks and shoes immediately after exercising.
— Wear flip-flops in public locker rooms, saunas, and pools.
— Choose shoes that allow ventilation to your feet and avoid tight-fitting ones.
— Opt for organic cotton or hemp socks, as they absorb sweat better.
— Avoid walking barefoot in damp public places.
— Address athlete’s foot promptly, as it’s linked to toenail fungus.
— Exercise regularly to improve blood circulation to your toes, enhancing your immune system’s ability to fight infections.
— Keep your feet and toes clean.
— Soak your toenails in a mixture of 32 ounces of water, 3 ounces of organic apple cider vinegar, and 1/4 cup of Himalayan salt for 15 minutes daily.
— Apply a blend of organic tea tree oil and oregano oil—one drop each—on the affected toenails before bed.
— Mix one drop of 35% food-grade hydrogen peroxide with six drops of distilled water, three drops of organic apple cider vinegar, and one drop of DMSO. Apply to the infected nails in the morning and before bed. This may cause a slight burning sensation but is often quite effective.
Supplements That Help Toenail Fungus
In addition to the tips above, taking an herbal supplement like Candida Balance can be beneficial. This all-natural product helps eliminate the fungus present in your blood, contributing to your infection. While the tips above work externally, Candida Balance works internally to balance the toenail fungus.
If you notice signs of toenail fungus on your feet, try these remedies and let us know how they work for you. Feel free to share any other effective treatments you’ve found.