How to Treat Hard Yellow Toenails
Do you get embarrassed because of your hard yellow toenails? Are you dealing with persistent fungal infections and discomfort? Have you tried everything you can think of to get rid of them? Many people deal with this issue every day, and there are solutions to it! I’m going to tell you how to treat hard yellow toenails. But for starters, let’s discuss what’s causing them.
What Causes Hard Yellow Toenails?
A fungal infection is usually the cause of hard yellow toenails, also known as onychomycosis. This type of infection often affects the toenails, making them discolored, thick, and brittle. Because the infection lives in the keratin layer of the toenail (the topmost layer), it’s difficult to get rid of.
How does someone get a fungal infection? These germs can enter your nail via cuts or scrapes that occur on the skin surrounding your nail. They can also thrive in moist environments like showers and locker rooms. Wearing tight-fitting shoes or sweaty socks trapped with moisture can cause the infection to grow and spread.
And another thing is people with diabetes, poor circulation, nail injury, and weakened immune systems are more likely to get a fungal infection.
How To Treat Hard Yellow Toenails
There are several treatments available to help you get rid of your thick yellow toenails. Keep this in mind. It can take several months for the infection to completely disappear.
1. Antifungal medications
The best way to treat hard yellow toenails is to use antifungal medications. These medications come in a variety of forms, such as creams, ointments, and tablets. These medications should be applied directly to the affected area several times per day for a few weeks or even months. I will recommend you antifungal medicines like efinaconazole ketoconazole, terbinafine, clotrimazole or miconazole. If your case is severe, then oral medications may be prescribed by a doctor.
2. Baking soda
Thanks to its powerful antifungal properties, baking soda can help remove the fungal infection from your toenail. Soak your hard yellow toenails in a mixture of baking soda and warm water for 15 minutes. After that, dry your feet off with a towel. Repeat this treatment once or twice a day until the infection is gone.
3. Coconut oil
Coconut oil is another natural remedy that can help you treat thick yellow toenails. It has antifungal and antibacterial properties that may help you get rid of the infection. Apply some coconut oil to your nails and massage it in until it’s completely absorbed.
4. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is another powerful natural nail fungus killer. Because of its antifungal and antiseptic properties, it may aid yellow toenails. Soak a cotton ball in some tea tree oil or Q-tip, then apply it to your toenail. Leave it on for five minutes, then rinse off the oil with warm water. Repeat this process 1-2 times per day.
5. Apple cider vinegar
Now you may be wondering, can apple cider vinegar help with yellow toenails? Yes, it can! Apple cider vinegar has antifungal properties that can help treat thick yellow toenails. Mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water in a bowl and soak your feet for 20 minutes. After that, dry your feet with a towel and apply some moisturizer. You can do this foot soak a few times per week.
6. Laser therapy
Laser therapy is used to treat hard yellow toenails by killing the fungus that causes onychomycosis. Talk to a podiatrist to see if this is an option for you.
Prevention
The best way to prevent hard yellow toenails is to practice good hygiene. Wear open-toed shoes or sandals whenever possible, and avoid going barefoot in public places like showers and locker rooms. Change your socks daily, and try to wear moisture-wicking fabrics. Trim your toenails regularly and avoid tight footwear. Most importantly, wash your hands and feet regularly. If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar levels under control.
Also read: 7 Home Remedies for Toenail Fungus
