Toenail fungus is a common problem that can really affect the way you feel about yourself and how comfortable you are in daily life. It’s caused by different types of fungi, including dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds.
If you have toenail fungus, you’re probably familiar with the usual treatments, like antifungal pills and creams. Pills like terbinafine can work well, but they can also cause side effects. Creams are generally safer but might not be as effective.
But what if there was another option? Bacillus subtilis is a type of bacteria known for its antifungal properties, and it might offer a new way to tackle toenail fungus. Bacillus bacteria can produce antifungal agents that resist heat and help control fungi that produce toxins.
This article will explore how Bacillus subtilis might help with toenail fungus, looking at how it fights fungi, what benefits it could offer, and what limitations it might have. We’ll discuss whether this natural approach could be a helpful addition to your toenail fungus treatment plan.
Understanding onychomycosis: What causes toenail fungus?
Onychomycosis is a common condition. In North America, around 14 percent of adults have toenail fungus.
Causes of onychomycosis
Most often, dermatophytes cause onychomycosis. In fact, dermatophytes are responsible for 70 percent of onychomycosis infections in the United States.
Nondermatophyte molds and yeasts can also cause onychomycosis, and sometimes, infections are mixed. About 39 percent of infections involve both a dermatophyte and a nondermatophyte mold or yeast.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of onychomycosis include:
- Thickening of the nail
- Discoloration of the nail
- Brittleness of the nail
Sometimes, the nail separates from the nailbed (a condition called onycholysis). You may also notice debris accumulating under the nail (subungual hyperkeratosis).
Keep in mind that the appearance of the infected nail may vary depending on the type of fungal infection and its severity.
Diagnosis
Usually, doctors diagnose onychomycosis through a physical examination and lab tests that confirm the presence of a fungal infection. It’s important to confirm that a fungus is the cause of the issue before starting treatment.
Common diagnostic tests include:
- KOH preparation
- Fungal culture
- Nail biopsy
KOH preparation with microscopy is the recommended first step in diagnosis.
Fungal culture correctly identifies toenail fungus between 23 and 85 percent of the time, with an average of 56 percent. It almost never gives a false positive.
A biopsy with PAS stain is accurate about 84 percent of the time and gives a false positive about 11 percent of the time.
Another option is PCR testing, which correctly identifies toenail fungus 83 percent of the time and gives a false positive about 16 percent of the time.
Bacillus Subtilis: Antifungal Properties and Mechanisms
Some research indicates that Bacillus subtilis can be helpful in treating toenail fungus. Here’s how it works:
Antifungal Metabolites Produced by Bacillus Subtilis
Bacillus subtilis makes antifungal metabolites that can stop fungi from growing. One type of antifungal metabolite is a lipopeptide.
These metabolites can:
- disrupt the membranes around fungal cells
- mess with how the fungus metabolizes nutrients
- stop fungal spores from germinating
Some strains of Bacillus even make bacteriocin-like substances, which are similar to antibiotics, that also have antifungal properties.
How it Works Against Fungi
Bacillus subtilis can also help control fungal growth. Metabolites from Bacillus subtilis can:
- directly inhibit the growth of fungal cells
- change the shape of fungal mycelia (the thread-like part of a fungus)
In lab settings, researchers have also been exploring how bacterial cell-free supernatants (CFS) affect fungal growth, mycotoxin synthesis, and mycelial shape.
In addition, Bacillus subtilis has been shown to break down mycotoxins (toxic substances produced by fungi). For example, Bacillus subtilis UTB1 can degrade aflatoxin (a type of mycotoxin) by making an oxidoreductase, which is involved in bacilysin biosynthesis (making bacilysin, an antimicrobial compound).
Heat Resistance and Storage Stability
The antifungal metabolites that Bacillus subtilis produces can be heat-resistant. This is important because it means they can be used in different ways and still work effectively.
Researchers are studying how well these antifungal metabolites hold up under heat and how stable they are when stored. They’re also looking into how quickly they can produce antifungal activity. This information is essential for figuring out the best way to use Bacillus subtilis as a biocontrol agent (a natural way to control pests and diseases).
Potential Benefits of Bacillus Subtilis for Toenail Fungus Treatment
While research is still in its early stages, Bacillus subtilis is being investigated as a possible treatment for toenail fungus. Here’s what researchers are learning:
- Natural and Non-Toxic Approach: Bacillus subtilis is an attractive alternative to traditional antifungal medications because it’s a natural substance. That means it could reduce the risk of side effects compared to the traditional drugs your doctor might prescribe.
- Broad Spectrum Antifungal Activity: Bacillus subtilis has shown antifungal activity against a broad range of fungi, including dermatophytes. Dermatophytes are the fungi most commonly associated with toenail fungus (onychomycosis).
- Biocontrol Agent: Bacillus subtilis can act as a biocontrol agent. This means it can inhibit fungal growth, and it may even prevent the fungus from coming back.
- Potential for Topical Application: The substance can be added to creams, ointments, and nail lacquers that you can apply directly to the affected nail.
- Synergistic Effects: Bacillus subtilis may have synergistic effects if you use it in combination with the prescription antifungal treatments your doctor recommends.
Limitations and Considerations
While Bacillus subtilis shows some promise in fighting toenail fungus, it’s important to be aware of the limitations before you start culturing bacteria in your bathroom.
- Limited Clinical Evidence: We need more research to see if Bacillus subtilis really works in humans. Right now, most of the evidence is from lab tests.
- Formulation and Delivery Challenges: It can be tricky to get the Bacillus subtilis where it needs to go. Scientists need to figure out the best way to formulate it so that it actually reaches the infection under the nail.
- Potential for Allergic Reactions: Some people might be allergic to Bacillus subtilis or what it produces. This could lead to skin irritation or other reactions, so proceed with caution.
- Strain Variation: Not all Bacillus subtilis strains are created equal. Some strains are better at fighting fungus than others, so if you’re going to use it, you’ll want to make sure it’s a strain that’s known to work.
- Regulatory Approval: Before companies can sell Bacillus subtilis products as a toenail fungus treatment, they’ll need to get the green light from regulatory agencies. This ensures the product is safe and effective.
So, while the idea of using Bacillus subtilis to fight toenail fungus is interesting, it’s not quite ready for prime time yet. More research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety.
Future Research and Development
While Bacillus subtilis shows promise, more research is needed before it can be widely recommended as a toenail fungus treatment. Here are some areas of focus for future studies:
- Clinical Trials: Well-designed clinical trials are needed to evaluate how well and how safely Bacillus subtilis works for toenail fungus.
- Formulation Optimization: Researchers need to figure out the best way to formulate and deliver Bacillus subtilis so it can best fight the fungus.
- Strain Selection: It’s important to find and select the Bacillus subtilis strains that are the safest and most effective at killing fungus.
- Combination Therapies: Studies should explore whether combining Bacillus subtilis with traditional antifungal treatments could lead to even better results.
- Understanding Antifungal Activity: Researchers need to understand how Bacillus subtilis produces its antifungal properties. This is key to optimizing it for use as a biocontrol agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the sock trick for toenail fungus?
The “sock trick” involves wearing clean socks and changing them frequently throughout the day, especially if your feet sweat. Consider using anti-fungal socks as well. The idea is to keep your feet dry and reduce the moist environment where fungus thrives. Also remember to disinfect your shower, where fungus can spread. While it can help manage the condition, it’s not a standalone cure.
Can probiotics get rid of toenail fungus?
Some studies suggest that certain probiotics, like Bacillus subtilis, may have antifungal properties. The idea is that they can help balance the microbiome and compete with the fungus. However, more research is needed to determine their effectiveness as a primary treatment for toenail fungus.
Should I cut my toenail off if it has fungus?
Cutting off your toenail is generally not recommended unless advised by a doctor. While it might seem like a quick fix, it doesn’t address the underlying infection and can create a risk of further complications like infection or ingrown toenails. Medical or surgical removal is only sometimes necessary.
What probiotic kills fungus?
Bacillus subtilis is one probiotic that has shown some antifungal activity in lab studies. It produces substances that can inhibit the growth of certain fungi. However, its effectiveness in treating toenail fungus in real-world scenarios is still under investigation.
What are the side effects of taking Bacillus subtilis?
Generally, Bacillus subtilis is considered safe, but some people may experience mild gastrointestinal symptoms like gas, bloating, or diarrhea. If you have a weakened immune system, it’s best to consult with your doctor before taking any probiotic supplements.
In Closing
Because Bacillus subtilis can fight fungus and control biological processes, it could be a natural alternative treatment for toenail fungus, or it could be used along with other treatments. More research is needed before doctors can recommend it.
Researchers need to conduct well-designed clinical trials to find out how well Bacillus subtilis works to treat toenail fungus and whether it’s safe. These trials will help determine the best dose, the best form for treatment, and how long treatment should last.
As scientists continue to research Bacillus subtilis, it might become a useful addition to the available treatments for toenail fungus. Alongside this, exploring dietary options like cranberry for its potential benefits could also be beneficial. It could provide a safe and effective option for people who are looking for alternative therapies.