Removing the whole toenail will not necessarily get rid of a fungal infection. While it can help to remove the fungus, the infection may still remain in the nail bed beneath the nail. Toenail fungus is caused by a infection with a fungus like Dermatophytes and can spread through contact with damp surfaces as well as through direct contact with an infected person or object.
Toenail fungus can often be treated effectively with antifungal products, prescription medications, and sometimes even surgical removal of the toenail. However, even after the nail is removed, there is a chance that the fungus could remain in the nail bed, so it is important to continue using antifungal treatments to ensure that the infection is fully eradicated.
Will fungus go away if I remove my toenail?
No, unfortunately removing your toenail will not make the fungus go away. Fungal infections of toenails, known as onychomycosis, can linger and worsen if not treated properly. The fungus that causes the infection lives in dark, moist environments–like the insides of your shoes–and can spread to nearby toenails.
Treatment typically involves the use of antifungal medications applied to the affected area. In some cases, it may also be beneficial to use topical creams and ointments to prevent recurrence of the infection.
In more severe cases, nail removal may be necessary to treat the fungus, but only after other treatments have been unsuccessful or not recommended by a doctor.
Should I remove my nail if it has fungus?
The answer to this question depends on the severity of the fungus. In mild cases, you may be able to care for the nail without having to remove it. However, in certain cases, removal may be necessary to eliminate a severe infection.
If over-the-counter antifungal treatments are not successful, or if the infection is accompanied by pain or swelling, you should consider seeking medical advice. Your doctor may prescribe an oral antifungal medicine or recommend surgical removal of the nail.
In some cases, the infected part of the nail may not be completely removed, but more of the nail may need to be removed as the infection clears up. To help prevent a future fungal infection, it is important to keep the nails dry and clean and to avoid artificial nails.
Will toenail grow back after removal for fungus?
Yes, toenails will generally grow back after removal for fungus. Depending on the severity of the fungus, it may take a few weeks or several months for the toenail to completely grow back. However, it is important to treat the underlying fungus in order to prevent the toenail from becoming infected again.
It is recommended to see a doctor or podiatrist who can recommend an antifungal treatment such as topical creams, oral medications or laser treatments. Additionally, wearing comfortable, roomy shoes and using foot powder or antifungal spray may also help to prevent future fungal infections.
How do you get rid of toenail fungus permanently?
To get rid of toenail fungus permanently, the best option is to see a doctor for a diagnosis and prescription medication. Some prescription antifungal medications work by preventing the growth of the fungus, while others work by killing it.
These medications may need to be applied directly to the affected nails, or taken orally. However, prevention is always better than a cure, so it is important to treat and prevent toenail fungus in the first place.
To prevent toenail fungus, start by keeping your feet clean and dry. Wear shoes made out of breathable materials in public places, such as gyms, public showers, and locker rooms. Wash your feet regularly with soap, and make sure to dry them completely before putting on socks or shoes.
Change your socks and shoes often, and avoid borrowing someone else’s shoes. Lastly, avoid walking barefoot in public pools, showers, and locker rooms.
It can be very difficult for toenail fungus to go away on its own, so it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible to get the proper treatment. With proper preventative care and a doctor’s help, it is possible to get rid of toenail fungus permanently.
What happens if you let nail fungus go?
If you let nail fungus go, it can eventually spread and cause damage to your nails and the surrounding skin. Without treatment, it can deteriorate the quality of your nails, making them brittle and discolored, and the fungus can begin to affect the structure of the nail itself.
There are also potential risks of the fungus leading to inflammation, itching, and, in extreme cases, infection. This can be serious, and if the infection enters the bloodstream it can require medical attention.
Unfortunately, if the fungus persists, it can be difficult to completely get rid of. It is therefore important to take action quickly if you suspect you may have nail fungus, and see a doctor right away.
What not to do with toenail fungus?
When it comes to toenail fungus, there are a few important things you should not do:
-Do not ignore the signs of a toenail fungus. The fungus will not go away on its own and can spread to other toes or even other people. If you think you have a toenail fungus, make an appointment with your doctor to get it checked out.
-Do not try to treat toenail fungus on your own. There are many over-the-counter treatments available, but without an accurate diagnosis, you may not be treating the correct type of fungus.
-Do not expose the infected toenail to water for too long. Soaking your feet can make the fungus worse and increase the chances of it spreading to other toes.
-Do not wear tight or uncomfortable shoes if you have a toenail fungus. Wearing tight shoes can hurt the toes and lead to additional bacteria and fungus growing in your toes.
-Do not use nails scissors, clippers, or files to trim your toenails if you have a toenail fungus. Doing so can increase the chance of spreading the fungus to other nails.
Should you cut your toenails if you have fungus?
It depends on the severity of the fungal infection. If the fungal infection is mild, then cutting the toenails might help by reducing the amount of fungus on the nail. However, if the fungal infection is more severe, then cutting the toenails might worsen the infection.
In addition, if the infection is more serious, cutting the toenail can leave the nail bed vulnerable and exposed to further infection. It’s best to consult a doctor and follow their advice. Depending on the severity, the doctor might suggest trimming the toenails or treating the fungal infection with an antifungal medication.
How do I know if my toenail fungus is dying?
Toenail fungus can take months to fully treat, so it can be difficult to know if it is dying. However, if you’ve been consistently treating your toenail fungus with topical ointments or antifungal tablets, there are a few signs you can look out for that will indicate the fungus is dying.
These signs include your nails becoming lighter in colour, looking less thickened, showing less debris under the nail, and your toes not feeling as itchy. Additionally, newer, healthier nails will often start growing in the place of the infected ones.
If you are still unsure, it is best to speak with a podiatrist for further medical advice and guidance.
What effectively kills toenail fungus?
The most effective way to kill toenail fungus is through the use of antifungal medications. These medications work by either killing the fungus directly or by preventing the growth and spread of the fungus.
They come in a variety of forms, such as creams, ointments, tablets, or liquids. Prescription antifungal medications are often needed to successfully kill the fungus, as over-the-counter medications may not be strong enough.
In addition to antifungal medications, keeping the feet clean, dry, and wearing clean and loose socks can help prevent the spread of toenail fungus. It is also important to keep the nail and surrounding skin clean and free of debris.
If the nail is thick or discolored, a podiatrist may be consulted to have a portion or all of the nail removed.
Finally, in cases where the fungus is unresponsive to medical treatments, laser therapy may be an option. Laser therapy works by targeting the fungus with highly concentrated beams of light energy. The light energy then destroys the infectious fungal cells without damaging the surrounding tissues.
Laser therapy is quick, and many patients see results after just one or two treatments.
What is the fastest way to cure toenail fungus?
The fastest way to cure toenail fungus is by using an antifungal medication such as terbinafine (Lamisil) or itraconazole (Sporanox). These medications are typically taken orally for three to four months.
The antifungal agents work by killing the fungus in the nail bed, allowing healthy nail tissue to grow.
In some cases, a topical antifungal may be prescribed, such as ciclopirox (Loprox). This is applied directly to the affected toenail, typically for six to twelve months, depending on the severity.
Alternatively, laser treatment may help with toenail fungus, as it works to kill fungus cells without affecting healthy tissue. Treatment usually takes two to four sessions with four to six weeks of recovery time between each session.
Even with treatment, it may take up to one year for the affected nail to completely clear. Furthermore, it is important to keep feet clean and dry and wear socks made of natural fibers. It is also helpful to keep nails trimmed and thinned, as this will reduce the risk of toenail fungus recurring.
Will removing nail cure nail fungus?
No, removing a nail can’t cure nail fungus. Fungal nail infections are caused by dermatophytes, which are types of fungi that can live on the dead tissues of the hair, nails, and outer skin layers. When these organisms infect and grow into the nail, it results in a nail fungus.
To get rid of nail fungi, treatment can include antifungal creams and ointments, oral antifungal medications, and laser treatment. Removing the infected nail altogether may temporarily reduce symptoms but the fungus can remain in the nail bed, the likely source of reinfection, and ultimately the fungal infection can return even after the nail is removed.
Therefore, while it may still be used as a short-term solution to treat fungal nail infections, it is not an effective long-term cure.
Does hydrogen peroxide work on toenail fungus?
Yes, hydrogen peroxide can be used to fight toenail fungus. To use hydrogen peroxide to treat toenail fungus, mix one part hydrogen peroxide with two parts warm water and soak the affected nail for up to 30 minutes.
After soaking, dry the foot thoroughly and apply an antifungal cream to the affected area. This treatment can be repeated several times a week until the fungus is gone. Additionally, keep the area dry and make sure your toenails are trimmed regularly to reduce the risk of reinfection.
Additionally, make sure to wear clean socks and shoes, and avoid going barefoot in public places to prevent the spread of infection.
Does Vicks VapoRub cure toenail fungus?
No, Vicks VapoRub does not cure toenail fungus. While some people believe that Vicks may help treat toenail fungus, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. Toenail fungus is a condition caused by a fungal infection and is best treated with prescription antifungal medications.
Topical medications such as creams and ointments may also be effective in treating toenail fungus when used in combination with antifungal pills. Self-care measures, such as keeping the feet clean and dry, wearing well-ventilated shoes, and not sharing socks or shoes with others, can also help to prevent and treat the condition.
If you have toenail fungus, it’s best to talk to your doctor about the most effective treatment options for you.
Can you file away toenail fungus?
No, you cannot file away toenail fungus as this will not make the fungus go away; it will only affect the appearance of the nail. Filing away the damaged nail can give the appearance that the fungus is gone, however it will still be present.
Toenail fungus needs to be treated in order to be effective. Some treatments that may be recommended include prescription antifungal medication, laser therapy, and over-the-counter anti-fungal treatments.
Diet and lifestyle changes, such as wearing open-toed shoes instead of socks, may also be recommended. Regardless of the treatment you choose to employ, it is important to always follow the instructions given by your healthcare provider for the best results.
