No, Vicks VapoRub is not an effective treatment for toenail fungus. Toenail fungus is usually caused by an infection with a type of fungi. These fungi prefer warm, moist areas and can easily grow in nails.
Many people mistakenly believe that Vicks VapoRub can treat toenail fungus because of the camphor, eucalyptus, and menthol found in the product. However, despite the various ingredients in Vicks, the product has not been proven to be an effective treatment for toenail fungus.
In fact, there are no over-the-counter products that have been proven to be effective for toenail fungus. The most effective treatment for toenail fungus is usually an oral antifungal medication combined with topical medications.
If you have toenail fungus, it is important to see a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
How long does it take Vicks to get rid of toenail fungus?
The amount of time it takes for Vicks VapoRub to get rid of toenail fungus varies from person to person. Some people may notice results within a few weeks, while others may take months or even years for their toenail fungus to clear up.
Considering that toenail fungus can be a difficult condition to treat, it is important to remain consistent with using Vicks VapoRub when it is applied to the affected area. Most people apply twice daily for a minimum of four months, so it’s safe to say that it takes at least four months to get rid of toenail fungus under the Vicks VapoRub treatment.
It’s also important to keep in mind that proper foot care should also be a part of the treatment process, such as wearing open-toed shoes to let your feet breathe, washing and drying your feet daily, and keeping your toenails trimmed.
With diligent application, diligent foot care, and a little patience, Vicks VapoRub can help in getting rid of toenail fungus.
How do I know if my toenail fungus is dying?
It can be difficult to determine if your toenail fungus is dying. In general, when toenail fungus is successfully treated, changes in the look and feel of the infected nail may become noticeable within 1-2 weeks.
For example, the nail may look less yellow and healthy looking tissue may start to build up beneath the nail. As the infection clears, the nail will begin to look more like a normal toenail and it may become less thick and brittle.
Additionally, the area around the nail may appear less inflamed.
In some rare cases, when a fungal infection is especially severe, the infected toenail may actually detach from the nail bed. It is important to note however, that this process is usually very uncomfortable and should not be treated or viewed as a sign of successful treatment.
Instead, if the infection has been successfully treated, the toenail should begin to regrow itself over the course of the next several months.
When successful treatment is achieved, the toenail may still have some discoloration due to the dye used to paint the nails. This is a normal part of the healing process and should not be taken as a sign of recurrence of the infection.
If you are concerned that your nail fungus is not improving or if you are seeing recurrent infection, contact your doctor. A doctor will be able to assess the condition of your toenail and determine the best course of treatment.
What is the fastest way to cure toenail fungus?
The fastest way to cure toenail fungus is to visit your doctor or a podiatrist right away. The doctor may prescribe antifungal medications or a topical treatment, such as a lacquer, to apply directly to the affected toes.
You could also try an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine, such as Lamisil or Lotrimin, to see if it works on your toenail fungus. In some cases, they may also suggest surgery to remove the infected toenail.
Finally, you should use a foot powder that contains antifungal properties to keep the fungus at bay.
What color is toenail fungus when it dies?
When toenail fungus dies, it can range from turning a dark yellow to an ashy grey or black color. This color change usually occurs over a period of time and is seen as the fungus decreases and dies off.
As the fungus dies, the toenail may also begin to thicken, become brittle, and start to flake off. In addition, the nail may become discolored, potentially having a yellowish or brownish hue. If the infection has been longstanding, the toenail may become thicker and more distorted in shape.
How I Killed My toenail fungus?
I killed my toenail fungus by following a few simple steps.
First, I cleaned the affected area with an antifungal soap, taking care to scrub the nailbed and underneath the nail. After cleaning the area, I applied an antifungal ointment to the infected area twice a day.
I also changed my socks daily and used an antifungal shoe spray in my shoes to prevent the spread of the fungus.
Additionally, I took antifungal medication prescribed by my doctor and made sure to have follow-up visits once I finished the course of treatment. I also kept my nails trimmed as short as possible and filed down any thickened areas that could harbor the fungus.
In addition, I made sure to keep my feet dry. I used medicated powder and made sure to carefully dry my feet after showering, instead of letting them air dry. I also changed my shoes throughout the day and went barefoot as much as possible—for example, in the house or on the beach.
Finally, I was sure to monitor my feet for any signs of fungus, such as white and yellow patches, cracking, or peeling of the nails. If any of these signs reoccurred, I repeated the steps listed above.
After doing this for a few months, my toenail fungus was completely gone.
What does a dying toenail look like?
A dying toenail typically looks yellowish or whitish in hue and can be discolored, brittle, crumbly, and/or darkened. Discoloration of the toenail can also range in shade from yellow to brown or gray.
In extreme cases, the nail can start to appear gray and green. If the toenail begins to thicken, this can also be an indication that it may be dying. Additionally, if it starts to separate from the nail bed, peeling away in layers, this is another sign the toenail may be in the process of dying.
In any case, if a person suspects they may be experiencing a dying toenail, they should consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
What are the stages of toe fungus?
The stages of toe fungus can vary somewhat depending on the type of fungus that is present and the severity of the infection. Generally, though, the stages of a toenail fungus infection include the following:
Stage 1: Early Toenail Fungus – At this stage, the area around the toenail is red and warm to the touch, but the toenail is still healthy. It may be slightly discolored or dull looking, but the actual nail plate hasn’t begun to change.
Stage 2: Toenail Thickening – The affected toenail will begin to thicken, usually in the center, and may become substantially thicker than the other nails. The thickened toenail may begin to discolor, usually yellow or white.
Stage 3: Nail Separation – The affected toenail will start to separate from the skin, usually around the edges and corners, and the debris underneath may drain. Under the nail, the skin may be red, swollen and painful.
Stage 4: Nail Destruction – At this advanced stage, the toenail will have fully separated from the skin, and may become much darker than the other toes. The nail itself will be thick and brittle, and can chip or crumble if touched.
There can often be a strong smell associated with toenail fungus at this stage.
Stage 5: Fungal Spread – If left untreated, the toenail fungus may spread to surrounding toes, leaving more nails infected and discolored.
Does hydrogen peroxide work on toenail fungus?
Yes, it is possible to use hydrogen peroxide to treat toenail fungus. Hydrogen peroxide is an antiseptic and can help kill off the fungus that causes toenail fungus. It may be used as a foot soak or applied directly to the affected area.
To make a foot soak, mix a few tablespoons of the hydrogen peroxide in a bowl of warm water, then soak your affected foot in the solution for 30 minutes. Applying the hydrogen peroxide directly can also be beneficial.
To do this, use a cotton ball or Q-tip and dab the hydrogen peroxide onto the affected area several times a day. Since hydrogen peroxide is a bleaching agent, applying too much or too often could cause your nails to discolor.
You may also experience some irritation of the skin or some redness. Hydrogen peroxide may be even more effective when combined with other home remedies, such as tea tree oil or vinegar. Speak to your doctor before using hydrogen peroxide to treat toenail fungus, particularly if the fungus has spread beyond your nails.
What kills toenail fungus permanently?
The most effective way to permanently kill toenail fungus is through a combination of lifestyle changes, antifungal medications, and other treatments.
Lifestyle changes such as keeping your feet dry and changing your socks frequently, avoiding tight shoes and choosing shoes made from breathable materials, and regularly cleaning and drying your feet can help reduce the risk of toenail fungus.
Antifungal medications can also be used to fight the infection. Some of these medications are available over the counter, while stronger prescription medications may be necessary for more severe cases.
Treatments include topical creams or ointments, oral medications, or laser therapy.
In addition to medications, there are other treatments available to help kill toenail fungus. These include herbal remedies and home remedies, such as soaking the foot in warm water mixed with vinegar or tea tree oil, using over-the-counter antifungal sprays, or using medicated pads.
Toenail fungus is not always easy to permanently get rid of, but with a combination of lifestyle changes, antifungal medications and other treatments, it is possible to get rid of it once and for all.
If your fungus is resistant to treatments, or if you continue to experience recurrences, a podiatrist may be able to advise you on additional treatments.
Can toenail fungus be completely cured?
Yes, toenail fungus can be completely cured. The most common treatment for toenail fungus is antifungal medications that you take orally, like terbinafine or itraconazole. These medications require a prescription from your doctor, and you must take them for three to six months to see the best results.
To help the medicine get all the way down to the infection at the base of your nail, you may need to soften your toenails with a lukewarm soapy foot bath before treating them with a topical solution like ciclopirox cream or clotrimazole foam.
Your doctor may also recommend soaking your feet in a vinegar solution or applying a medicated nail lacquer. In extreme cases, they may recommend removing the nail completely. With proper treatment, most toenail fungus infections can be completely cured.
