Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common condition that affects a significant number of people. If you have it, you probably already know that it can cause discoloration, thickening, and brittleness of the affected nails. It’s not pretty, and it can be difficult to get rid of.
Activated charcoal has become quite popular for its absorbent properties and is now used in everything from beauty products to emergency treatments for certain types of poisoning. But, can activated charcoal help with toenail fungus?
This article explores whether activated charcoal is good for toenail fungus and what options you might consider.
What is toenail fungus (onychomycosis)?
Toenail fungus is a common infection that can make your toenails look and feel pretty gross.
Causes and risk factors
Usually, toenail fungus is caused by dermatophytes. These are fungi that dine on keratin, the stuff that makes up your nails and skin. Other fungi like yeasts and molds can also cause toenail infections.
Some things make you more likely to get toenail fungus, such as:
- Age: Older folks tend to get it more often.
- Nail trauma: If you hurt your nail, it can let the fungi in.
- Poor hygiene: Not keeping your feet clean and dry is an invitation for fungus.
- Occlusive footwear: Shoes that trap moisture create a cozy home for fungus.
- Underlying health conditions: Diabetes or a weak immune system can make you more susceptible.
Symptoms of toenail fungus
If you have toenail fungus, you might notice:
- Discoloration: Your nail might turn yellow, brown, or white.
- Thickening: The nail gets thicker than usual and hard to trim.
- Brittleness: The nail becomes crumbly, ragged, or fragile.
- Distortion: The shape of the nail changes.
- Pain or discomfort: Your toe might hurt, especially when you wear shoes or walk.
What is activated charcoal?
Activated charcoal is a fine black powder made by heating carbon-rich materials, such as wood or coconut shells, to very high temperatures.
The “activation” process involves exposing the charred material to oxidizing agents. This makes the charcoal more porous and increases its surface area.
This high surface area allows activated charcoal to grab onto various substances through a process called adsorption.
Adsorption vs. absorption
It’s important to note that activated charcoal works by adsorption, not absorption. Adsorption is when substances bind to the surface of the charcoal. Absorption is when a substance is taken into the structure of another material. Activated charcoal doesn’t absorb substances.
Common uses
Because of its ability to bind to other substances, activated charcoal is used for:
- Emergency treatment for poisoning: It can adsorb toxins in the digestive tract.
- Water filtration: It can remove impurities from water.
- Air purification: It can remove odors and pollutants from the air.
- Skincare: It’s used in masks and cleansers to draw out impurities.
- Teeth whitening: It can remove surface stains, although how well it works is debated.
Activated charcoal for toenail fungus: Does it work?
People on the internet are always looking for new and natural ways to treat common conditions. One of these is the idea that activated charcoal can clear up toenail fungus.
What’s the thinking behind the claim?
Here are some reasons people believe that activated charcoal can help with toenail fungus:
- Some people think activated charcoal can “draw out” the fungus or other toxins that may be causing the infection.
- Because activated charcoal is absorbent, some people believe it can soak up moisture and make it harder for fungus to thrive.
- Some people suggest that activated charcoal can reduce inflammation linked to the infection.
How would you use it?
Here are some of the ways people apply activated charcoal to toenail fungus:
- They mix activated charcoal powder with water and soak their feet in it.
- They make a paste from activated charcoal and apply it to the affected nail.
- They combine activated charcoal with other antifungal creams or oils.
The science doesn’t back it up
So far, there are no published studies looking at how well activated charcoal works for toenail fungus. The claims that it works are based on personal stories, which aren’t a reliable source of information.
Potential benefits and risks
There’s no reliable evidence to say whether activated charcoal can help with toenail fungus. But here are some of the possible benefits and risks.
Possible benefits (theoretical)
- Moisture absorption: Activated charcoal may help keep the area dry, and fungus thrives in moist environments.
- Odor reduction: It might cut down on unpleasant odors from the infected nail.
- Anti-inflammatory effects: Some people say it has anti-inflammatory properties, but there’s not a lot of evidence to back that up.
Potential risks and side effects
- Skin irritation: Activated charcoal can be rough on the skin and may cause irritation or dryness.
- Staining: It can stain your skin, nails, and clothing.
- Interference with medications: If you use it on top of other medications, it could affect how well they’re absorbed.
The biggest risk is that you’ll rely on something that doesn’t work and delay getting effective medical treatment. If you think you have toenail fungus, see a doctor to get a diagnosis and treatment plan.
What else works for toenail fungus?
If activated charcoal isn’t the answer, what is? Here are some treatments that are proven to work.
Topical antifungal medications
You can find antifungal creams and ointments at the drugstore, and decolorized iodine is another option to consider for topical application. Common ingredients are tolnaftate, clotrimazole, and miconazole. These may work for athlete’s foot, but they’re not strong enough to penetrate a toenail and kill a fungus living underneath.
Prescription topical medications like ciclopirox, efinaconazole, and tavaborole are more likely to work than drugstore brands.
Oral antifungal medications
Your doctor can prescribe antifungal pills that you take by mouth. These medications, like terbinafine, itraconazole, and fluconazole, get into your bloodstream and kill the fungus throughout your body.
Because these medications can cause side effects, like liver damage and drug interactions, you’ll need to work closely with your doctor during treatment.
Laser therapy
Laser treatments use laser energy to kill toenail fungus. They can be effective, but you’ll probably need more than one treatment.
Nail removal
In severe cases of toenail fungus, a doctor may recommend removing the nail. This allows you to apply topical medications directly to the nail bed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What one cup of this will destroy your nail fungus?
Unfortunately, there’s no single “magic bullet” drink that will eradicate nail fungus. Claims suggesting otherwise are often misleading. Effective treatment usually requires topical or oral antifungal medications prescribed by a doctor or podiatrist. Maintaining good hygiene and keeping your feet dry are also important.
Is hydrogen peroxide good for nail fungus?
Hydrogen peroxide is often touted as a home remedy, but its effectiveness against toenail fungus is limited. While it might help to disinfect the area, it typically doesn’t penetrate the nail deeply enough to kill the fungus. It’s best to consult with a medical professional for proven treatment options.
Should I cut my toenail off if it has fungus?
Cutting off your toenail is generally not recommended as a DIY solution for toenail fungus. This can create an open wound, increasing the risk of infection. In some severe cases, a doctor may surgically remove the nail, but this is usually done only after other treatments have failed.
What not to do with toenail fungus?
Avoid picking at or cutting your nails improperly, as this can worsen the infection and spread it to other nails or skin. Also, don’t ignore the problem, as toenail fungus rarely resolves on its own. Seek professional medical advice for appropriate treatment.
What worsens toenail fungus?
Several factors can worsen toenail fungus, including wearing tight-fitting shoes that create a warm, moist environment, having poor foot hygiene, not drying your feet thoroughly after showering or swimming, and having conditions like diabetes that compromise your immune system. Addressing these factors is crucial for preventing and managing the infection.
Closing Thoughts
There isn’t any real science to back up the idea that activated charcoal can treat toenail fungus. All the claims you see online are based on what people say happened to them, not on clinical trials or research.
If you think you have toenail fungus, you should talk to your doctor or another healthcare provider. There are proven treatments that work, and your doctor can help you figure out the best one for you.
Don’t depend on activated charcoal alone to treat toenail fungus. Consider exploring other options and ingredients, like those found in Funginix, that are more likely to work.