Toenail Fungus
The Toenail Fungus section provides the latest research and treatments, offering effective solutions for prevention and management of fungal infections affecting toenails.
Can You Use Essential Oil for Toenail Fungus?
Signs and symptoms The most obvious sign of fungal infection in the toenails is a change in nail color. Affected nails often turn a brownish hue or a yellowish-white shade. As the infection advances, the discoloration can affect additional nails. If left untreated, the fungus can cause the nails to become thicker and may even lead to cracking. Your healthcare provider may recommend prescription antifungal drugs to treat toenail fungus,…
What Is Black Fungus, and Does It Have Benefits?
Black fungus (Auricularia polytricha) is an edible wild mushroom often called tree ear or cloud ear fungus, named for its dark, ear-like appearance. (img by Everyday Health) Although it is most commonly found in China, it also grows well in tropical regions such as the Pacific Islands, Nigeria, Hawaii, and India. In the wild it grows on trunks and fallen logs, but it can also be cultivated (1). Recognized for…
Do Air Purifiers Actually Work?
Portable air purifiers can support cleaner indoor air by reducing airborne particles, adjusting humidity levels in certain settings, and limiting exposure to common indoor pollutants. Still, selecting the appropriate model for your specific environment and health needs is essential for meaningful results. Many home air purifiers advertise themselves as dependable solutions for indoor air quality concerns. But do they truly purify the air inside your home? The brief answer is…
How Long Do the Symptoms of Eczema Last?
Key takeaways • Eczema symptoms may linger for several weeks. Acute episodes can improve with appropriate treatment, while chronic eczema often involves repeated flare-ups over a lifetime. • Taking preventive steps—such as identifying and avoiding triggers, maintaining skin hydration with moisturizers, and managing indoor heat and humidity—can lower the risk of flare-ups. • Treatment for eczema depends on individual triggers and may include antihistamines, allergy shots, biologic therapy, phototherapy, and…
Everything You Need to Know About Fungal Skin Infections
Candidiasis, scalp ringworm, jock itch, and athlete’s foot are all forms of fungal skin infections. In certain situations, oral antifungal medications may be necessary to fully clear the infection. What is a fungal skin infection? Fungi are present virtually everywhere in our environment. They live in soil, circulate in the air, and even reside inside the human body. These microscopic organisms can also be found on plants, household surfaces, and…
Why You Shouldn’t Use Bleach to Get Rid of Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus can transform a once-healthy nail into one that’s discolored, thickened, and prone to cracking. Although fungal infections of the nails are common, that doesn’t mean household chemicals like bleach are a safe or effective remedy. Read on to learn why bleach is not recommended for toenail fungus and which treatments physicians typically advise instead. Risks of using bleach on toenail fungus Bleach (sodium hypochlorite) may actually make toenail…
Can You Get Rid of Fingernail Fungus Quickly?
Fingernail fungal infections can require a long time to resolve, and you might not see the affected nail fully regenerate for several months. Prescription therapies remain the only proven means to eliminate nail fungus. If you’ve observed nail discoloration paired with gradual thickening, you could be facing a fingernail fungal infection. Nail fungus (onychomycosis) is a prevalent infection that occurs when fungi invade and spread within the nail. Although most…
What Causes a Fungus to Grow Under Acrylic Nails, and How Do You Treat It?
In fungal infections, invasive fungi grow on or within your body. Many fungal species are normally present on your skin or nails in small amounts. Some infections occur when these organisms overgrow, while others are due to fungi that aren’t usually part of your body’s microbiome. Fungal infections are a fairly common issue associated with acrylic nails, which are synthetic nails affixed atop your natural fingernails. In most instances, these…
Is Tea Tree Oil a Safe and Effective Treatment for Nail Fungus?
Many online sources claim that applying tea tree oil routinely can clear up nail fungus, but scientific findings are inconsistent. Tea tree oil is an essential oil credited with several therapeutic effects. Because it exhibits antifungal and antiseptic qualities, some people believe it could serve as a remedy for fungal nail infections. (img by wikiHow) Still, study outcomes are mixed. More recent research suggests tea tree oil may be a…
How Fast Does UV Light Kill Fungus? Real Results for Real People
Fungus vs. UV: Let’s Get Real Okay, honest moment… have you ever peeled off your socks, stared at your toes, and wondered, “Wait, is that normal?!” (Yeah. Me too.) Toenail fungus loves making a cameo right when you’re thinking about sandals or—heaven forbid—a date at the pool. (img by Iksbeauty) If you’ve ever gone down the late-night Google rabbit hole, you know there are a million-and-one “cures” for fungus. Creams,…
