White Superficial Onychomycosis Treatment at Home
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White superficial onychomycosis (WSO) is a type of onychomycosis, characterized by fungi on the upper surface of the nail plate. It typically affects one or more toenails, most commonly the first, second, and third toes, caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes; WSO is often associated with interdigital tinea pedis caused by Trichophyton interdigitale. In adults, involvement of the fingernails is rarely reported. Clinically, WSO appears as one or more white, opaque, scaly plaques with distinct edges on the nail plate’s upper surface. Each plaque corresponds to a colony of dermatophytes. The fungi do not penetrate deeply into the nail plate. [1]
Articles Contains
- Signs and Symptoms of WSO
- How to Prevent WSO
- Treatment Options
- Summary
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions
- References
Signs and Symptoms of WSO
Most fungal infections are not severe but can cause pain or discomfort in some patients. Individuals with fungal toenails often have an accompanying fungal skin infection on their feet. This fungal infection may lead to the following changes in the nails:
- Nail thickening
- Nail discoloration
- White chalky patches and spots
- Brittleness
- Crumbly nail surface
- Ragged nail edges
- Misshaping of nails
- Separation of nails from the nail bed
- Foul odour
- Early scraped off [3]
How to Prevent WSO
Some of the following habits can help prevent onychomycosis or reinfections which include:
- Keeping nails and feet clean and dry.
- Wash hands and feet regularly.
- Trim the nails periodically and smoothen the edges and thickened areas.
- Disinfect the nail trimmer after every use.
- Keep the feet dry, and remember to dry them after a bath or wearing socks or shoes.
- Wear absorbent socks and change socks regularly.
- Wear comfortable shoes that fit correctly, are neither tight nor loose, and have breathable material.
- Wear shoes in pool areas and locker rooms.
- Do not use artificial nails; choose one alone that thoroughly follows sterilization. [3]
Quick Tips: The FDA has approved the following topical medications for treating nail fungus:
- Amorolfine
- Ciclopirox
- Efinaconazole
- Tavaborole
Additionally, the FDA has approved the following systemic medications for nail fungus treatment:
- Fluconazole
- Griseofulvin
- Itraconazole
- Terbinafine
Studies indicate combining antifungal pills with topical treatments can be more effective than using either alone. [7]
Treatment Options
1. Tea Tree Oil
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Tea tree oil is an essential oil with antifungal and antiseptic credentials. Applying it topically can help treat the nail fungus and improve the condition of the infected nails. [2]
- Wash the nail with soap and warm water
- Dry the nail thoroughly
- Trim the nail
- Gently file the white patches on the surface to allow better absorption of tea tree oil
- Use 100% pure tea tree oil
- Apply tea tree oil with cotton swab
- Let the oil air-dry
- Apply 2 to 3 times daily for at least 6 to 12 months as the nails grow slowly
2. Olive Leaf Extract
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Oleuropein is extracted from olive leaves, which contains antifungal and antibacterial properties; hence it is effective in curing toenail fungus. [2]
- Wash the nail with soap and warm water
- Dry it thoroughly
- Mix one part of olive leaf extract with one part of carrier oil (e.g., coconut oil)
- Apply mixture with a cotton swab to the affected nail and the surrounding skin
- Air-dry the nail
- Apply 2 to 3 times daily for 6 to 12 months
3. Garlic
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Garlic extract has antifungal components that may also help treat the toenail fungus. It is recommended for one to use garlic alongside common antifungals for effective treatment. [2]
- Finely chop 2 to 3 fresh garlic cloves
- Let the garlic sit for 10 minutes
- Mix the garlic paste with one part carrier oil
- Wash the affected nail with soap and warm water
- Dry the nail and file the white patches on the nail surface for better absorption of garlic
- Apply the paste on the nail and surrounding skin
- Cover the nail with gauze to hold the paste in place
- Leave the paste for 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Wash the nail with warm water and dry thoroughly
- Apply once daily for 6 to 12 months
4. Baking Soda
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Ingredients of baking soda can also be a good remedy for fungus infection. It may not kill the fungi but can help prevent them from growing. [2]
- Add few drops of water to 2 tablespoons of baking soda and make spreadable paste
- Wash the nail, file the white patches on nail surface and apply the paste
- Leave the paste for 10 to 15 minutes
- Wash the nail with warm water
- Apply 2 to 3 times a day
- Results may take 4 to 8 weeks with consistent use
5. Listerine Soak or Vinegar
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Vinegar has also been found to combat some types of foot fungus. Scientific research on these soak ingredients is lacking, but there have been anecdotal reports of their effectiveness.
Dr. Abigail Waldman — a dermatologist at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital — recommends;
- Mix one part white or apple cider vinegar with three parts warm water
- Soak toes for up to 40 minutes.
- You can substitute Listerine for vinegar. [4]
6. Menthol Camphor Oil
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Some small studies suggest that menthol-camphor ointments, such as Vicks VapoRub, may have antifungal properties. These ointments can target dermatophytes that are common in fungal nail infections and Candida species (yeast). However, the results regarding the specific ingredients in the ointments are mixed. Camphor appears to show more promise than eucalyptol, and there are concerns about safety and toxicity levels. [5]
- Wash the nail with warm water and air-dry it
- File the white patches
- Apply the menthol camphor oil with fingers or swab on the nail and the surrounding skin
- Gently massage on the skin
- Cover the nail with a breathable bandage
- Apply twice daily, once in the morning and once before bedtime
- You may notice improvement in 4 to 8 weeks
7. Ginger
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Ginger root contains phenols and terpenes, which possess antifungal properties. The phenol gingerone and terpene curcumin have been studied for their potential effectiveness in treating fungal infections. Furthermore, ginger essential oil is rich in beneficial phytochemicals. While applying ginger essential oil to your skin and nails is safe, it should always be diluted with a carrier oil and tested on a small skin area first to ensure no adverse reactions occur. [5]
- Crush a small piece of fresh ginger to extract juice
- Mix the juice with 1 part carrier oil
- Wash the nail with warm water, air-dry the nail and file the white patches
- Apply the mixture on the nail 2 to 3 times daily for 4 to 8 weeks
8. Neem Oil
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Researchers who tested neem extract against six types of fungi, including Candida albicans, found that it inhibited the growth of all of them. However, there is a lack of scientific research conducted on humans. Neem oil is gentle and generally well-tolerated, so you do not need to dilute it with carrier oil before applying it to your skin or nails. [5]
- Take 100% pure Neem oil, warm the bottle by placing it in hot water if it is too thick
- Wash the nail, air-dry the nail and file the white patches on the surface
- Apply neem oil with cotton swab on the nail surface and surrounding skin
- Leave it for 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Apply 2 to 3 times daily for 2 to 3 months
9. Henna
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Studies indicate that henna leaves could be valuable in combating Trichophyton rubrum, the primary fungus responsible for onychomycosis globally. This suggests that incorporating henna into treatment strategies may offer distinct advantages in addressing this common fungal infection. [5]
- Mix henna powder and lemon juice to form a thick paste
- Let the paste sit for 1 to 2 hours to activate antifungal properties
- Wash the nails, air-dry them and file white patches on their surface
- Apply the paste, leave for 2 to 3 hours
- Repeat once every 2 to 3 days for 4 to 6 weeks
10. Aloe Vera
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Aloe vera gel is extracted from plant leaves and is rich in various phytochemicals, including saponins, vitamins, minerals, sterols, and flavonoids. These compounds can help combat fungal infections and reduce inflammation. Applying aloe vera gel to a nail infected with Candida albicans or another type of fungus may help prevent the infection from spreading, although more research involving humans is necessary. [5]
- Wash the nails and air-dry them
- Apply the aloe vera gel with a cotton swab on the clean nails
- Let it sit for 30 to 60 minutes
- Apply 2 to 3 times daily for 4 to 8 weeks
11. Green Tea
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Green tea leaves contain a high concentration of phenols with beneficial antifungal properties. Green tea extract has been tested against the fungus Candida albicans and shown to significantly reduce colonies of this fungus in lab tests, but more research on its effects in humans is needed. [5]
- Steep green tea bags in hot water for 10 to 15 minutes and let it cool
- Clean the affected nail with soap and warm water, then dry it
- Gently file the white patches on the nail
- Soak a cotton ball in lukewarm green tea, place it on the area, or dip the nail directly
- Leave it for 15 to 20 minutes without rinsing
- For best results, repeat 2 to 3 times daily
- Results may start to appear within 4 to 6 weeks
12. Lemon Juice
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The citric acid in lemon juice helps in stopping the spread of bacterial infections which can support your journey to healthy nails as well. However more research is needed to determine whether lemon juice is an effective treatment for toenail fungus.
- Apply fresh lemon juice directly onto the toenail for ten minutes
- Rinse it with warm water to eliminate all bacteria
- Repeat this daily for one month. [6]
13. Coconut Oil
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Coconut oil is a type of oil made from the flesh of coconuts. It contains lauric acid, which has antifungal properties. Coconut oil can be used to treat a variety of fungal infections, such as candidiasis and ringworm. [6]
- Warm the coconut oil if solid
- Clean the affected nail with soap and warm water, then dry
- Gently file the white patches on the nail
- Apply a thin layer of coconut oil to the nail and surrounding skin using a cotton swab or fingers, and massage it in
- Allow the oil to absorb fully without rinsing
- Repeat application 3–4 times daily for best results
- Improvement will be visible in 2 to 3 months
14. Grapefruit Seed Extract
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Grapefruit seed extract is derived from the seeds of grapefruit. It contains limonene, which has antifungal properties. This extract can treat various fungal infections, including candidiasis and athlete’s foot. [6]
- Dilute 1–2 drops of grapefruit seed extract with a few drops of water
- Wash the affected nail with soap and warm water, and dry thoroughly
- Gently file the white patches on the nail to improve penetration of the extract
- Apply a drop of extract using cotton swab directly onto the affected nail and surrounding skin
- Massage gently to spread the paste
- Allow the extract to air dry
- Apply 2–3 times daily for consistent results
- Apply the paste for 2 to 3 months
Keep in Mind: After successfully treating a nail fungus, it’s essential to understand that the nails may still appear unhealthy until the infected portions fully grow out. Fingernails typically take 4 to 6 months to grow out, while toenails may take 12 to 18 months. To effectively eliminate the fungus, it’s crucial to follow the prescribed treatment regimen, complete the entire medication duration, and attend all follow-up appointments with your dermatologist. [7]
Summary
Almost all the natural treatment options have been described in detail. You can choose any 2 or 3 of them to get the treatment of WSO started at home. If you are sick of routine consultations to dermatologists you can stick to the above mentioned strategies and the results will start to appear within 4 to 6 weeks if the infection is not that resistant.
Key Takeaways
- Be patient with the treatment duration as the nails grow slowly
- Prevention is always better than cure. Protect your nails as much as possible to get infected by the fungus
- Take care of foot hygiene
- Keep the nails clean and dry
- If you have got the infection and is at early stages, start the natural treatment options mentioned above as these are the simplest ones to use
- Consult your dermatologist if the infection is harder to treat
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is white superficial onychomycosis a medical or cosmetic condition?
White superficial onychomycosis counts as a cosmetic condition.
2. How long does superficial white onychomycosis take to heal?
You may not know the specific time that toenail fungus can take to heal. It depends on the treatment you are using, but it takes approximately 6-12 months.
3. Can you get white superficial onychomycosis from nail polish?
Nail polish may cause white superficial onychomycosis if left too long. The polish provides warmth and cover for the fungus, causing the infection. Make sure you don’t leave nail polish on for too long; the risk can be avoided.
References
- White Superficial Onychomycosis
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/fullarticle/480625#32459531 - White Superficial Onychomycosis: Types, Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
https://naildesigncode.com/white-superficial-onychomycosis/ - Onychomycosis – Fungal Infection of Nails, Its Patterns and Treatment
https://www.icliniq.com/articles/skin-and-beauty/onychomycosis-fungal-infection-of-nails-its-patterns-and-treatment - 2 cheap, easy ways to have pretty feet for summer sandal season: doc
https://nypost.com/2024/07/01/health/dermatologist-reveals-how-to-treat-toenail-fungus-at-home/ - 14 Natural Home Remedies for Fungal Nail Infections
https://www.verywellhealth.com/natural-remedies-for-fungal-nail-infections-89983 - Get Rid of That Pesky Toe Fungus With These Home Remedies
https://homeremedyshop.com/17-home-remedies-for-toenail-fungus - Nail Fungus : Diagnosis and Treatment
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/nail-fungus-treatment
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