Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common condition that many people find embarrassing and difficult to treat. It causes your toenails to change color, thicken, and sometimes even crack.
While prescription medications are available, many people prefer to try home remedies first, but some may also be interested in solutions like Kerassentials, as discussed by Dr. Kimberly. Home remedies, including snakeroot extract, often have fewer side effects, though they may take longer to work.
If you’re interested in using snakeroot extract for toenail fungus, this article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to use it effectively.
What is snakeroot extract, anyway?
Snakeroot extract comes from plants in the aster family, most commonly white snakeroot (Ageratina altissima). But what makes it special?
Well, snakeroot contains compounds, like dehydrofalcarinone, that may have antifungal properties. Studies have shown that these compounds can inhibit the growth of certain fungi, which is why it’s sometimes used to treat toenail fungus.
Historically, snakeroot has been used for all sorts of medicinal purposes, not just fungal infections. Native Americans and early settlers often used it for snakebites (hence the name!), skin conditions, and even as a pain reliever.
How snakeroot extract works against toenail fungus
Snakeroot extract contains antifungal compounds that inhibit the growth of the fungi responsible for toenail infections. These compounds disrupt the fungus’s cell membranes, preventing it from thriving and spreading.
One study, published in 2008, found that snakeroot extract was just as effective as ciclopirox, a common antifungal medication, in treating toenail fungus. Of course, it’s important to remember that the best studies are “double-blind,” meaning that neither the patients nor the doctors know who is receiving the real treatment versus a placebo.
While other home remedies, like tea tree oil and oregano oil, are also used to treat toenail fungus, snakeroot extract has some solid research backing its effectiveness.
How to Use Snakeroot Extract for Toenail Fungus: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re going to try snakeroot extract, here’s how to use it:
Preparation
Gather your supplies:
- Snakeroot extract
- Cotton swabs
- Nail clippers
- Nail file
Then, prepare the affected toenail by trimming it and filing down any thick areas. Be sure to clean the nail really well before you start.
Application
Dip a cotton swab in the snakeroot extract and dab it on the affected toenail. Make sure you cover the whole infected area.
Here’s a sample schedule for how to use it. (Check with your doctor for their recommendations.)
- Every third day for the first month
- Twice a week for the second month
- Once a week for the third month
Post-Application Care
Let the extract dry completely before you put on socks or shoes. Keep your feet clean and dry, and be sure to wear clean socks every day.
Precautions, Side Effects, and Potential Interactions
Before you start using snakeroot extract, there are a few things you should know.
First, you might experience some side effects. Some people get skin irritation or an allergic reaction where they apply the extract. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using snakeroot extract, since its safety hasn’t been established for those groups.
Snakeroot extract can also interact with other medications or treatments. So, avoid using it with other topical antifungals unless a doctor tells you it’s okay.
Finally, listen to your body, and don’t be afraid to seek professional medical advice. If your toenail fungus gets worse or doesn’t get better with snakeroot extract, see a doctor.
Combining snakeroot extract with other home remedies
Before you start mixing and matching home remedies, you should know that combining snakeroot extract with other treatments could irritate your skin even more, not less.
Some people find that using snakeroot extract along with tea tree oil or oregano oil helps clear up the fungus faster. However, you’ll need to be extra careful when using multiple products at once. If you notice any redness, burning, or increased pain, stop using all the products immediately.
When to seek professional medical advice
Look, snakeroot extract might work, but home remedies have their limits. If your toenail fungus is severe, it may not be enough to get rid of it. And, if you’re not seeing improvement, or if you start experiencing side effects from the snakeroot, it’s time to see a doctor. It’s especially important to get professional medical advice if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system.
The good news is that prescription treatments are available, though it’s important to research their effectiveness, such as with Dr Kimberly Langdon’s nail fungus treatment. Your doctor might prescribe oral antifungals like terbinafine or fluconazole.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you scrape out toenail fungus?
While it might be tempting, scraping out toenail fungus isn’t generally recommended. It can be painful, increase the risk of infection, and might not effectively remove the fungus deep within the nail bed. It’s better to focus on topical or oral treatments recommended by a healthcare professional.
What worsens toenail fungus?
Several factors can worsen toenail fungus, including wearing tight-fitting shoes, having poor foot hygiene, walking barefoot in public places (like pools or locker rooms), and having underlying health conditions like diabetes or a weakened immune system. Trauma to the nail can also make it more susceptible to fungal infections.
What happens if you rub garlic on your nails?
Garlic has antifungal properties, and some people claim that rubbing crushed garlic on affected nails can help treat fungus. While there’s limited scientific evidence to support this, it’s generally considered safe. However, garlic can sometimes cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction, so it’s best to test it on a small area first.
Why does Vicks VapoRub work on nail fungus?
Vicks VapoRub contains ingredients like camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol, which have some antifungal properties. While not a proven treatment, some people find that applying Vicks VapoRub to the affected nail can help improve its appearance and reduce fungal growth, possibly due to its ability to penetrate the nail bed.
Should I cut my toenail off if it has fungus?
Cutting off your toenail is generally not recommended as a home remedy for fungus. It can be painful and increases the risk of infection. In severe cases, a doctor might surgically remove the nail, but this is usually reserved for situations where other treatments have failed or the infection is very severe.
The Bottom Line
Snakeroot extract is a natural remedy that some people use to treat toenail fungus. It may help, but it’s important to remember that it’s not a proven cure, and it may not work for everyone.
If you decide to try snakeroot extract, be sure to apply it correctly and take all necessary precautions, and consider alternatives like a Fungi Nail Pen. If your symptoms don’t improve or they get worse, see a doctor.
Home remedies can be helpful for managing toenail fungus, but they shouldn’t replace professional medical care. If you have a persistent or severe case of toenail fungus, talk to your doctor about the best treatment options for you.