Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common condition that can cause your toenails to become discolored, thick, and even painful. Traditional treatments for toenail fungus include prescription topical medications, oral antifungal medications, and even laser therapy.
But, you may have heard about a more unconventional approach: using toothpaste to treat toenail fungus. Yes, the same toothpaste you use to brush your teeth! It sounds a bit strange, but some people swear by it.
So, does it work? And, more importantly, is it safe? This article will explore the rationale behind using toothpaste for toenail fungus, potential benefits, and its limitations.
What is toenail fungus (onychomycosis)?
Toenail fungus is a common condition that can cause your toenails to thicken, change color, and even separate from the nail bed.
What causes toenail fungus?
Fungi called dermatophytes are the most common cause of toenail infections. These fungi find their way under your nail, where they thrive in the warm, moist environment. Over time, they cause the nail to become infected.
Some things that make you more likely to get toenail fungus include:
- Older age
- Diabetes
- Poor hygiene
- Nail trauma (an injury to the nail)
What are the symptoms of toenail fungus?
If you have a toenail fungal infection, you might notice symptoms like:
- Thickening of the nail
- Discoloration (often yellow, white, or brown)
- Brittleness
- Separation of the nail from the nail bed
It is important to get a proper diagnosis. Several conditions can cause similar symptoms, so it’s best to see a doctor to determine whether you have a fungal infection and to discuss the best treatment options. Although some people suggest that toothpaste will cure your toenail fungus, there is no evidence that this works.
The rationale behind toothpaste as a potential remedy
Some people think that toothpaste can help with toenail fungus, but why? The idea centers around the ingredients in toothpaste and their potential antifungal properties.
For instance, many kinds of toothpaste include baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and even essential oils like tea tree and peppermint. All of these ingredients might help keep fungus from growing.
Baking soda can change the pH levels and create an alkaline environment that’s not so great for fungus. Hydrogen peroxide, which is a mild antiseptic, may be able to kill fungal spores.
And, of course, tea tree oil and peppermint oil are known to have antifungal properties, similar to lemongrass oil.
How to apply toothpaste for toenail fungus
If you want to try treating your toenail fungus with toothpaste, here’s how to do it:
- Prepare the area. Wash and dry your foot, paying special attention to the affected toenail. Trim the nail if you can.
- Apply the toothpaste. Put a thin layer of toothpaste on the affected nail. You can cover it with a bandage if you want, but it’s not required.
- Repeat daily. Apply the toothpaste once or twice a day for best results. Consistency is key!
Before you start, do a patch test by putting some toothpaste on a small area of skin to make sure you don’t have a bad reaction. Also, don’t put toothpaste on broken skin.
What are the benefits and drawbacks of using toothpaste for toenail fungus?
Like many home remedies, using toothpaste to treat toenail fungus comes with a mix of potential upsides and definite downsides.
Potential benefits
If you’re in a pinch, toothpaste is easy to find and doesn’t cost much. Also, some toothpastes have ingredients like baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, which might have a slight antifungal effect.
Toothpaste might be worth a try if you have a really mild case of toenail fungus, or if you’re looking for something to use along with your regular treatment.
Limitations and risks
Here’s the catch: there’s no solid proof that toothpaste actually works for toenail fungus. No scientific studies have backed it up as an effective treatment.
Plus, some people might find that toothpaste irritates their skin because of ingredients like baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.
If you’ve got a more serious fungal infection, toothpaste probably won’t do the trick. Relying on it alone could mean you’re not getting the right treatment and the infection could get worse.
If you have a toenail fungus, it’s always a good idea to talk to a doctor or podiatrist about the best way to deal with it.
Conventional and alternative treatments for toenail fungus
If you think you have toenail fungus, you have many treatment options to choose from. Some of these are traditional medical treatments, and some are options you can try at home.
Conventional treatments
- Topical antifungal medications. Your doctor may prescribe a topical treatment like ciclopirox or efinaconazole, or you might consider over-the-counter options like LDREAMAM Nail Fungus Cream, which you’ll apply to the surface of the nail.
- Oral antifungal medications. For a more serious infection, oral medications like terbinafine and itraconazole may be helpful.
- Laser therapy. Some podiatrists treat toenail fungus with laser therapy.
- Nail avulsion. In the most serious cases, your doctor may surgically remove the nail.
Alternative treatments
- Tea tree oil. Some people have success treating toenail fungus with tea tree oil, which has antifungal properties.
- Vinegar soaks. Soaking your feet in vinegar may also help.
- Other natural remedies. Some people try garlic or oregano oil as a potential natural cure, while others explore options like Forces of Nature Nail Fungus treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What one cup of this will destroy your nail fungus?
There’s no single “magic” ingredient in a cup that will instantly eradicate toenail fungus. Effective treatment usually requires a consistent approach involving antifungal medications or topical solutions, as recommended by a doctor. Claims about instant cures should be approached with skepticism.
What worsens toenail fungus?
Several factors can worsen toenail fungus. These include poor foot hygiene, wearing tight-fitting shoes that create a warm, moist environment, trauma to the nail, and conditions like diabetes or a weakened immune system. Keeping your feet clean and dry is crucial for prevention and treatment.
Does brushing your toes with toothpaste work?
While some people claim toothpaste can help with toenail fungus, there’s no scientific evidence to support this. Toothpaste isn’t formulated to kill fungus, so it’s unlikely to be an effective treatment. Stick to proven antifungal remedies for the best results.
What kills toenail fungus permanently?
Complete eradication of toenail fungus can be challenging. Oral antifungal medications prescribed by a doctor are often the most effective, but they may have side effects. Topical treatments can also work, but they usually require longer treatment durations. Even with treatment, recurrence is possible, so maintaining good foot hygiene is essential.
Why does Vicks VapoRub cure toenail fungus?
Vicks VapoRub contains ingredients like camphor and eucalyptus oil, which have some antifungal properties. While some people report success using Vicks, it’s not a guaranteed cure. It might help alleviate symptoms or slow fungal growth, but it’s unlikely to completely eliminate the infection, especially in severe cases. It’s better to use proven antifungal treatments.
To conclude
Some people claim that the ingredients in toothpaste can help to treat toenail fungus, and it’s certainly accessible. While some people may experience mild benefits, it’s important to remember that toothpaste is not a scientifically proven treatment for toenail fungus.
If you think you have toenail fungus, you should see a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. There are many conventional and alternative treatments available, and it’s important to choose an evidence-based approach that’s right for you.
In short, while toothpaste might be a convenient and inexpensive option, it’s not a substitute for professional medical advice and treatment. Always consult with a healthcare provider before trying any new treatment for toenail fungus.