Skin & Beauty

How to Know if Toenail Fungus is Dying (Ultimate Guide 2024)

BY PUREHEALTH RESEARCH | March 19, 2024

If you’re dealing with onychomycosis or just wondering how to know if toenail fungus is dying, you’re not alone. This common issue leads to discolored, thickened nails and sometimes an unpleasant smell. Thriving in warm, moist environments, toenail fungus finds a perfect breeding ground in our nails, affecting our confidence and comfort.

Knowing when the fungus is starting to lose its grip is key for anyone going through treatment. It’s a sign that what you’re doing is working and encourages you to stick with it.

There are a variety of ways to fight back^[1], from creams and pills to laser treatments and natural strategies. But to really know if you’re winning the battle, you need to keep an eye on the fungus’s lifecycle and watch for certain changes.

This guide aims to help you spot the signs that your toenail fungus is on its way out, like noticeable changes in your nail’s appearance and a decrease in symptoms. We’ll also share some handy tips to help speed up your recovery.

What Causes Toenail Fungus?

Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is primarily caused by exposure to dermatophyte fungi, which thrive in warm, moist environments. Individuals who frequent communal areas like swimming pools, gyms, and locker rooms^[2] are more susceptible to these fungi. Poor foot hygiene, such as not drying the feet thoroughly or wearing tight, non-breathable shoes, creates an environment conducive to fungal growth.

Moreover, compromised nail integrity, such as cuts or injuries, provides an entry point for fungi to infiltrate and establish an infection. Individuals with weakened immune systems, diabetes, or circulatory issues are at a higher risk, as these conditions diminish the body’s ability to fend off fungal invaders.

Is nail fungus contagious? It certainly is. The infection can spread through direct contact^[3] with contaminated surfaces or by sharing personal items like nail clippers and shoes. This emphasizes the importance of practicing good hygiene and refraining from sharing items that may harbor fungal spores.

Understanding the multifaceted causes of toenail fungus is essential for prevention and effective treatment. By adopting proper foot care practices and avoiding potential sources of infection, individuals can reduce their susceptibility to this common and bothersome condition.

Now that you know the causes, let’s answer your burning question: how do I know if toenail fungus is dying?

How to Know if Toenail Fungus is Dying: Key Indicators

Can toenail fungus spread internally? It’s important to note that while toenail fungus doesn’t usually do that, it can be persistent and challenging to eradicate completely. Effective treatment often requires consistent and long-term efforts, including topical or oral antifungal medications, laser therapy^[4], or, in severe cases, surgical intervention.

Now, let’s get on to the crucial portion of this piece. Let’s discuss how to know if toenail fungus is dying. By noting the following indicators, you’ll know whether treatment is working or not. 

Changes in Color

If you’re wondering how to know if toenail fungus is dying, here’s the first clue. Monitoring changes in toenail color is a key indicator in deciphering whether toenail fungus is succumbing to treatment. What does toenail fungus look like? Infected nails often exhibit a yellow or brownish discoloration due to the presence of fungi, creating an unsightly appearance. As the fungus begins to die off, a gradual shift in color becomes evident. The once-discolored areas may transform, fading from yellow or brown tones to a more natural and healthier shade.

Understanding what toenail fungus looks like is crucial for early detection and intervention^[5]. Typically, the fungus manifests as thickened, brittle nails with discoloration, and sometimes a foul odor. Observing the reversal of these color changes signifies progress in the battle against the infection. The emergence of a clearer, more translucent appearance in the nail is indicative of a positive response to treatment, offering assurance that the efforts employed are effectively addressing the fungal presence and promoting overall nail health.

Changes in Texture

Another answer for how to tell if toenail fungus is dying lies in texture. Examining changes in toenail texture provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of toenail fungus treatment. As the fungus begins to recede, infected nails often exhibit a brittle and uneven texture, making them prone to cracking and splitting. Observing a reversal in texture is a positive sign that the fungus is undergoing treatment-induced changes.

During the stages of toenail fungus treatment, the affected nail may gradually regain its normal texture. This transformation involves a reduction in brittleness and an overall improvement in the smoothness of the nail surface. The once-thickened and distorted nail may start to resemble its healthier counterpart as the fungal infection diminishes.

Understanding these textural changes complements the broader assessment of toenail fungus recovery. By recognizing improvements in texture, individuals can gain confidence in the efficacy of their chosen treatment methods and anticipate the eventual restoration of a healthier, more resilient toenail.

Overall Appearance of the Toenail

Observing the overall appearance of the toenail is a comprehensive approach to understanding if the toenail fungus is succumbing to treatment. One notable change is the reduction or elimination of any foul smell associated with the infection. Fungal overgrowth often results in an unpleasant odor emanating from the affected toenail. As the fungus dies off, this malodor tends to diminish, indicating a positive shift in the nail’s health.

Another significant transformation involves the toenail adhering better to the nail bed. During a fungal infection, the nail may lift or separate from the nail bed, contributing to discomfort and potential complications. As the fungus is effectively treated, the toenail is likely to exhibit improved adherence, gradually returning to its normal position.

Addressing the question of “why do my toenails smell?” becomes crucial in recognizing the presence of toenail fungus. A foul smell is a common symptom, and its reduction signals progress in the healing process. By monitoring these overall changes in the toenail’s appearance, individuals can gauge the effectiveness of their chosen treatment methods and look forward to the restoration of a healthier, more aesthetically pleasing toenail.

Fungus Eliminator: An Answer by PureHealth Research

What do you do with all this information on the key indicators of dying toenail fungus? Now, you can determine if your treatment is working. If your current solution isn’t providing sufficient results, it’s time to turn your attention to PureHealth Research’s Fungus Eliminator. 

Combatting toenail fungus effectively involves utilizing natural remedies that prioritize overall health. Fungus Eliminator is crafted with nine natural fungus fighters and immune-boosting botanicals, offering comprehensive support. These ingredients are scientifically proven to target toenail fungus at its source, reaching deep into the nail bed where topical treatments may fall short. 

• Wild oregano oil possesses robust antifungal and anti-bacterial properties, making it a valuable resource in addressing issues like toenail fungus, athlete’s foot, ringworm, and bacterial infections of the nails.
• Basil has a rich history of providing relief from discomfort and serving as a potent antioxidant that combats free radicals. Additionally, Basil Leaf contributes to promoting a robust and healthy immune system.
• Garlic possesses natural antifungal properties^[6], acting as a protective barrier against invasive yeast infections and providing relief from associated symptoms.
• Apple cider vinegar effectively promotes balanced gut health and showcases remarkable antifungal properties.
• Despite its name, wormwood is not to be underestimated. This herb acts as a formidable shield, protecting your body against various strains of fungus and assisting in preventing unsightly toenail infections.
• Renowned for enhancing immune functions, turmeric supports the signals that prompt your immune system to combat foreign invaders, including candida fungus.
• Emerging evidence indicates that olive leaf extract^[7] serves as a protective measure against contracting toenail fungus and is recognized as a therapeutic option.
• Caprylic acid, a natural fatty acid, exhibits robust antifungal properties, with studies suggesting it initiates the destruction of fungus within minutes. Research concludes that caprylic acid could be a viable alternative to synthetic antifungals, highlighting its potential efficacy.
• Piperine, a constituent of black pepper, is not only a potent antioxidant but also renowned for its remarkable ability to enhance nutrient absorption, particularly in the case of turmeric. This fantastic addition facilitates a staggering 2,000% increase in turmeric absorption, ensuring you reap its immune-supporting benefits.

This natural remedy harnesses the power of nature without resorting to immune-compromising antibiotics. Embrace the potential of natural solutions to address toenail fungus, promoting both the eradication of the infection and the enhancement of your overall immune system.

Key Takeaways

• Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common fungal infection affecting toenails.
• Toenail fungus leads to discoloration, thickening, and discomfort, often caused by exposure to damp environments and poor foot hygiene.
• Infected nails may shift from yellow or brown to a healthier, more natural color as the fungus dies.
• A reduction in brittleness and an improvement in smoothness indicate positive progress in toenail fungus treatment.
• Foul smell reduction signifies the elimination of the infection.
• Improved adherence of the toenail to the nail bed contributes to overall recovery.
• Exposure to damp environments, poor foot hygiene, and underlying health conditions increase susceptibility to toenail fungus.
• Toenail fungus is contagious, spreading through direct contact or shared personal items.
• Natural ingredients like oregano and basil have antifungal properties that are beneficial for treating toenail fungus.
• Apple cider vinegar aids in balancing gut health and possesses impressive antifungal properties.

Conclusion

What’s that discoloration in your nails? Why do they break apart so easily? When you have toenail fungus, your confidence and comfort will take a dip. Despite the issue being mostly superficial in nature, you must get it fixed right away. You don’t want the fungus to spread to others. 

How do you know if toenail fungus is dying? Now that you’ve reached the end of this article, the answer should be at the top of your mind. By identifying color, texture, and smell changes, you’ll know if your current treatment is effective. 

Remember, recognizing what toenail fungus looks like and acknowledging the contagious nature of the infection are vital steps in prevention and treatment. Whether you’re opting for natural remedies like oregano, basil, or the versatile apple cider vinegar, the key lies in consistency and patience. That rule applies to natural supplements such as PureHealth Research’s Fungus Eliminator, too.

So, here’s to healthier, fungus-free toenails! Keep an eye on those positive changes, celebrate the small victories, and step confidently towards a journey of improved foot health. After all, understanding the signs of toenail fungus’s defeat is not just about appearance but a step towards overall well-being. Cheers to happy and healthy toes!

References

[1] Halteh P, Scher RK, Lipner SR. Over-the-counter and natural remedies for onychomycosis: do they really work? https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28040821/ 

[2] Daggett C, et al. (2019) Onychomycosis in Athletes. Am J Clin Dermatol. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31111408/ 

[3] Christenson, J. K., et al. (2018). Challenges and Opportunities in the Management of Onychomycosis. Journal of fungi. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6162761/ 

[4] Li, W. R., et al.  (2016). Antifungal activity, kinetics and molecular mechanism of action of garlic oil against Candida albicans.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4779998/ 

[5] Muzzalupo, I., et al. (2020). In vitro Antifungal Activity of Olive (Olea europaea) Leaf Extracts Loaded in Chitosan Nanoparticles. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7062645/ 

[6] Weber, G. C., et al. (2018). Treatment of onychomycosis using a 1064-nm diode laser with or without topical antifungal therapy: a single-center, retrospective analysis in 56 patients. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6199788/ 

[7] Falotico, J. M., & Lipner, S. R. (2022). Updated Perspectives on the Diagnosis and Management of Onychomycosis. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9484770/ 

Bae YS, Rhee MS. (2019) Short-Term Antifungal Treatments of Caprylic Acid with Carvacrol or Thymol Induce Synergistic 6-Log Reduction of Pathogenic Candida albicans by Cell Membrane Disruption and Efflux Pump Inhibition. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31334617/

Advertisement. This site offers health, wellness, fitness and nutritional information and is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other health-care professional. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you May have read on this site. The use of any information provided on this site is solely at your own risk.

Nothing stated or posted on this site or available through any services are intended to be, and must not be taken to be, the practice of medical or counseling care. For purposes of this agreement, the practice of medicine and counseling includes, without limitation, psychiatry, psychology, psychotherapy, or providing health care treatment, instructions, diagnosis, prognosis or advice.

Share Tweet Share