Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common infection that can cause your toenails to become discolored, thick, and brittle. If you have toenail fungus, you may have wondered: does sunlight kill toenail fungus?
While sunlight has some antifungal properties, it’s not considered an effective treatment for toenail fungus. This article explores the effects of sunlight on fungus, other treatments that work, and precautions you should take when dealing with a toenail fungus infection.
Understanding Toenail Fungus
What is Toenail Fungus?
Toenail fungus (onychomycosis) is a fungal infection that affects the toenails and sometimes the surrounding skin.
If you have toenail fungus, you might notice symptoms like:
- thickening of the nail
- discoloration (yellowing or whitening)
- brittleness
- crumbling
- separation of the nail from the nail bed
- an unpleasant odor
What Causes Toenail Fungus?
Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, so your feet and shoes can become a breeding ground for them, and it’s important to disinfect your shower to prevent the spread.
Dermatophytes are fungi that are a common cause of toenail fungus.
Yeasts and molds, such as Neoscytalidium and Aspergillus, can also cause nail fungus.
Once the infection starts, it can spread to other toenails, the skin on your feet, and even your fingernails. That’s why it’s important to take steps to address the problem quickly.
Can sunlight treat toenail fungus?
Sunlight is a known disinfectant, so it might seem reasonable to think sunlight could help clear up toenail fungus. Here’s what you should know.
How sunlight may help
The UVB rays in sunlight can kill germs. And because sunlight dries things out, it can create an environment where fungus is less likely to thrive.
How to expose your toes to sunlight
If you want to try using sunlight to treat toenail fungus, the best time to do it is between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. You may need to expose your toes to the sun regularly for several months before you see any results.
Limitations and things to think about
Sunlight may not be able to penetrate deeply enough into your nail to kill a severe infection. How well sunlight works may depend on how bad the infection is.
Other ways to kick that toenail fungus
If you’re dealing with a toenail fungus, sunlight might not be enough to get rid of it. Here are a few other proven treatment options to consider.
Over-the-counter (OTC) treatments
For mild cases, you can try antifungal creams and gels with ingredients like clotrimazole or terbinafine. Nail lacquers are another OTC option.
Prescription medications
If the fungus is stubborn, your doctor might prescribe oral antifungal medications like terbinafine or itraconazole for more severe cases. Be sure to talk with your doctor about potential side effects before starting these medications.
Natural remedies
- Tea tree oil. This oil has antifungal properties and can be applied directly to the affected nail. Mix it with a carrier oil like coconut, olive, or jojoba oil to avoid skin irritation.
- Apple cider vinegar. Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water, and soak your toes in the solution for 30 minutes daily.
Professional treatments
When nothing else works, you can always visit a podiatrist for professional treatment. Laser treatments, such as the PinPointe laser, are an option for severe infections. In extreme cases, surgical removal of the nail might be necessary.
Precautions and Important Considerations
While sunlight might help a little with toenail fungus, you should also be aware of the potential risks of too much sun exposure. Be sure to limit how much you’re exposing your skin to sunlight, or use sunscreen, to avoid skin damage or other problems.
Also, it’s best to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis of your toenail issue, as well as a treatment plan. No matter what treatment you choose, be patient and consistent with it. Good foot hygiene, like keeping your feet clean and dry, can also help prevent future fungal infections.
Frequently Asked Questions
What worsens toenail fungus?
Toenail fungus thrives in warm, moist environments. Factors like wearing tight-fitting shoes, poor foot hygiene, excessive sweating, nail injuries, and conditions like diabetes can all worsen a fungal infection. Not properly drying your feet after showering or swimming also contributes.
Does sun make fungal infections worse?
Generally, sun exposure won’t directly worsen a toenail fungal infection. However, excessive sweating caused by heat can create a more favorable environment for the fungus to thrive. It’s more about the moisture than the sun itself.
What not to do with toenail fungus?
Avoid picking or cutting your nails excessively, as this can spread the infection or cause further injury. Don’t share nail clippers or files with others. It’s also crucial not to ignore the infection, as it can worsen over time and become more difficult to treat. Avoid covering your nails with polish, as this traps moisture. Similarly, consider the risks and options before using fake toenails for fungus.
Can sunlight remove fungus?
While sunlight has some natural antifungal properties, it’s unlikely to completely eradicate a toenail fungal infection. The sun’s rays may inhibit fungal growth to some extent, but they can’t penetrate the nail deeply enough to kill the fungus effectively. Sunlight shouldn’t be relied upon as a sole treatment.
Can you scrape out toenail fungus?
Attempting to scrape out toenail fungus yourself isn’t recommended. You risk injuring the nail bed, which can lead to secondary infections or worsen the existing fungal infection. A podiatrist can safely debride the nail to remove infected portions, but this should be done professionally.
Putting It All Together
Sunlight might help kill toenail fungus because it has germicidal properties and can create a drier environment where fungus doesn’t thrive. However, sunlight exposure alone probably isn’t enough to get rid of a toenail fungus infection completely. You’ll likely need to combine it with other treatments or seek professional medical help.
Managing toenail fungus effectively requires a comprehensive approach. Regularly check your toenails for any changes, as early detection is key to successful treatment.