Epsom Salt For Toenail Fungus: How Does It Work
If you didnt know, Epsom salt has numerous beneficial properties.
People refer to it as one of the most potent home remedies. Among others, it can be used for pain, exfoliation, treating splinters, but also troublesome conditions like toenail fungus.
Like most types of salt, Epsom salt is great for exfoliation and removing dead skin, making it really efficient for fungus. This also makes it a great but cheap cosmetic product. It works well for inflammation as it is able to remove various toxins from the body.
Although the product has numerous benefits, you still need to be careful when using it. Irritations are commonplace, so you will have to be attentive when you start using it for the first time. No matter how you’re using it, start with smaller dosages and see how your body reacts to it.
Oftentimes, people use it as an additional medication. It is especially great for toenail fungus as it can be used in conjunction with other topical creams and home remedies. Still, you will have to consult your doctor beforehand. Keep in mind there are certain conditions which are worsened by salt, so its not as if you can use it on any occasion.
What Is The Best Medication For Toenail Fungus
Below is a list of the most recommended prescription treatment for toenail fungus.
Best medications for toenail fungus | |
---|---|
Drug name | |
200 mg once daily for 12 consecutive weeks | Nausea, vomiting, rash, headache |
Dosage is determined by your doctor based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and age. Other possible side effects exist. This is not a complete list. A very rare side effect can be trouble breathing if this occurs, seek immediate emergency medical attention.
Causes Of Toenail Fungus
Well, essentially its an imbalance of bad bacteria to good bacteria in your body. Just like with other health conditions that stem from gut-related problems, when you dont have enough good bacteria living within your gut, you wind up developing high levels of yeast and fungus in your body that can show up on your skin.
Besides poor gut health, other risk factors that can tip the scale in terms of an infection forming include:
- Having athletes foot
- Coming into contact with fungi, for example in nail salons, contaminated swimming pools, gyms and saunas
- Damaged nail beds
- Wearing dirty or tight shoes
- Skin conditions, such as psoriasis
- Circulation problems in the legs, from existing conditions like diabetes or artery disease
- A weakened immune system
- Genetic predisposition
In particular, fungal nail infections can be caused by three different types of fungus, either by themselves or in combination:
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Essential Oils For Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus is a very common fungal infection that can be quite stubborn and difficult to treat. Fortunately, a number of essential oils appear to be very effective against toenail fungus. The best choices include :
- Tea tree essential oil
For a detailed article about the best essential oils for toenail fungus and how to use them, click on the following link. 11 Science Based Essential Oils for Toenail Fungus.
Make An Antifungal Foot Soak
![The good, the bad, and the fungi The good, the bad, and the fungi](https://www.fungusprotalk.com/wp-content/uploads/the-good-the-bad-and-the-fungi-the-bl_nkpage.jpeg)
Soaking your feet can also be a useful technique in reducing or eliminating toenail fungus. Many common household items can be used to make a healing antifungal foot bath. Mix one or more of the following with warm water and soak feet for 15 to 20 minutes. After foot bath, rinse feet with clean water and pat dry.
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Thieves oil
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Fungal Nail Prevention Tips
-
Treat athletes foot as soon as possible to prevent it from spreading to your toenails
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Wear sandals or flip-flops in shower rooms at gyms and pools to avoid catching a fungal infection
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Look after your toenails by keeping them trimmed and clean
Dont
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Do not wear ill-fitting shoes or shoes that make your feet hot and sweaty
Which Probiotics Should You Take With Antibiotics
Your pharmacy probably has shelves filled with different bottles of probiotics. How do you choose the right probiotics to take with your antibiotics? Dr. Bryan Tran, cofounder of DrFormulas, recommends looking for probiotics that have the three Ds:
Dose: The amount of active micro-organisms in a probiotic is measured in colony-forming units, or CFUs. You want a dose with 10 billion CFUs or higher, Dr. Tran says. This dose may appear on the product label as 1 x 1010. And while you may see probiotics with 100 billion or more CFUs, according to Dr. Hoberman, you generally stop reaping added benefits after about 20 billion.
Diversity: The label on a bottle of probiotics will also tell you which bacteria strains the capsules contain. Look for probiotics that have five to 10 unique strains. Studies that compare single-strain probiotics to multi-strain probiotics have found that a variety of strains is more effective at reducing diarrhea, Dr. Tran says.
Delayed-release mechanism: Finally, look for probiotics that use delayed-release capsules. When you take probiotics orally, you expose them to your stomach acid and that reduces the effective dosage that makes it to the gut, Dr. Tran says. Probiotics with delayed-release mechanisms wont release the microorganisms until they go past the stomach.
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What The Experts Say
The most common presentation of toenail fungus is a white/yellow discoloration of the nail that is thick and filled with yellow/white keratin debris. The more severe the toenail fungus, the thicker the nail, and the more nails involved makes it that much harder to treat the nails even with effective therapies.” Orit Markowitz, MD, founder and CEO of OptiSkin treatment center in New York City.
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White Fungus: Benefits Uses And What To Know
1 ).
It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Today, its still lauded for its medicinal benefits, including its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
This article explores the benefits, uses, downsides, and ways to prepare and enjoy white fungus.
1 ).
Its also known as snow fungus, silver ear, snow ear, white wood ear, and white jelly mushroom due to its characteristic features and because its generally found attached to fallen branches of broad-leaved trees.
It has a white to pale yellow color, a soft, jelly-like texture thats almost translucent, and a shape that resembles underwater coral.
White fungus commonly grows in Asia but is also found in tropical climates worldwide, including South and Central America, Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands .
It has been used as a medicinal herb in Chinese medicine for years to promote health and longevity .
Summary
White fungus is an edible medicinal mushroom with a gelatinous texture and a coral shape. It commonly grows in Asia and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for years.
Theres currently no available information on white fungus nutritional value.
However, its nutrition profile is likely similar to that of other wild mushrooms or mushrooms in general.
Overall, mushrooms tend to be low in calories and provide small amounts of protein and fiber .
However, more human research is needed to better understand what this means for human health.
Antifungal Medicines For Children
Some antifungal medicines can be used to treat children and babies for example, miconazole oral gel can be used for oral thrush in babies.
But different doses are usually needed for children of different ages. Speak to a pharmacist or GP for more advice.
Page last reviewed: 27 July 2020 Next review due: 27 July 2023
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When Should I See My Doctor About A Rash
Most rashes are not serious. But its always a good idea to see your healthcare provider if you have skin changes. Your provider can recommend a course of treatment to help you feel better and diagnose any underlying conditions.
- Is all over your body.
- Starts suddenly and spreads quickly.
- Is painful, blistered or infected.
- Happens along with a fever.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Fungal skin rashes can be uncomfortable and itchy, but they are treatable. See your healthcare provider if you notice any rashes or changes in your skin. Typically, a course of antifungal creams will clear up the rash and relieve the itchiness. Your healthcare provider can also discuss preventive steps to keep the rash from coming back.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 09/25/2020.
References
Making A Foot Soak With Epsom Salt For Toenail Fungus
![Good Fungi, Healthy Roots, Happy Plants Presentation with ... Good Fungi, Healthy Roots, Happy Plants Presentation with ...](https://www.fungusprotalk.com/wp-content/uploads/good-fungi-healthy-roots-happy-plants-presentation-with.jpeg)
Making Epsom foot soak is rather easy. Here is the step-by-step process:
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Precautions When Using Essential Oils
There is no doubt that essential oils can help treat a wide range of conditions including fungal and yeast infections. Having said that, they still need to be treated with respect. Essential oils are extremely powerful plant extracts and when used incorrectly can cause unwanted side effects.
- Never ingest essential oils unless you are under the supervision of an expert. Ingestion of essential oils can cause toxicity.
- Most essential oils can be applied topically as long as they are diluted before you use them. You should either dilute them in water or in a suitable carrier oil. Potential carrier oils include jojoba, coconut oil and sweet almond oil but there are plenty of others to choose from. Applying essential oils neat to the skin can cause an allergic reaction.
- Even after diluting your essential oil, you should [perform a patch test on a discrete area of skin before going ahead and applying a larger dose.
- Not all antifungal essential oils will be effective against all types of yeast and fungus. Your choice of oil will depend on the fungus you are trying to treat. Do your research carefully and consult an expert before making your choice.
- If the fungal infection does not clear up after treatment with essential oils, it is recommended that you speak to your doctor.
Side Effects Of Antifungal Medicines
Antifungal medicines may cause side effects. These are usually mild and do not last long.
They can include:
- a rash
Occasionally, antifungal medicines may cause a more severe reaction, such as:
- an allergic reaction your face, neck or tongue may swell and you may have difficulty breathing
- a severe skin reaction such as peeling or blistering skin
- liver damage you may have loss of appetite, vomiting, nausea, jaundice, dark pee or pale poo, tiredness or weakness
Stop using the medicine if you have these severe side effects, and see a GP or pharmacist to find an alternative.
If you’re having difficulty breathing, go to A& E or call 999.
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What Is The Best Home Remedy For Toenail Fungus
Self-care and body awareness can be key in keeping toenail fungus at bay. Wash feet with warm soapy water and pat completely dry to reduce the spread or growth of fungus on the feet. Allow feet to breathe when possible. Protect your feet and wear breathable shoes and clean socks. Change socks regularly and wash in hot water if you are struggling with toenail fungus. Over-the-counter antifungal powders used for treating athlete’s foot can also be used for treating mild cases of toenail fungus.
Avoid nail polish and pedicures that use polish or nail plate coatings. Even though you may want to conceal the discolored or warped look of an infected toenail, allowing maximum air circulation to the nail and skin of the toes is best.
Antifungal Creams Gels And Sprays
Most mild and common fungal infections can be treated with topical ointments, creams, gels, and sprays. These include:
1. Clotrimazole — a cream or spray that can treat athlete’s foot, ringworm, fungal nail infection, infected nappy rash, rash in folds of skin , and thrush
2. Miconazole — a cream meant to treat vagnial yeast infections
3. Econazole — a cream that treats fungal skin infections like jock itch, athletes foot, and ringworm
4. Ketoconazole — a cream primarily used to treat fungal skin infections all over the body also available as an over-the-counter shampoo to reduce flaking, itching, dandruff, etc.
5. Terbinafine — comes as a cream, gel or spray for treating fungal skin infections like the ones already mentioned
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Simple Home Remedies For Fungal Infections
Many people suffer from fungal infections at least once in their lives. Poor hygiene, humidity, and warm climate are possible causes of fungal infections. Diaper rash, athletes foot, jock itch, and oral thrush are some common fungal infections. Although it goes by the name ringworm, this is not a worm but a fungus, it is also one of the most common types of fungal infections in humans. A reason athletes foot and jock itch are common is due to the moist, damp environment with no fresh air, this allows the fungus that is usually present on almost everyones skin to multiply and grow uncontrollably.
A lot of fungi that cause these infections are already becoming resistant to more aggressive forms of medications. While over-the-counter medicines and antifungal creams are readily available in the market, most fungal infections respond very positively to home remedies. Let us take a look at some of them.
Tea Tree Essential Oil For Nail Fungus
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Tea tree oil is effective to treat a specific kind of toenail fungus. It is the t. rubrum nail fungi infection.
If you see a yellowish thickening on the toenail, this is likely to be the t. ruburum fungi. You can consult the physician in this regard as well.
How to use tea tree essential oil?
The best part about using tea tree oil for toenail fungus is its diversity of use. It can be used by mixing it with different toenail fungus treatments.
Apply it directly by mixing with a carrier oil, mix it with a cream, or apply it with any other home remedy to increase the effectiveness.
To use the teat tree oil, you need a carrier oil. It can be any oil, but preferably olive or coconut oils. They are moisturizing and can carry the tea tree oil better than others.
Apply this mixture to the infected area for three weeks twice a day. It will be effective for the initial stage toenail fungus.
Foot soak
If you want to keep the entire foot clean, as the toenail fungus is likely to spread then try the foot soaks.
Foot soaks can take time and for the busy bees it is a bit irritating. All you have to do is soak your feet in the tea tree oil in a bucket full of water.
Repeat this thrice a week to treat toenail fungus. It is better to apply another home remedy, be it a mixture of tea tree oil for fast and effective results.
Side effects of essential tea tree oil
It has the following side effects.
So, here is the best tea tree essential oil to cure the toenail fungus.
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