Nail Fungus: Symptoms, Causes, Best Treatment and Cure

Nail Fungus: Causes, Symptoms, and Best Natural Treatments

Nail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis, is a common condition that can affect anyone at any point in their life. Although it often starts as a mild discolouration, it can gradually lead to thickening, brittleness, and even deformation of the nails, making it both unsightly and uncomfortable. Let’s explore the best toe nail fungus treatment.

Toenails tend to be more commonly affected than fingernails with fungus, especially the big toenail. The infection develops slowly and, if left untreated, can spread and become more challenging to manage over time.

Understanding the symptoms, causes, and best natural treatment options for nail fungus can help in managing and curing this common and stubborn condition.

Fungal Overgrowth Around the Nail: Key Points and Overview

Nail fungus, typically resulting from an overgrowth of fungi on, under, or within the nail, thrives in warm, moist environments. Toenails are especially vulnerable since they’re frequently confined in shoes, providing the perfect conditions for fungal growth.

Certain individuals are at higher risk, including older adults, athletes, and those with compromised immune systems, diabetes, or a genetic predisposition. Fungal infections can spread easily in communal spaces like showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools, where spores are more prevalent.

Once established, a fungal nail infection can be difficult to treat due to the slow growth rate of nails, particularly toenails. Effective treatment may take months to over a year, requiring patience and consistent application of antifungal solutions. (NIH). For those experiencing symptoms like nail discolouration, thickening, or brittleness, early intervention is crucial to prevent worsening infections or entire nail loss.

Both topical and oral treatments are available, but they are most effective when the infection is detected early. In some cases, healthcare professionals recommend a combination approach, such as internal antifungal medications along with topical creams, lotions, or drops, to maximise effectiveness.

Key Considerations and Prevention Tips

Risk Factors: Age, athlete status, immune system health, diabetes, genetics, and frequent exposure to communal spaces increase susceptibility.
Treatment Challenges: Slow nail growth makes treatment a long-term commitment, often requiring months of diligent application.
Available Treatments: Options include topical and oral antifungal combination treatments are recommended for chronic and long-standing infections.
Preventive Measures:
Practice good foot hygiene, such as daily washing and thorough drying.
Wear breathable (open) footwear and change socks regularly. Cotton or wool socks are best.
Avoid going barefoot in communal areas, like pools and gym showers, a favourite breeding ground for the Trichophyton fungus.
Regularly trim and clean nails to prevent fungal buildup. Barefoot is encouraged in your own home.

This comprehensive guide will explore all these aspects in detail, providing essential information to help you finally get rid of nail fungus for good.

What Are The Causes Of Nail Fungus?

Nail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common infection that occurs when fungi grow in, under, or on the nail. This growth is often fuelled by the dark, warm, and moist conditions found in enclosed environments, like the inside (especially the toe region) of shoes or boots, which are ideal for fungal proliferation.

The same fungi responsible for conditions like jock itch, athlete’s foot, and ringworm can also invade the nails, causing fungal nail infections. These fungi, primarily dermatophytes, thrive in warm, damp environments, which makes certain parts of the body, such as the feet, particularly vulnerable to infection. Fungal infections are far more common in toenails than in fingernails, largely due to the conditions under which toenails exist.

Feet enclosed in shoes throughout the day, which trap moisture and heat—ideal conditions for fungal growth. Unlike fingernails, toenails receive limited exposure to air, allowing fungi to proliferate.

Additionally, toenails are more likely to experience micro-traumas from activities like walking, running, or wearing tight footwear. These small injuries can create openings between the nail and nail bed, making it easier for fungi to enter and establish an infection. The limited blood circulation to toes also makes it harder for the body’s immune system to detect and fight off fungal invaders, allowing the infection to persist and sometimes spread.

Key Causes and Pathways of Infection

Direct Contact and Environment:
Exposure to infected surfaces, such as public showers, swimming pools, or contaminated items like shared towels and nail clippers, can lead to fungal infections. Nail salons that do not properly disinfect may also pose a risk, as emery boards and clippers can spread fungi from one person to another.
Existing Fungi on the Body:
Fungi that naturally live on the skin can infiltrate nails, particularly if there are small cuts or separation between the nail and nail bed, allowing fungi to invade.
Fungal Spread from Other Infections: Individuals with athlete’s foot (a fungal infection between the toes) are at risk of the fungus spreading to the nails.

Common Fungal Organisms Causing Nail Infections

microscopic picture of trichophyton rubrum

Nail infections are caused by a variety of fungal species, including dermatophytes, molds, and yeasts. Dermatophytes are responsible for most cases of nail fungus however, particularly in toenails. The global prevalence of nail fungus is about 5.5%, according to recent studies, making it a common nail infection (Leung et al., 2020).

A 2013 review of 11 population-based and 21 hospital-based studies found a slightly lower mean prevalence of 4.3% in North America and Europe. These findings highlight the widespread nature of nail fungus, especially in regions with higher risk factors. (Lipner et al., 20-19).

Dermatophytes (responsible for about 90% of toenail infections and 50% of fingernail infections) (Appelt et al., 2021) include:
Trichophyton and Microsporum species. (Bodman et al., 2024).
Other dermatophyte species, such as Epidermophyton.
Non-Dermatophytes
Molds (about 8–10% of cases): Includes Aspergillus, Scopulariopsis, Fusarium, and Paecilomyces species. These fungi are typically less aggressive but can still cause persistent infections. (Youssef et al., 2018). Non-dermatophyte molds account for 10% of nail fungus cases globally (Gupta et al., 2018).
Yeasts (around 2% of cases, more commonly in fingernails): Candida albicans and occasionally non-albicans species, such as Candida tropicalis and Candida parapsilosis, can lead to infections, especially in fingernails (Shi et al., 2024).

Nail Infection Biofilm Formation and Drug Resistance

Recent studies have highlighted the role of biofilm formation in fungal nail infections (Martinez et al., 2010). Dermatophytes, fungi that infect skin, nails, and hair, often form biofilms—structured communities that adhere to surfaces and protect the fungi from antifungal treatments. These biofilms act as barriers, reducing drug penetration and enabling fungal cells to survive for prolonged periods in the body.

Resilience is a major factor in why dermatophytic infections can be challenging to treat, as the biofilm matrix shields the fungi from both the immune system and medications, often necessitating prolonged or intensified treatments to penetrate and eradicate the infection (Markantonatou et al., 2023).

Key Points About Nail Fungus Biofilms

Survival Advantage: Fungal cells within biofilms communicate and share resources, aiding long-term survival.
Enhanced Resistance: Biofilm structure makes antifungal penetration difficult, decreasing treatment effectiveness.
Chronic Infections: Biofilms can lead to persistent, difficult-to-clear, and drug-resistant nail fungus infections (Gupta et al., 2017).
Treatment Challenges: Often require longer treatment courses or combination therapies due to biofilm-associated resistance.
Potential for New Treatments: Targeting biofilm-specific characteristics is a focus for developing more effective treatments.

Who Is at Higher Risk for Fungal Nail Infections?

Certain individuals are more susceptible to developing fungal nail infections due to health conditions, environmental exposure, and lifestyle factors.

Age and Health Conditions:
Older adults (over 65), people with diabetes, immuno-compromised individuals (such as those with HIV), those with psoriasis and people with peripheral arterial disease have an increased risk of nail fungus.
Genetic and Environmental Factors:
Nail fungus can run in families, particularly if there is a genetic predisposition.
Nail fungus is more common in athletes and people who frequently use communal changing areas or public showers.
Office workers, factory workers, especially those with occlusive footwear or who wear shoes and socks for prolonged periods.
Lifestyle Factors:
Diets high in sugar, refined carbohydrates, or excessive alcohol intake.
Smoking, obesity, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating, ), and nail trauma increase the risk of infection.
Other conditions like athlete’s foot, psoriasis, and poor circulation are associated with higher rates of nail infections.

Awareness of these factors and adopting preventive measures, like avoiding shared nail tools and wearing protective footwear in public spaces, can help reduce the risk of contracting a fungal nail infection.

How Is Nail Fungus Diagnosed?

A scientist in a white lab coat and blue gloves is looking through a microscope in a laboratory setting. Various lab equipment is visible on the table.

To diagnose nail fungus, a physical examination of all nails is essential. Dermatologists may use dermoscopy to distinguish fungal infections from other nail disorders. Clippings and tissue from affected nails are also taken for laboratory analysis. They are even using artificial intelligence today to diagnose. (Lim et al., 2021).

Collecting these samples prior to any treatment ensures accurate results, as prior treatment can reduce the likelihood of identifying the causative fungus. Fungal culture testing remains the standard, though it can take several weeks for results. PCR testing, though faster and highly specific, is more costly and less common.

Additional Diagnostic Tools:

Specimen collection: Taken from the crumbling edges to identify specific organisms, crucial for selecting the right treatment.
Fungal culture testing: Involves thorough nail cleaning before sample collection.
Other techniques: Confocal microscopy, optical coherence tomography, and biopsies can offer further diagnostic insights in complex cases.

What Does Toenail Fungus Look Like?

Nail fungus, toenail fungus or onychomycosis, can present with a range of visible changes to the nail and surrounding skin. These common symptoms and characteristics can help in identifying and diagnosing the condition:

Thickening and Scale Buildup Beneath the Nail, often pushing the nail plate upwards and creating a bumpy texture (subungual hyperkeratosis)
Jagged, Crumbling Nail Edge: The free end of the nail may become ragged, brittle, and prone to crumbling. This is often one of the earlier signs of fungal invasion, as the fungus begins to break down the nail’s structure.
Nail Discolouration: Affected nails can turn a variety of colors, including yellow, white, gray, brown, or even green, depending on the type of fungi involved. This discoloration usually starts in spots or streaks and spreads over time.
Nail Deformation: The nail may develop ridges, grooves, or an irregular surface. In advanced cases, the nail plate may be almost entirely destroyed.
Scaling or Peeling of Skin: Many cases of toenail fungus are accompanied by scaling and peeling on the sole of the foot (plantar area) and between the toes, a condition often associated with tinea pedis (athlete’s foot).
Thick Area Within Nail Plate (Dermatophytoma): This is a localized, thickened area of infection within the nail plate, appearing as a thick, often opaque mass that can resist standard topical treatments.

Each of these symptoms may vary in intensity, depending on the infection’s duration and severity. Understanding these features can help distinguish nail fungus from other nail conditions and guide more effective treatment strategies.

Nail Fungus Images

Most Common Toenail Infection

The most common toenail infection is a distal subungual infection, which can also affect fingernails. This type of fungal infection causes jagged edges and white or yellow streaks along the nail (Leung et al., 2020).

Dermatologists, who specialise in skin, hair, and nail diseases, describe this infection as one that penetrates the nail bed and spreads underneath the nail (sub-ungual).

Over time, the distal end of the nail—the part farthest from the heel—along with the sides, may lift, crack, discolour, and crumble, further weakening the nail’s structure.

Other Common Toenail Infections

Proximal subungual infections are a less common form of nail fungus that can impact both fingernails and toenails. This type of infection typically begins at the base of the nail, (the proximal end) where yellow or white spots form and gradually spread toward the nail’s tip as the infection advances. (Bodman et al., 2024).

People with compromised immune systems, such as those with HIV or diabetes, are more susceptible to proximal subungual infections due to their reduced ability to fight off fungal pathogens.

Minor trauma or injury to the nail can also create an entry point for the fungus, allowing it to establish and spread beneath the nail plate.
This form of infection often requires prompt treatment, as it can indicate underlying immune issues and may progress more aggressively than other types.

Recent or Acute Toenail Infection

Acute toenail fungal infections typically begin with subtle changes, such as a slight yellow or white discolouration near the edge or middle of the nail or minor thickening. These infections are recent and may progress slowly, often starting as a small spot that gradually expands.

Symptoms like slight crumbling or brittleness may appear, but the infection is usually contained to part of the nail surface. Early-stage infections respond well to topical antifungal treatments and lifestyle adjustments, such as keeping feet dry and clean. Prompt treatment can help clear the infection and prevent it from spreading further. Oral antifungal medications at this stage can help significantly.

Severe or Chronic Toenail Infections

Chronic or prolonged fungal toenail infections can cause significant nail damage over time. In severe cases, the nail may become thickened, deformed, and darkened, with extensive crumbling and brittleness leading to partial or complete nail loss.

These infections often extend deep into the nail bed and may cause discomfort or even pain. Treating chronic infections is more challenging; oral antifungal medications are often necessary and may need to be taken for months to ensure the fungus is fully eradicated. In some cases, partial or complete nail removal may be required to eliminate the infection entirely.

Nail Fungus Treatment

Fungal nail infections caused by yeast and mold are some of the most stubborn and frustrating fungal issues, often returning despite treatment and taking a long time to fully resolve. However, with a comprehensive approach, managing and even preventing these infections is possible.

The critical point in treating toenail fungus is to address it from all angles: diet, lifestyle, and targeted treatment—both locally and systemically. Simply applying an ointment or taking pills won’t be enough for a lasting cure. Achieving success requires a multi-pronged approach for the best possible outcome.

Here are some of the best tips for keeping nail fungus at bay and effective natural treatments to combat it if it arises. Some of these suggestions may be familiar, while others might be new:

Clean and Dry Environment

One of the simplest but most important practices is to maintain clean, dry feet and hands. Damp environments encourage fungal growth, so drying thoroughly after any exposure to moisture, like a shower, exercise, or unexpected rain, is key.

Many people overlook drying between the toes or behind the nails, creating a perfect environment for fungus to thrive. Similarly, those in professions requiring enclosed shoes or gloves—such as athletes, farmers, or office workers—are at higher risk. For them, frequent sock and shoe changes, sunlight exposure and airing out shoes can help reduce fungal spread.

Sun and Beach

Taking a barefoot walk on the beach or airing feet in open sandals at home can also help, as fresh air and sun exposure discourage fungal growth. Another powerful tool in fighting nail yeast infections is sunlight. Fungi thrive in dark, moist environments, and just 15 minutes a day of sunlight on affected nails can make a difference.

Adding a few drops of tea tree oil to socks or shoes can provide further defence, as it has strong antifungal properties that help keep yeast at bay. When it comes to treating an existing infection, natural remedies like tea tree oil, oregano oil, and apple cider vinegar (ACV) are excellent options. These natural antifungals help to gradually eliminate yeast infections without the harsh side effects of some medications.

Consistent application is crucial, as nails grow slowly and fungal infections take time to fully eradicate. A treatment that’s both effective and gentle, such as a tea tree oil foot soak or an ACV bath, can yield significant results with a little patience.

Best Tips for Preventing and Treating Nail Yeast Infections:

Keep Feet and Hands Dry: Always dry thoroughly, especially between toes.
Let Feet Breathe: Barefoot when possible, or wear open-toed shoes at home to allow airflow.
Use Sunlight as Treatment: Brief daily sun exposure can reduce fungal growth.
Change Socks and Shoes Regularly: Avoid wearing the same pair for consecutive days.
Try Natural Remedies: Tea Tree Oil, Oregano Oil, and ACV foot baths are gentle yet effective.
Avoid Artificial Nails: They trap moisture and worsen infections.
Be Persistent: Consistency is key; nail yeast infections take time to fully resolve.

With these tips and some patience, you can manage and prevent nail yeast infections effectively and naturally.

Does Candida In The Gut Lead To Fungal Nail Infection?

Candida infections can vary widely, from being isolated in the digestive system to affecting other parts of the body. In many cases, Candida overgrowth is confined to the gut, with no infections in the nails, genitals, ears, or skin.

This localised Candida overgrowth generally stays within the digestive tract, causing issues but not spreading peripherally. However, fungal nail infections, especially toenail fungus, are often linked to Candida in the gut, even when Candida isn’t detected in peripheral cultures.

In my clinical experience, stool tests frequently revealed high levels of Candida, suggesting an internal fungal presence, which may contribute to persistent nail fungus.

Key Points:

Gut-Centered Candida:
Candida overgrowth can start in the gut, colonising different areas, including the large intestine. In these cases, peripheral nail, genital, or skin fungal infections may develop, indicating an internal fungal issue rather than a purely topical one (Alonso-Monge et al., 2021).
Peripheral Candida Infections:
While it’s rare, Candida can sometimes affect areas like the nails, genitals, or skin without any gut involvement. However, most cases of toenail or skin fungal infections show some level of Candida activity in the gut. (Elewski et al., 1998).
Bloodborne Candida:
Bloodborne or systemic Candida, which involves Candida circulating through vital organs, is uncommon and typically occurs in people with severely compromised immune systems. This rare and serious condition often requires intensive care and can be fatal (Carpio et al., 2024).

Chronic Fungal Infections Need Diet and Lifestyle Changes

If you suffer from chronic toenail fungus, diet and lifestyle factors are likely contributing to the infection. Here are some key changes to consider for reducing fungal-related nail infections:

Evaluate Diet Habits:
Fungal species thrive on sugar, alcohol, and refined carbohydrates. Cutting back on sweets, chocolate, and alcohol can significantly impact fungal levels.
Consider Long-Term Changes:
Toenail fungus often responds to changes over time. Most all our patients have seen infections clear after avoiding alcohol, sodas and foods containing sugar for six to 12 months.
Use Topical and Supplementary Treatments:
In addition to dietary changes, applying tea tree oil to the affected nail and using anti-Candida supplements, like Yeastrix Cleanse, can help control the infection.

In summary, addressing nail fungus requires a comprehensive approach—reforming dietary habits, reducing sugar and alcohol intake, and maintaining topical nail treatments. Correcting fungal overgrowth internally often leads to visible improvements in fungal infections externally.

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Best Cure For Nail Fungus

Curing fungal nail infections can be challenging, especially toenail fungus, which often persists due to constant exposure to dark, moist environments in shoes. However, consistent treatment can make a big difference.

Below are some of the most effective natural and lifestyle-based remedies to tackle nail fungus, plus a few essential dietary tips to support recovery from within. For chronic or recurring cases of toenail fungus I recommend the Candida Cleanse Program.

The Most Effective Topical Treatments

Tea Tree Oil
Apply a single drop of 100% pure tea tree oil directly to the affected nail bed twice daily—once in the morning and once before bed. Tea tree oil’s natural antifungal properties make it an excellent choice, but be patient, as it can take several weeks or even months to see full results. In one study, after 6 months treatment with tea tree oil, 27% of patients were completely cured, 65% were partially cured and 8% had no response according to appearance of the nail. (Abdelhamid et al., 2018).
Oregano Oil
This oil is potent and should be used cautiously. Wild-crafted oregano oil can clear stubborn fungal infections that don’t respond to other treatments, it is even effective against fungal biofilms. You can apply a drop directly on the nail (once or twice daily) or take it internally in capsule form (one or two capsules daily) to support the body from the inside out. Avoid overuse, as oregano oil can be irritating to the gut. (Hacioglu et al., 2021).
Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE)
Apply a drop of GSE to the nail daily after bathing, ensuring it reaches under the nail. Every few days, lightly file the surface of the nail and reapply to help the extract penetrate deeper. For tough infections, GSE can take weeks or even months to show results, but it’s a worthwhile option. (Tsutsumi-Arai et al., 2019).
Combination Therapy
Alternating between tea tree oil, oregano oil, and GSE can be highly effective, as it combines the unique antifungal strengths of each. Switching between these treatments every few days may prevent the fungus from adapting, potentially speeding up recovery.

Hydrogen Peroxide for Nail Fungus

Hydrogen peroxide can be a powerful ally in treating nail fungus. A 3% hydrogen peroxide solution is known for its ability to break down fungal cells upon contact, offering a quick but temporary improvement. (Qin et al., 2011).

Although it doesn’t cure nail fungus overnight, consistent applications can produce noticeable results over time. Adding a few drops of Lugol’s iodine solution can boost its antifungal properties, making this combination even more effective against stubborn fungal infections.

How to Use Hydrogen Peroxide for Nail Fungus Treatment

Some people say “It doesn’t cure fungal infection”, yet other swear by using hydrogen peroxide. The following treatments work best in conjunction with the diet and lifestyle changes recommended on this page. Internal and external treatment combined always seems to work the best.

Direct Application of Hydrogen Peroxide and Lugol’s Solution
Apply a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution to the infected nail using a cotton swab or dropper.
Add a few drops of Lugol’s iodine solution to boost the antifungal effect.
Repeat this application twice daily, allowing the solution to air dry for maximum effectiveness. This process can take several weeks or longer for best results, as the infection is deep in the nail.
Hydrogen Peroxide & Apple Cider Vinegar Soak
Preparation: Combine equal parts apple cider vinegar and warm water in a basin large enough to fit the affected finger or toe.
Soak: Soak the infected nail for 10-15 minutes to soften the nail and surrounding tissues.
Drying: Air dry completely before applying the hydrogen peroxide and iodine solution.
This soak helps the peroxide and iodine penetrate deeper, tackling the fungus at the root.
Soaking Method
For a more intensive treatment, create a 50/50 mix of hydrogen peroxide and water, then soak the infected nail for 10-15 minutes daily.
Consistent soaking helps reduce fungal cells, though it may take weeks to months to fully clear the infection.

Additional Tips

Avoid Overuse: Hydrogen peroxide can be drying, so monitor your skin for irritation and reduce the frequency if needed.
Air Exposure: Fungi thrive in moist environments, so allowing nails to air dry after each application is essential.

Hydrogen peroxide combined with apple cider vinegar and iodine provides a powerful, multifaceted approach to clearing nail fungus. As with all treatments, consistency is key, and combining these remedies with good nail hygiene and a supportive diet will maximise your chances of success.

Terbinafine

A popular conventional nail fungus medication, LamisilAT®, containing terbinafine, a different kind of antifungal drug than clotrimazole.

Onychomycosis, a fungus that infects the fingernails or toenails, is more frequently treated with LamisilAT® than just about any other drug.

Common side-effects include an upset gut (diarrhoea, gas, nausea, and stomach pain), headache, dizziness, a slight rash on the skin, itching, or even an odd or unpleasant taste in the mouth, some describe it as metallic.

According to one study, the incidence of adverse events was 10.5%; the majority involved the gastrointestinal system (4.9%) or skin (2.3%). These tended to be mild, transient, and reversible. (Hall 1997)

These common side effects of terbinafine tablets happen in more than 1 in 100 people.

Skin Rash
Headache
Diarrhoea
Feeling sick (nausea or vomiting)
Less appetite than usual
Losing sense of taste and smell
Stomach ache
Indigestion
Muscle or joint pain
Feeling dizzy
Problems with eyesight
Itching Skin

Talk to your pharmacist or doctor if the advice on how to cope does not help and these side effects bother you or do not go away.

Liver Toxicity – Level of evidence for terbinafine and liver injury: highly likely cause of clinically apparent liver injury (Maxfield et al., 2023).

This antifungal drug inhibits the development of fungi, and is used to treat a number of fungal skin infections, including jock itch, athlete’s foot, and ringworm. Additionally, pityriasis (tinea versicolor), a fungal infection that results in a lightening or darkening of the skin on the neck, chest, arms, or legs, is treated with terbinafine.

Only apply this medication to the skin. The treatment area should be thoroughly cleaned and dried. Applying terbinafine to the mouth, nose, eyes, or vagina is not recommended. If the drug does get into certain locations, it will need to be thoroughly washed with water.
The type of fungal infection being treated determines the dosage and duration of the treatment.

Best Diet Tips For Nail Fungus

Diet is a key factor in managing fungal infections, as certain foods can promote or suppress Candida and fungal growth. Here are some effective dietary changes to support treatment:

Reduce Sugar and Refined Carbohydrates
Sugar fuels fungal growth, so cutting out sugary foods, soda drinks, processed carbs, and high-glycemic fruits can help deprive the fungus of the nutrients it needs.
Limit Alcohol Intake
Alcohol can disrupt gut health and promote fungal growth. Reducing or eliminating alcohol for a few months can help manage Candida-related infections, including nail fungus. (NIH).
Incorporate Probiotic Foods and Supplements
Probiotics help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which can prevent Candida overgrowth. Include probiotic-rich foods and fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi, or consider a high-quality probiotic supplement
Include Antifungal Foods
Garlic, ginger, and coconut oil have natural antifungal properties. Try adding these to your meals to support internal antifungal action.

In summary, treating fungal nail infections requires a well-rounded approach that includes effective topical treatments, a supportive diet, and proper nail care. Consistency is key, so commit to these steps over the long term for the best chance of success.

Key Diet and Nutrition Pages

Can Yeastrix Products Help With Toenail Fungus?

Toenail fungus is a common condition affecting millions of people worldwide. This stubborn infection can cause the nails to thicken, discolour, and become brittle over time, often leading to embarrassment and discomfort.

Treating toenail fungus requires a comprehensive approach, targeting both the external infection and any internal factors that may contribute to fungal overgrowth. Many patients find that merely applying topical treatments to their nails isn’t enough, especially for persistent or long-standing infections. That’s where a product like Yeastrix can be helpful, as it combines both external and internal treatment methods.

If you’ve been struggling with toenail fungus, consider a two-pronged approach that addresses both the nail symptoms and any underlying imbalances in the body. Taking Yeastrix internally, combined with external treatments and lifestyle adjustments, offers a holistic solution.

Here’s how you may incorporate Yeastrix into your treatment routine to see improvements within three to six months.

How to Treat Toenail Fungus

Oral antifungal therapies are effective for treating toenail fungus but are often limited by significant adverse effects. While topical antifungal therapies offer a safer profile with minimal side effects, their effectiveness is reduced due to limited nail penetration. (Leung et al., 2020).

This highlights the need for those affected by nail fungus to explore alternative and more natural anti-fungal treatment options that combine higher efficacy with improved safety, addressing both the limitations of current drug therapies and the complex nature of nail fungus.

Yeastrix is designed to be part of a dual approach, targeting toenail fungus from both inside and out:

Internal Support with Yeastrix Cleanse:
Yeastrix supplements can help create an internal environment less conducive to fungal growth. Take Yeastrix Cleanse three times a daily. This internal treatment supports overall gut health, which may reduce the likelihood of re-infection. To reinforce treatment, Yeastrix Probiotics and Yeastrix Enzyme supplements may be added to the regimen. These supplements aid in improving digestion, restoring healthy gut flora and strengthening the body’s natural defences against fungal overgrowth. Take twice daily to maximise results.
Lifestyle Adjustments: Expose your feet to fresh air and sunlight as often as possible. Avoid tight, non-breathable socks and shoes, as these conditions promote fungal growth. When feasible, walk barefoot or in open-toed sandals. Sunlight, saltwater, and dry air help inhibit fungus from spreading, so if you live near the ocean, a daily soak in seawater can be beneficial.
Additional Support with Yeastrix:

With consistent application, toenail fungus can be managed and, in many cases, completely resolved. However, patience and persistence are essential, as toenail fungus may take several months to clear. With Yeastrix and supporting lifestyle changes, you can restore your nail health and prevent future infections.

Key Take-Home

Topical Treatment: Apply tea tree oil to trimmed, filed nails twice daily for external fungus control.
Internal Treatment with Yeastrix: Take Yeastrix three times daily for at least three months to support internal balance.
Foot Hygiene: Keep feet clean, dry, and exposed to air and sunlight as much as possible.
Diet and Lifestyle: Avoid alcohol, eat a balanced diet, and consider a Candida cleanse if the fungus is persistent.
Optional Supplements: Yeastrix Active Enzymes and Yeastrix Daily Probiotic can further support immune health and gut balance.

Taking these steps consistently can lead to healthier nails and a reduction in fungal infections.

We hope you enjoyed this page all about nail fungus. Please leave a comment with your views, or what has worked for you! Eric Bakker ND

Eric Bakker N.D.

Greetings! I am a naturopathic physician from New Zealand. Although I’ve retired from clinical practice since 2019, I remain passionate about helping people improve their lives. You’ll find I’m active online with a focus on natural health and wellbeing education through my Facebook page and YouTube channel, including this website.