Liam Carter
Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common fungal infection that can cause nails to thicken, crack, or change colour. While treatment options vary, from topical ointments to antifungal medications, in some cases, the nail must be removed completely. Removing a damaged toenail can be done surgically, either by lifting and removing the nail plate or by removing the nail matrix to prevent regrowth. However, it is important to note that attempting to remove a damaged toenail at home could lead to serious complications. Instead, it is recommended to seek professional medical advice and treatment for toenail issues.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Trauma, fungal infection, ingrown toenail, blood blisters |
| Symptoms | White, brown, or yellow spots on toenail, thickened or cracked nail, swelling or itching |
| Treatment | Vicks VapoRub, ciclopirox, snakeroot extract, antifungal medication, surgery |
| Prevention | Keep toes clean and dry, avoid walking barefoot in wet areas, treat underlying conditions |
| Complications | Forced removal of damaged toenail can lead to serious complications |
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What You'll Learn
See a doctor or specialist for a professional opinion
While there are some home remedies for treating rotten toenails, it is always best to seek professional advice from a doctor or specialist. Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common condition, but it can have serious consequences if left untreated.
If you notice any changes in nail colour, texture, or thickness, or if you experience any pain, swelling, or itching, it is important to see a doctor. Your doctor will be able to examine your toenail and determine the best course of treatment. They may recommend over-the-counter or prescription antifungal medications, or in more severe cases, they may suggest surgery to remove the nail completely.
It is especially important to see a doctor if you have any underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, athlete's foot, or a weakened immune system, as these can increase your risk of developing toenail fungus and affect your treatment options. Additionally, if you have injured your toenail or spent a lot of time in water, it is crucial to have it checked by a medical professional.
Your doctor may refer you to a podiatrist or dermatologist, who are specialists in treating foot and skin conditions, respectively. They will be able to provide more specialised care and advice for treating your rotten toenails. It is important to follow their instructions carefully to ensure the best outcome for your treatment.
In summary, while treating rotten toenails at home is possible, it is always advisable to seek the opinion of a medical professional. They can provide accurate diagnosis, effective treatment options, and help prevent any potential complications.
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Treat the underlying infection
Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common fungal infection. It can be identified by white, brown, or yellow spots on the toenail and is often caused by walking around barefoot in wet areas, or from sweating in shoes. Toenail fungus can be treated at home with topical ointments such as Vicks VapoRub, which contains camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol—ingredients with antifungal properties. To use, apply a small amount to the affected area at least once a day. Another home remedy is snakeroot extract, which has been found to be as effective as antifungal medication.
If home remedies do not work, you should see a doctor. They may prescribe antifungal pills or cream. They may also recommend lifting the nail and placing a piece of cotton or a splint underneath to help the nail grow away from the skin. If this does not work, they may remove part or all of the affected nail.
Ingrown toenails are another common cause of toenail issues. They can usually be treated at home by soaking the foot in warm water mixed with Epsom salt or soapy water twice daily, keeping the foot dry the rest of the time, and gently lifting the edge of the nail to place a small piece of cotton or dental floss between the nail and the skin. This will help the nail grow above the skin. You should also wear roomy shoes and cut your nails straight across, rather than tapering them to the shape of your toe.
If home remedies do not work, or if you have severe nerve damage, poor blood circulation, or a nail infection, you should see a healthcare provider. They may treat the ingrown toenail using the same techniques as at-home treatments but with sterile and more professional instrumentation. In severe cases, they may need to remove part of the nail surgically through a procedure called nail avulsion.
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Remove the nail with surgery
Surgical toenail removal is a procedure that can be performed in a doctor's office. It is important to note that this procedure is rarely done and is usually only performed when a large portion of the nail is diseased, damaged, or causing severe pain.
Before the procedure, your doctor will first clean the affected toe with surgical soap or alcohol. They will then administer a local anaesthetic injection to the toe to prevent pain during the procedure.
During the procedure, the doctor will use a tool to loosen and separate the nail from the surrounding skin. If only part of the nail is affected, they will only remove the diseased portion. However, if you want to prevent the nail from growing back, the doctor can destroy the nail matrix by applying a chemical to the cuticle area.
After the nail plate is removed, an antibiotic ointment will be applied to the wound to reduce the risk of infection. The wound will then be covered with gauze and tape or bandaged. Your doctor will provide instructions on how to care for your wound, including how to change bandages and keep the area clean to promote proper healing.
It is important to follow your doctor's instructions and take any prescribed medications, such as oral antibiotics, to ensure a full recovery. Keep in mind that toenails can take 6 to 18 months to fully regrow, and you may experience tenderness, redness, and swelling during the healing process. Elevating the affected toe above heart level for 48 hours after the procedure can help reduce pain and swelling.
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Apply ointments or creams to treat fungus
Toenail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis, is a common condition that results in the discolouration of toenails, turning them white, brown, or yellow. It is caused by fungi called dermatophytes that infect the skin beneath the nail, and yeast is another common culprit. Toenails are especially vulnerable to infection when bare feet come into contact with damp surfaces, such as showers, swimming pools, and locker rooms.
There are various over-the-counter ointments and creams available to treat toenail fungus. These include:
- Vicks VapoRub: This mentholated ointment has been found to have a positive effect on toenail fungus. It contains camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol, which have antifungal properties. It should be applied at least once a day to the affected area.
- Antifungal medication: Ciclopirox is an effective treatment against toenail fungus. It is applied every third day in the first month, twice a week in the second, and once a week in the third. Amorolfine is another antifungal medication that is applied one to two times a week.
- Home remedies: Some people recommend natural remedies such as vinegar and hydrogen peroxide, although these have not been proven effective in clinical studies.
- Treatment sets: These contain two creams and a nail scraper. One cream contains urea, which softens the nail for removal, and the other has bifonazole, an antifungal. The affected toe is soaked in warm water for ten minutes, dried, and then the urea-based cream is applied and covered with a bandage for 24 hours. The softened nail is then scraped off, and the process is repeated for 14 days. After the infected part of the nail is removed, the skin is treated with bifonazole cream for four weeks.
While these treatments can be effective, it is important to note that topical treatments may not completely get rid of the infection. If home treatments are ineffective, it is recommended to consult a doctor, who may prescribe prescription-strength topical medication or oral anti-fungal medication.
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Keep the toe clean and bandaged
Keeping your toe clean and bandaged is essential after removing a rotten toenail. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure proper care:
Cleaning the Toe:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before handling the affected area to prevent any infection.
- Clean the exposed area with warm water and gentle soap to remove any debris or residue. You may use a soft washcloth or sterile gauze for gentle cleansing. Ensure that you don't scrub or apply too much pressure, as the underlying skin will be tender and delicate.
- Rinse the area thoroughly to remove any soap residue and gently pat it dry with a clean towel or sterile gauze. Avoid rubbing or drying aggressively, as this may cause discomfort and irritate the exposed skin.
Applying Ointment:
- Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly to the exposed area. This helps moisturize the skin, promotes healing, and reduces the risk of infection.
- Ensure that you use a clean finger or a sterile cotton swab to apply the ointment gently. Do not apply excessive pressure or rub vigorously.
Bandaging the Toe:
- Use a non-stick, sterile adhesive bandage to cover the affected area. Choose a size that is large enough to cover the toe comfortably without adhering directly to the exposed nail bed.
- Secure the bandage snugly but not too tightly, as you don't want to restrict blood flow. Change the bandage at least once a day or more frequently if it gets wet or dirty.
- If the bandage sticks to the nail bed, don't force it off. Soak it off gently using warm water, then clean the area and apply a fresh bandage.
Changing the Bandage:
- Change the bandage daily and inspect the toe for any signs of infection, such as increasing heat, redness, pain, tenderness, swelling, or pus.
- Continue to trim away any loose pieces of the nail as it comes off naturally. Use a nail file to smooth any jagged edges to prevent them from catching on clothing or other surfaces, which can cause pain and further injury.
- Keep the toe covered with a bandage until the nail bed is firm, and a new nail begins to grow. Toenails grow slowly and can take up to 18 months to reach a normal length.
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Frequently asked questions
Rotten toenails are often a result of a fungal infection. Signs of a fungal infection include discolouration (white, brown, or yellow), thickening, and cracking. In more severe cases, the nail may become fragile and separate from the nail bed.
While there is advice available for removing toenails at home, it is a risky procedure. There may be more damage to the toe than is visible, and the introduction of bacteria could lead to a toe infection. It is recommended that you consult a doctor or podiatrist for treatment.
Treatment options depend on the cause and severity of the issue. Doctors may prescribe oral antifungal medication, such as terbinafine (Lamisil) or fluconazole (Diflucan), or suggest topical treatments like antifungal nail polish or creams. In severe cases, or when medication is ineffective, surgery may be required to remove the nail.
First, your toe will be cleaned and numbed with a local anaesthetic. Then, the doctor will separate the nail from the skin and use a tool to lift and remove the nail plate. The area will be cleaned, treated with antibiotic ointment, and bandaged. The procedure typically takes 15 to 20 minutes.
Yes, toenails will usually grow back after removal, but it may take up to a year or more for the nail to reach a normal length. To prevent regrowth, a chemical solution can be applied, or the nail matrix can be surgically removed.
