How To Get Rid Of Toe Nail Fungus

how to prevent toe nail fungus

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Think the occasional yellow nail isn't anything to worry about? Not so fast. Roughly 50% of all nail discoloration is caused by fungus (also called onychomycosis), which can be pretty tricky to treat—especially if it slipped your mind over the last dozen or so doctor's appointments. And if you have a compromised immune system or are taking certain medications, it can be harder for you to fight off fungal infections.

The good news? Nail fungus is often easy to prevent. Just follow these simple steps for fungus-free hands and feet. (Heal your whole body with Rodale's 12-day liver detox for total body health.)

More often than not, infections start as a yellow or white spot at the tip of the nail and work their way under the nail bed—a moist, dark environment that's a perfect breeding ground for fungus. From there, symptoms of an infected nail can include white, yellow, or brown streaks, thickening of the nails, and even nail crumbling. If you see a change in texture or color, get to a doctor ASAP.

Keep your hands and feet dry.

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Mold and fungus thrive in dark, wet places, so always dry the skin between your toes right after you shower. Pantyhose and rubber gloves both create great environments for fungal growth, so be sure to alternate days wearing tights or gloves and let them air out overnight. Sprinkle antibacterial foot powder on your feet and in your shoes, and change your socks right after you exercise to ensure your hands and feet are as clean and dry as possible.

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Wash socks with disinfectant.
Add a capful of liquid disinfectant to the final rinse cycle of socks and pantyhose to help destroy fungus, says Teresa G. Conroy, a Philadelphia-based doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM). Or soak your hose in a disinfectant solution for a few minutes before washing.

Soak your digits in a weak acid.
See some spots forming? Soak your nails in a solution of one part vinegar and five parts water. Fungus can't live in an acidic environment.

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Protect your nails from trauma.

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Not that you bump into things on purpose, but here's a reason to be extra careful: Stubbing your toe can cut your toenail bed and give fungus an opening. Ditto for biting or chewing your nails, so keep your nails out of your mouth. And be sure you wear shoes with enough room wiggle your longest toe around. Also, if you scrub your feet with a brush, avoid bristles so rough they damage the toenail beds.

Strengthen your immune system.
A weakened immune system makes you more susceptible to fungal infections. Make sure you're managing your stress with activities like hiking or meditation, and aim for at least 7 hours of sleep every night. (Stay healthy with these 5 immune-boosting smoothies.)

Try this preventative foot soak.
A saline solution provides a hostile environment for fungus, decreases excess perspiration, and softens skin so antifungal medicine can penetrate deeper. Soak your feet for 5 to 10 minutes in a mixture of 2 teaspoons of salt per pint of warm water, says podiatric surgeon Suzanne M. Levine, DPM.

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Stop all that snipping.

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Your cuticle is essentially scar tissue—and the last line of defense against fungus and bacteria entering through the nail bed. So when you snip it away, not only do you leave yourself susceptible to infections, fungus, and seriously painful hangnails, but you also make it come back heavier and heavier each time. So put down the snippers, and soak your digits in some warm water. Rub some Deborah Lippmann Cuticle Oil ($20, sephora.com) on your cuticles, sit tight until they're soft, and gently push them back with a cuticle pusher. Bonus tip: Cuticle oil does wonders for dry heels and elbows, too.

Practice safe mani-pedis.

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High-traffic salons can be a hotbed for fungus. Before trying a salon, ask them how they prevent the spread of toenail fungus. Hopefully they open up a new set of tools for every customer, and also line their pedicure tubs with a new plastic protector each time. Also, don't be afraid to inquire about their latest health inspection certificate. Consider bringing your own nail polish: if you see polishes on the shelves that have separated in the bottle, you know those haven't been opened in a long time and so could be harboring bacteria.

If it's too late to prevent nail fungus, try these remedies...
There are a couple of new fungus treatments on the market that some claim work better than older drugs. Both of these topical treatments—Kerydin and Jublia—should cure you of your nail nemesis.

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