Toenail fungus is probably one of the most dreaded infections, because even though it is not life threatening, it can be very unsightly and treatment tends to take an extended period of time. Of course, people affected by toenail fungus don't want to wait so long. They want to know how to get rid of toenail fungus fast. Is it possible?

Read on to discover the necessary steps and the best options you have to get rid of toenail fungus as fast as possible.

how to get rid of toenail fungus fast

Diagnose First

Do you have a toenail fungus? If you have noticed any of the following, there is a good chance you have contracted a fungal infection of the toenail:

  • Thickened toenails
  • Yellowing – often begins as a single spot and spreads
  • Flaking, brittle or crumbling nails
  • Dark and discolored
  • Misshaped nails not due to injury
  • Odd smell- musty or yeasty odor

There are, of course, some issues that can mimic nail fungus, such as nail psoriasis, which has many similar symptoms. If you suffer from psoriasis of the skin you should know it can affect your nails as well, though it more commonly affects fingernails than toenails.

So, what is the first step of how to get rid of toenail fungus fast? It starts with a proper diagnosis! If you are unsure, a visit to your podiatrist should clear up any doubts you may have. They will, of course, suggest several medical treatments, and you may want to check into one or several of them. However, if you are not quite ready to jump into the prescription treatment pool just yet, there are several methods to consider that range from home remedies to over the counter options. Let's take a look at a few different options.

How to Get Rid of Toenail Fungus with Home Remedies

While some may scoff at the good old home remedy, there is something to be said for the tried and true treatments handed down from our grandparents. Toenail fungus, like many other issues, is not a new problem and it stands to reason there were workable solutions before over the counter medications were available. So, let's look first at how to get rid of toenail fungus with home remedies. This list is far from being complete but the chosen remedies illustrate well this approach.

Baking Soda and Borax– Both of these ingredients have been available from local retailers for a generation or better. They are used in a variety of home recipes including a treatment for toenail fungus. Mix equal parts of these powders with just enough water to create a paste, soak your feet to soften the nail and then apply baking powder borax paste to toenails.

Peroxide – Good for cleaning a multitude of scrapes and mishaps, hydrogen peroxide is also a great home remedy treatment for nail fungus. Toenail fungus is anaerobic, which means it is not overly fond of oxygen, making peroxide a natural treatment option. Simply soak your nails twice per day in a 3% solution for at least two weeks. You can also brush the solution directly on your nail, full strength if you prefer.

Vicks VapoRub – Where would our grandparents have been without the aid of vapor rub? In addition to helping you fight a chest cold, Vicks rub has been shown very effective against multiple strains of fungus, including the one that causes nail infections. Apply liberally to your nails, coating them right up to the cuticle and even under the nail where possible. Do this twice per day.

Trim and Grind- if you want to improve the effectiveness of any toenail fungus treatment, it is a good idea to keep them trimmed and filed. An emery board and a good pair of clippers are all the tools you need to thin out your nail and allow better access for any topical application.

Other home remedies include vinegar, tea tree oil, beer, Listerine mouthwash, chlorine bleach, oregano oil, lavender oil, and more.

One complaint when it comes to home remedies is that they often take an extended period of time to clear up the infection. So, while these are popular options commonly mentioned on the Internet, many people prefer a quicker solution to the question of how to get rid of toenail fungus fast.

Home remedies are definitely NOT a fast way to get rid of toenail fungus. They are probably the most time-consuming treatment option. Moreover, people rarely achieve a definite cure with such remedies. Nail fungus sufferers may see temporary improvement but the root of the problem is not usually addressed.

How to Get Rid of Toenail Fungus Fast with OTC Treatments

You will find multiple options for over the counter medications that deal with toenail fungus. Here we will take a look at a few of the top names in the game to give you an idea of what is available as well as what you can expect from these various OTC products.

Emoninail is designed to penetrate the nail bed where the fungi lives thanks to a very effective and simple to use topical solution. One thing customers truly love about this product is their unique follow-up through a mobile app to help users get the best results as fast as possible. Another thing that customers appreciate very much is their money back guarantee. No results in 60 days? Full Refund! This product is backed by outstanding customer care and an impressive track record. Read more about Emoninail.

Emoninail to get rid of toenail fungus

Zeta Clear – This over the counter product offers a proven toenail fungus treatment. The company utilizes a powerful formulation that includes the FDA-recognized Undecylenic Acid along with other ingredients blended in therapeutic dosage. On its website, you can read that clinical studies have shown Zeta Clear to be up to 6 times more effective than similar OTC products! No wonder that for tens of thousands of people over the world ZetaClear has been the proper answer to the question how to get rid of toenail fungus as fast as possible. Read more about Zetaclear.

Zetaclear

Funginix offers a combination of essential oils and anti-fungal agents that come together to create a powerful topical application for fighting toenail fungus. All it takes is twice daily applications, ensuring good coverage of the nail, cuticle and under the nail as far as possible. It is all you need to clear up this infection. Read more about Funginix.

Funginix Toenail Fungus Treatment

These OTC treatments offer some of the safest and fastest ways to get rid of toenail fungus.

>> Learn more about leading over-the-counter treatment

Understanding Nail Infections to Get Rid of Toenail Fungus

Any one of these treatment options can offer relief for toenail fungus, but in order to effectively treat and then prevent re-infection, it is important to understand how nail infections work. Knowledge is power, and, in this case, it gives you the tools to answer the question, how to get rid of toenail fungus fast!

Approximately 12% of the adult population suffers with a nail fungus to some degree. This problem can affect both old and young but is more common in older adults and particularly those with a compromised immune system.

You should understand you have both good and bad bacteria in and even on your body at all times. Inside the body, the good bacteria work to keep bad bacteria in check, but when the scales get tipped in the other direction, it can leave you vulnerable to all sorts of infections, including toenail fungus.

Of course, imbalances in your system is only one of the many ways you could acquire a toenail fungus. Here are just a few more culprits:

  • Tight, dirty footwear
  • Psoriasis
  • Contact- nail salon (pedicure), pool, gym or sauna that are contaminated.
  • Athlete's foot
  • Poor circulation – arterial disease or diabetes are common causes
  • Genetic condition
  • Contaminated nail utensils (clippers, file etc.…)

Tips to Speed Your Cure and to Prevent Reoccurrence

One way to assure you have figured out how to get rid of toenail fungus for good is having a preventative mindset. Do you go to the pool on a regular basis? What kind of foot wear do you have for the pool? Here are a few more ideas to consider:

Treating Shoes – One area many people overlook in the treatment plan is their shoes. Fungi love dark, damp places, which means the interior of the common shoe is like a 5-star hotel! Reduce the temptation to set up residence by cleaning your footwear consistently while you are undergoing treatment. You can purchase commercial sprays or simply create your own with household vinegar.

Replacing Shoes – It could be time to replace your practically threadbare sneakers. They may be the most comfortable pair of shoes you have ever owned but they probably house a host of fungi. Choose well fitted shoes that breathe.

Socks – Consider spritzing your socks with a vinegar solution before tossing them in the laundry, particularly if laundry day is 24 or more hours away.

Foot Care – Pay special attention to your feet, keep them dry, toenails clipped, clean and filed. We can take our feet for granted sometimes, so take a few extra minutes after your shower or before bed to take care of them. Be especially mindful if you have an injured toenail as this is a prime way for fungus to enter.

Health – How is your overall health? Are you getting enough vitamins and minerals in your diet? Do you utilize a good probiotic? Keeping your body healthy helps promote a strong immune system, which means your body will be better prepared to fight off the next fungal invasion.

Communal areas – If you utilize a public shower, sauna or pool, you should be careful to use appropriate footwear. A good pair of easy to clean sandals can be just the ticket to a fungus free life!

Final Thoughts on How to Get Rid of Toenail Fungus Fast

How to get rid of toenail fungus fast is not an easy question to answer, as there are quite a few variables to consider such as your health and commitment to a treatment plan.

That being said, if you are diligent with an effective treatment and take steps to eradicate the source of fungus in your life while protecting your feet from any potential re-infection, you will be miles ahead of most people.

Most importantly you should take action to finally get rid of toenail fungus in as much time as needed. The more you wait the worse it will be because toenail fungus are contagious and become more and more difficult to eradicate over time.

So how to get rid of toenail fungus fast?… As fast as possible?

Get started as soon as you can with one of the effective treatment options mentioned above and persist until your nails are clear and healthy again.

OTC treatment options mentioned in this article:

>> EmoniNail

>> Zetaclear

>> Funginix