Toenail Fungus Home Remedies Do They Really Work

Hello. I am Dr. Lee Sang-ju, a board-certified dermatologist.

Nail fungus is a condition where a fungus called dermatophyte invades the nails, causing them to turn yellow or crumble. It's so common that 8 out of 10 Koreans have experienced it, but misinformation and incorrect treatments often spread online as facts, so caution is needed. Today, I will correct misunderstandings about nail fungus and inform you about effective treatment methods.

Can I treat nail fungus with vinegar or glacial acetic acid?

Online, you can often find reviews claiming that vinegar or glacial acetic acid improved nail fungus. Vinegar and glacial acetic acid are acidic substances that can temporarily eliminate fungal cells on the skin surface. However, nail fungus is deeply embedded between the nail and the skin beneath it, making complete treatment difficult with these methods unless the nail almost falls off.

Improper use can even lead to serious side effects such as ulcers on the skin. As the saying goes, "trying to remove a wart and getting another one," many people seek medical attention with bigger problems after trying to cure a disease, so it is absolutely not recommended.

What about garlic and baking soda?

There are also home remedies that involve grinding garlic and applying it, based on the idea that since the fungus is strong, it should be treated with something strong. However, garlic can cause strong irritation to the skin, worsening inflammation and inducing contact dermatitis, so it should not be used.

Baking soda is alkaline and may have some effect in exfoliating dead skin cells. However, it has limitations in completely removing nail fungus.

Will soaking my feet in water frequently make the fungus disappear?

While it's important to wash your feet frequently and dry them thoroughly, soaking your feet in lukewarm water for about 30 minutes once a day can actually worsen nail fungus. Fungi, which cause nail fungus, thrive in humid environments, so it's best to avoid making your feet damp.

Is it true that nail fungus medication is strong and should not be taken for a long time?

Nail fungus medication is metabolized through the liver, so it can have liver toxicity. Therefore, compared to other medications, it is necessary to take it while regularly checking liver function tests. Since it takes about 2 years for a nail to grow from end to end, treatment often requires taking medication for 6 months to over a year once started. This can lead to the misconception that the medication is strong.

However, if you take the medication under the guidance of a dermatologist and undergo regular blood tests, you can expect effective treatment with reduced side effects.

If nail fungus is severe, do I have to have the nail removed?

If nail fungus is severe, unsightly, and has turned yellow, simply removing the nail is not recommended. In most cases, the fungus recurs on the new nail that grows back, and improper removal can lead to side effects such as changes in nail shape. Instead of achieving a treatment effect, it can cause new problems.

However, in specific cases where the nail is deeply ingrown or there is a problem with the tissue that forms the nail, a dermatologist may consider nail removal as a treatment option.

How does PinPointe Laser kill nail fungus?

PinPointe Laser works by irradiating the nail with a 1064nm wavelength laser, which penetrates the nail to kill the dermatophyte beneath it. This treatment not only directly removes the fungus but also promotes faster nail growth, effectively pushing out the infected nail. It is known as one of the effective methods that can be treated without oral medication.

During laser treatment, some people believe that the stronger the 'heat' sensation, the better the effect. However, excessive laser treatment can cause side effects such as burns. With PinPointe Laser, it is important to treat safely and effectively according to a defined protocol, and simply feeling hot is not necessarily better. Both temperature and duration are important considerations.

Nail Fungus Management Tips

• Does filing down nails at a nail salon help? Filing down nails alone cannot completely eliminate fungus. However, making thickened nails thinner allows topical medications or lasers to penetrate better, increasing treatment effectiveness. Since the fungus is in the lowest layer of the nail, thinning the nail improves the penetration rate of medications and lasers, aiding in treatment.

• Can I file my nails at home? Filing your nails a little at home can be helpful. However, it can be contagious to others, so you must use tools only for yourself.

• Why does nail fungus worsen in the summer? Nail fungus is a type of fungus that thrives in hot and humid environments. In summer, indoor humidity increases, so nail fungus tends to increase as well.

  It is important to create an environment that fungi dislike. Just as important as washing thoroughly is drying thoroughly, and it is also advisable to dry shoes before wearing them. Washing socks well and keeping them dry also helps as an adjunct to nail fungus treatment.

We have discussed the misconceptions and truths about nail fungus. If you have any questions, please consult a dermatologist. Thank you.