Best Toenail Fungus Supplements: Most Effective Antifungal Support Products - The Times of Israel

Toenail fungus is an unsightly problem. Fortunately, you have options for getting rid of onychomadesis.

Today, many people take toenail fungus supplements to eliminate toenail fungus. Toenail fungus supplements support your immune system and kill fungi, helping your body naturally get rid of fungus.

We tested, rated, and ranked the world's most popular toenail fungus supplements. Here's what we found.

Our Rankings of the Best Fungus Support Supplements

Every toenail fungus supplement claims to get rid of fungus. Some work, while others don't.

After hundreds of hours of research and deliberation among our editorial team, here's how we ranked the world's most popular toenail fungus supplements.

Kerassentials

Kerassentials is a plant-based blend of oils and minerals to nourish your skin and nails from the outside in. Just apply the oil to your toenail fungus daily to boost your natural defenses against nail fungus, fighting your current infection and preventing it from coming back.

Unlike many toenail fungus supplements on this list, Kerassentials was formulated by a doctor. This gives the formula extra medical legitimacy over competing products on our list.

Key ingredients in Kerassentials include undecylenic acid, lavender oil, tea tree oil, and other natural oils. All are some of the most proven ingredients in the supplement space. Other ingredients are antioxidants to help with inflammation in the area, facilitating the healing process.

Price: $69

Metanail Serum Pro

Metanail Serum Pro is a cleansing serum designed to help with nail fungus while also repairing broken, weak, or cracked nails.

Just apply Metanail Serum Pro to your nails daily, then let the natural ingredients go to work. Each drop contains a blend of 20 natural ingredients to fight back against toenail fungus, hydrate the skin beneath your nails, and prevent future fungal growth.

Some ingredients in Metanail Serum Pro help with blood flow. Others help with collagen and keratin synthesis. With hyaluronic acid, jojoba seed oil, gotu kola extract, and vitamins C and E, Metanail Serum Pro aims to be the ultimate toenail fungus cleansing serum available today.

Price: $79

Genesis Nail Guard Silver

Nail Guard Silver from Genesis Telehealth is a popular and well-rated fungus supplement designed to tackle the root cause of fungus problems. By taking Nail Guard Silver daily, you can support blood circulation and fortify immunity, helping your body defend itself against nail fungus infections.

Genesis Telehealth's Nail Guard Silver contains an ingredient not seen in any other fungus supplements on our list: nano silver. Featuring a highly-diluted version of silver, the formula aims to accelerate the healing process and remove fungus using the natural antimicrobial properties of silver.

To support the nano silver in Nail Guard Silver, the formula contains lavender essential oil, southern wood oil, aloe vera, sweet almond oil, and glycerol, among other ingredients.

Price: $69

Fungus Elixir

Fungus Elixir is a nutritional supplement featuring a blend of 25 superfoods to clear up fungus within weeks. By taking two capsules of Fungus Elixir daily, you can purportedly clear up mild to severe fungus problems by fighting infection from the inside out.

Each capsule of Fungus Elixir contains herbs, plant-based nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Described as a "sacred formula" by the manufacturer, Fungus Elixir contains mushroom extracts, vitamin C, vitamin E, graviola leaf powder, and green tea, among other active ingredients.

Like Keravita Pro, Fungus Elixir has an impressive origin story: a woman named Karen nearly died from her toenail fungus infection despite trying multiple therapies and drugs. Doctors told Karen she had to amputate her foot within three weeks to save her life. Instead, she started to take Fungus Elixir and rapidly cleared up her problem.

Price: $69

Keravita Pro

Your body uses keratin to form toenails. Keravita Pro aims to support healthy keratin to clear up toenails, helping to defend your body using a blend of natural ingredients.

Priced at $69 per bottle, Keravita Pro contains turmeric, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and other natural ingredients as part of a proprietary formula.

What really distinguishes Keravita Pro is its origin story: according to the medical researcher who developed the formula, Keravita Pro helped to treat his father's fungal infection that was so serious doctors nearly amputated his leg. Thanks to Keravita Pro, he was able to eliminate the problem even after conventional antifungal drugs and therapies failed. Few toenail fungus supplements have an origin story this impressive.

With a blend of olive leaf extract, vitamins, minerals, and plant-based nutrients, Keravita Pro could support keratin production and overall nail health in multiple ways.

Price: $69

KeraGenis

KeraGenis is a nail fungus supplement featuring a blend of vitamins, minerals, herbs, and plants. Developed by a man named Benjamin Jones as a natural nail fungus remedy, KeraGenis aims to keep nails healthy using a blend of unique ingredients.

Key ingredients in KeraGenis include red raspberry fruit, graviola leaf extract, green tea leaf extract, turmeric, beta glucan, quercetin, and other natural formulas. These ingredients support your body's innate fungus fighting capabilities from the inside out.

Many of the ingredients in KeraGenis are antioxidants. Antioxidants can make it easier for your immune system to do its job. They support healthy inflammation throughout your body, helping your immune system function optimally. When your immune system functions optimally, it has a better chance of cleansing nail fungus infections away.

Price: $69

PureHealth Research Fungus Eliminator

Fungus Eliminator from PureHealth Research is consistently one of the internet's top-rated fungus fighting supplements. Featuring 9 fungus fighting ingredients and immune system boosters, Fungus Eliminator provides full spectrum support for your body against fungal infections using a blend of botanicals.

In fact, Fungus Eliminator claims to help with more than just nail fungus. The supplement also claims to help support your body's natural immune system against athlete's foot, ringworm, and nail bacterial infections.

Another perk of Fungus Eliminator is that it was created by a genuine doctor: naturopathic doctor (ND) Dr. Holly Lucille of PureHealth Research. Dr. Lucille added a blend of unique ingredients to the formula we don't see in other supplements listed here, helping Fungus Eliminator continue to be one of the internet's top fungus supplements for the near future.

Price: $59

FungoSem

FungoSem is a nail fungus supplement designed with a triple-action formula for rapid relief. Like other nail fungus formulas, FungoSem targets the root cause of the fungus problem – not just the symptoms of the condition.

FungoSem contains a unique blend of ingredients compared to other formulas on our list. There's peony root, spirulina, alfalfa, barley grass, and a blend of vitamins and minerals, for example. Instead of using the same antioxidants found in every other fungus supplement, FungoSem takes a different approach.

Like other oral supplements, FungoSem fights the infection from the inside out. By taking two capsules daily, you can strengthen your body's natural defense against nail fungus infections, helping you resume living a happy and healthy life.

Price: $69

Clear Nails Ultra

Clear Nails Ultra is a nail fungus formula featuring 13 anti-fungal ingredients to help restore healthy-looking, pink nails and smooth skin. Like other supplements, Clear Nails Ultra is designed to restore your nails from the comfort of home. The formula claims to help with nail fungus, nail appearance, and nail color.

To do that, Clear Nails Ultra attacks the root cause of nail fungus: candida overgrowth. If your body is overgrown with candida, then your immune system may struggle to keep up. Candida can thrive in your gut and throughout your body, and Clear Nails Ultra is designed to help.

Key ingredients in Clear Nails Ultra include a blend of three probiotic strains. These probiotics – Bacillus subtilis, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus – can support your gut to boost immunity. Other active ingredients in Clear Nails Ultra include lavender essential oil, clove oil, and tea tree oil.

By applying the blend of probiotics and natural oils in Clear Nails Ultra to your nails daily, you can purportedly enjoy a nail fungus breakthrough within days.

Price: $69

Clavusin

Clavusin is a nutritional supplement featuring a blend of classic detoxification agents – like bentonite clay and fiber. By taking the oral supplement daily, you can support your body's natural cleansing processes, helping to remove toxins and other harmful ingredients from your body.

Clavusin uses bentonite clay, Lactobacillus acidophilus, glucomannan root, and other natural ingredients to push waste out of your body. If you have fungal overgrowth in your gut, then Clavusin could help support your body's natural defenses, which could help eliminate the root cause of nail fungus.

According to the official website, Clavusin can also lighten toenails, make odor disappear, fix the color and texture of your nails, and even eliminate varicose veins, among other benefits. Just take two capsules daily to support your body's natural cleansing processes.

Price: $69

Myco Nuker

The appropriately named Myco Nuker aims to eliminate fungus from your body using an oral supplement. With 60 capsules per bottle, Myco Nuker is taken twice daily to get rid of your fungus problem.

Each capsule of Myco Nuker contains a blend of mushrooms and other natural antioxidants. You can fight fungus with fungi using a mixture of maitake, reishi, and shiitake mushrooms. These mushrooms are rich with beta glucans and have been used for centuries for health and wellness effects.

To complement the mushrooms, Myco Nuker also contains turmeric, matcha, cat's claw, garlic, vitamin C, vitamin E, and other natural ingredients. Many of the ingredients are considered antioxidants, and they could help support your body's natural defenses against fungus issues.

Price: $69

Urgent Fungus Destroyer

Urgent Fungus Destroyer is made by PhytAge Labs, a well-known supplement manufacturer based in the United States.

Featuring quercetin and a blend of other natural antioxidants, Urgent Fungus Destroyer works from the inside out, supporting your body's natural ability to fight a fungus infection. By attacking the root cause of the fungus, Urgent Fungus Destroyer claims to protect you against the deadly effects of the disease.

Key ingredients in Urgent Fungus Destroyer include green tea extract, grape seed extract, red raspberry extract, and graviola extract, among other active ingredients. By flooding your body with a blend of natural antioxidants, Urgent Fungus Destroyer can help you achieve targeted fungus-fighting effects.

Price: $69.95

Mycosyn Pro

Mycosyn Pro is an oral supplement designed to fight fungal infections from the inside out over a 30 day period. Like other oral supplements, Mycosyn Pro fights the root cause of fungus problems within your body, supporting your immune system's natural defenses against the fungi.

To do that, Mycosyn Pro contains a blend of plant-based nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Many of the ingredients have their roots in traditional medicine. There's horsetail, fo-ti, and spirulina, for example, all of which have a long history of use in traditional medicines around the world.

By taking two capsules of Mycosyn Pro daily, you can purportedly cleanse your system while also promoting unique benefits. The supplement claims to boost fluid retention to keep your skin hydrated, for example. It even claims to affect melanin in your skin to boost the appearance of your toenails and surrounding skin.

Price: $69

Human Science Anti-Fungal Foot Care

Anti-Fungal Foot Care from Human Science is an over-the-counter formula to feet and toes. Featuring a blend of multiple anti-fungal oils, the topical formula works from the outside in to support the health and appearance of your feet.

Anti-Fungal Foot Care is one of the few toenail fungus supplements on our list created by a genuine doctor: the supplement was created by Dr. Kasey Nichols, a licensed naturopathic physician from Arizona. As an ND, Dr. Nichols has professional education in choosing the right natural remedies for diseases and illnesses. He used that experience to create the ultimate anti-fungal foot oil.

Each drop of Human Science's Anti-Fungal Foot Care contains clove oil, tea tree oil, thyme, sunflower oil, and menthol, among other active ingredients. The official website is filled with testimonials from customers who have cleared up even the most serious toenail fungus problems using the oil.

Price: $59

Bonus: Top Toenail Fungus Guides & Alternative Remedies of 2023

Eliminating toenail fungus may require more than just a supplement. You may need a step-by-step guide.

Fortunately, you can find toenail fungus guides explaining simple changes you can make to eliminate toenail fungus and prevent it from returning.

You can also find at-home therapy devices designed to cleanse nail fungus at home without the cost or embarrassment of a medical clinic.

We read dozens of top toenail fungus guides and tested today's top home nail fungus therapy products. Here are the ones that consistently worked:

Blue Heron Health News: Overcoming Onychomycosis

Blue Heron Health News has a long history of publishing alternative treatment guides for illnesses and diseases. In Overcoming Onychomycosis, author Scott Davis explains some of the best natural remedies for toenail fungus infections – including strategies you can implement today.

Onychomycosis is the scientific term for nail fungus infections. It affects approximately 1 in 10 people worldwide. It's under-discussed because it's an embarrassing and visible problem.

Scott Davis wrote Overcoming Onychomycosis on the assumption many nail fungus treatments fail. Some drugs kill 99% of fungus, for example, and leave behind 1% of superpowered fungus strains, making it increasingly difficult for your body to fight infections.

Instead of following conventional medical treatment for your nail fungus problem, Scott Davis recommends promoting blood flow, boosting antioxidant levels, and eating specific types of foods. You get lifetime access to the eBook for a one-time fee.

Price: $49

Nail Fungus No More

Written by Julissa Clay and published by Blue Heron Health News, Nail Fungus No More is a step-by-step guide to clearing up your nail fungus problem without using conventional medicine.

Julissa provides easy-to-follow tips to removing your nail fungus problem at home. To do that, Julissa recommends promoting a healthy immune system, eating specific foods, and taking steps to prevent future infections – similar to Scott Davis's advice in Overcoming Onychomycosis.

Backed by a 60 day moneyback guarantee, Julissa Clay's Nail Fungus No More is one of the most-read nail fungus programs online today, and it remains a popular option for anyone with onychomycosis and nail fungus problems.

Price: $49

Fungus Therapy Pro

Fungus Therapy Pro is the only nail fungus therapy device on our list. Designed for use at-home, the electronic device uses the power of blue light therapy to clear up existing nail fungus infections and prevent them from returning.

Using Fungus Therapy Pro is easy: just turn on the device, then stick your finger inside. According to the manufacturer, Fungus Therapy Pro is 100% effective against fungi while being compact and easy to carry. The blue light harms the fungi at a specific wavelength without affecting the underlying skin.

At under $100 per unit and backed by a 60 day moneyback guarantee, Fungus Therapy Pro remains one of the internet's bestselling fungus therapy treatment options – especially if you want to avoid clinics and in-person therapies.

Price: $99

How We Ranked

Every toenail fungus supplement claims to help with nail fungus problems. Some work, while others fail. Our editorial team tested all of the products listed above. Then, we ranked today's top toenail fungus supplements based on the following metrics:

Science-Backed Ingredients: Undecylenic acid, tea tree oil, lavender oil, and other ingredients are some of the most proven fungus fighters in the natural supplement space. The most important thing to consider when choosing toenail fungus supplements was the use of science-backed ingredients. Does the supplement have strong doses of proven ingredients? Or do they use essential oils and low-quality concentrations backed by limited science?

Customer Reviews & Subjective Experiences: We personally tested each toenail fungus supplement above, comparing the effects among our editorial team. However, we also understand fungus problems are caused by different things and supplements affect people in different ways. That's why we considered customer reviews and subjective experiences in our rankings.

Clinical Trials & Peer-Reviewed Research: Typically, experts recommend using antibiotics to kill toenail fungus infections. That's why we were impressed when a toenail fungus supplement was backed by clinical trials or peer-reviewed research. Most toenail fungus supplement companies don't invest in clinical trials because they're costly and time-consuming. If a company has completed a clinical trial, it's a strong indicator it works.

Price & Value: Toenail fungus is an unsightly problem. It gives your toenails an unpleasant appearance. And, some have dealt with the problem for years before seeking treatment. That's why some are willing to pay anything for a toenail fungus supplement that works. However, we still considered price and value in our rankings. The best supplements exist at the intersection of price and value, providing great value at their listed price. Some toenail fungus supplements are overpriced, while others are priced right.

Ease of Use: Dunking your feet in vinegar for 2 hours per day could help with nail fungus. However, it's not a practical treatment for many people. Some toenail fungus products were easy to use, while others were complicated and expensive.

Formulated or Recommended by a Doctor: Most doctors recommend treating toenail fungus using antibiotics and other prescription drugs. Toenail fungus is a serious problem that may require professional medical treatment. If left untreated, in fact, toenail fungus can lead to death. That's why we're impressed when a top toenail fungus supplement claims to be recommended or formulated by doctors. If a medical doctor (MD), naturopathic physician (ND), PhD, registered dietitian (RD), or other professional formulated a supplement, it gives the supplement extra legitimacy over other toenail fungus supplements sold online today. The top toenail fungus supplement on our list, Kerassentials, for example, claims to have been formulated by a doctor.

Moneyback Guarantee or Strong Refund Policy: People have nail fungus problems for different reasons. A solution that works for you may not work for someone else. We liked toenail fungus supplements with a strong moneyback guarantee or refund policy.

Honest Advertised Benefits and No Quick Fix Solutions: We were wary of toenail fungus supplements claiming to clear up infections within hours of application. There's no evidence any drug or supplement can provide a visible difference within hours. Typically, you need to take an oral supplement for 4 to 6 weeks or apply a serum daily for 2 to 3 weeks before seeing any benefit. Be wary of companies advertising supplements as a quick fix solution.

How Toenail Fungus Works

To understand how toenail fungus supplements work, it helps to understand how toenail fungus infections work.

Nail fungus infections occur when tiny, microscopic organisms called fungi enter your body.

Most people develop a toenail fungus infection after skin-to-skin contact with someone else who has a nail fungus infection. Others get it from infected nail clippers.

However, you don't need skin-to-skin contact to get a nail fungus infection. If you have sweaty feet or socks, or if your nails are frequently exposed to water, then you can easily develop a nail fungus infection.

Once you contact bacteria, it can infect your body by entering:

• A small cut in the skin surrounding your nail
• A crack in your nail
• The separated area between the nail and toe

Who is At Risk of Fungal Nail Infections?

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, older adults have a higher risk of toenail infection. As you get older, you have an increased risk of developing a nail fungus infection.

Your risk of developing an infection increases if you have diabetes, poor circulation, or a weakened immune system. If you have previously injured your toenails or had a nail infection, then you also have an increased risk of toenail infection.

According to the AAD, your risk of a fungal nail infection increases if you:

• Have wet feet or hands frequently during the day
• Smoke
• Spend a lot of time in water
• Walk barefoot in a hot, humid place (especially public showers, pools, or locker rooms)
• Wear tight-fighting, closed-toe shoes
• Have sweaty feet

Certain people also have an increased risk of fungal nail infections because of health conditions or family history. If you have previously had athlete's foot or another fungal infection, for example, then you have an increased risk of a fungal nail infection. People with a family history of nail infections also have a higher risk, as do diabetics, people with HIV, and people with cancer.

How Toenail Fungus Supplements Work

Toenail fungus supplements work in different ways to eliminate the root cause of your infection. Some support your body's immune system, for example, while others attack the fungi with antifungal oils.

Some of the ways toenail fungus supplements work include:

Supporting Immunity & Boosting Your Immune System: People with a compromised immune system have a higher risk of nail fungus infections. Many toenail fungus supplements work by supporting immunity, helping your immune system do its job more effectively. Some contain vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc, for example, all of which are popular immune boosters.

Fighting the Fungus with Natural Antifungal Oils: Some topical toenail fungus supplements fight the fungus head-on with natural antifungal oils. Undecylenic acid, tea tree oil, and lavender oil, for example, have natural antifungal properties that could help kill the fungus.

Supporting Healthy Inflammation: Inflammation can increase the risk of fungal infections. Inflammation is your immune system's response to invaders. An overactive immune system, however, can leave your body overly inflamed, making it easier to develop a nail fungus infection. Many supplements contain antioxidants and polyphenols to support healthy inflammation throughout your body.

Supporting Detoxification & Elimination: Some toenail fungus supplements work from the inside out by supporting your body's natural detoxification and elimination processes. Some contain fiber and natural laxatives, for example, to help cleanse the body. If your body is overloaded with toxins, then you'll struggle to fight off a toenail fungus infection.

Some supplements work in one specific way, while others work in multiple ways. By taking the top-rated toenail fungus supplements above, you can find the formula that works best for you.

5 Common Myths About Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus is a misunderstood problem. The internet is filled with myths about toenail fungus. We'll summarize some of the most common myths about toenail fungus below.

Myth #1: Toenail Fungus is Ugly But Not Dangerous: Toenail fungus is ugly – that's not a myth. However, it's more than just an aesthetic problem. Toenail fungus can be dangerous. When left untreated, it could even threaten your life. Toenail fungus infections can spread throughout your body, weakening your immune system. It could start with an ugly toenail – but it leads to issues far more serious.

Myth #2: Toenail Polish Prevents Nail Fungus Infections: Some people apply nail polish to protect their toenails. It seems like it would work. Unfortunately, nail polish can lock in moisture and bacteria, creating an ideal breeding ground for fungal infections.

Myth #3: Toenail Fungus is Not Contagious: Toenail fungus is very contagious, and most people catch infections from other people. Walking barefoot in a public pool or shower, for example, can cause an infection.

Myth #4: Toenail Fungus Will Go Away On Its Own: Toenail fungus infections typically do not go away on their own. When left untreated, the problem could get even worse. Take action today to prevent your problem from becoming more serious in the future.

Myth #5: Toenail Fungus is Rare: Approximately 1 in 10 adults have toenail fungus infections, or 10% of the population. It affects millions of people worldwide. And, your risk increases with age. Roughly 50% of people over 70 have had toenail fungus.

Scientific Evidence for Toenail Fungus Supplements

Most toenail fungus supplements have not completed clinical trials. However, the individual ingredients inside the formula have been studied. We'll review some of that scientific evidence below to explain how toenail fungus supplements work.

If you have a toenail fungus problem, there's a good chance you have onychomycosis. It causes discoloration, thickening, and separation from the nailbed. Approximately 10% of adults worldwide have onychomycosis. It affects millions worldwide.

Can a toenail fungus serum really clear up toenail fungus infections? Researchers sought to answer that question in 2020. They tested a group of nail oils against toenail fungus and found some natural ingredients could genuinely fight infections. Specifically, researchers found vitamin E, lime, oregano, and tea tree oils were safe and effective natural remedies for toenail fungus.

In an even larger review, researchers tested multiple herbal remedies for toenail fungus, analyzing 56 studies involving 12,501 total participants. All participants had mild to moderate toenail fungus infections, or onychomycosis. Researchers found the best solutions for toenail fungus were efinaconazole 10% topical solution, Tavaborole 5% solution, and ciclopirox 8% hydrolacquer, all of which could help with toenail fungus.

Many of the best toenail fungus supplements contain undecylenic acid. It's a common, natural remedy for athlete's foot, jock itch, and similar issues. The fatty acid may help prevent the growth of fungus. As WebMD explains, undecylenic acid is popular for athlete's foot and jock itch, although most people apply it directly to their skin – not to their nails. You may want to use undecylenic acid specifically to help support the skin underneath the nail with the fungus infection.

Multiple studies have validated the use of undecylenic acid for fighting fungus, including:

In one study, researchers found undecylenic acid had significant antifungal effects on Candida albicans, preventing the formation of biofilm. Researchers applied undecylenic acid to the biofilm, then found the acid inhibited the formation of biofilm, preventing the buildup of fungus-causing bacteria. When biofilm doesn't accumulate, it's easy to cleanse from the surface.

In a separate study, researchers found undecylenic acid could help with onychomycosis, or toenail fungus infections. Undecylenic acid could help support the natural color, thickness, and skin health around the toenail, for example, helping to target symptoms of fungal problems.

In one study, researchers found topical undecylenic acid treatment helped against fungus over a one year period. Participants applied undecylenic acid for one year, then found it was significantly more helpful against fungus than a placebo.

Beyond undecylenic acid, many toenail fungus supplements use tea tree oil. Tea tree oil has been used for centuries for its natural antifungal and antibacterial properties. Some apply tea tree oil to hair or skin daily, for example, to help with acne, skin discoloration, and inflammation. In a 2013 study, researchers found tea tree oil could reduce the growth of Trichophyton rubrum fungus, which is the same type of fungus linked to athlete's foot and toenail fungus.

Some toenail fungus supplements also contain lavender oil. Like tea tree oil, lavender oil has long been prized as a natural remedy. Some use lavender oil for calmness and relaxation. However, lavender oil also appears to have significant antifungal properties. In a 2015 study, researchers found lavender oil could help with Candida albicans, a common type of fungus. In fact, researchers found lavender essential oil had similar effects to clotrimazole, a popular antifungal drug.

Some toenail fungus supplements contain graviola, a plant extract rich with antioxidants linked to health and wellness. The first listed ingredient in KeraGenis, for example, is graviola. Graviola has a long history of use fighting infections, and some even use it to help fight types of cancers. Today, researchers believe graviola works because it's rich with natural antioxidants – like vitamin C. However, more research is needed to verify antifungal effects.

For centuries, people have applied garlic to their fungus problem to help with infections. In a 2014 study, researchers reviewed evidence on garlic and found it could help with rashes, viral infections, fungal infections, and bacterial infections, exhibiting protective skin effects. Today, some of the best nail fungus serums use garlic for similar reasons.

Tocopherol acetate, or vitamin E, is found in many of the toenail fungus supplements listed above. Vitamin E is one of the best antioxidants in nature. Like other antioxidants, vitamin E could help support inflammation and immunity when applied topically or taken orally. in a 2016 study, researchers praised vitamin E for being a fat-soluble antioxidant shown to help with yellow nail syndrome, psoriasis, skin disease, and general skin problems.

Aloe vera leaf extract is a popular ingredient in many toenail fungus supplements. One of our top-rated topical nail fungus serums, Clear Nails Ultra, uses aloe vera leaf extract to fight fungus. A 2017 study found topical application of aloe vera could help with candida albicans, one of the most common types of fungus. Volunteers applied aloe vera or a placebo and found aloe vera did an effective job of fighting fungus.

Clove oil could help with fungus when applied topically. In a 2011 study, researchers found clove oil had natural antifungal and antibacterial effects, with it being particularly effective against Candida albicans. A separate study from 2007 found clove oil was also beneficial against dermatophytic fungi, which are fungi living in your skin. In other words, applying clove oil topically to your skin could support powerful effects.

Green tea is more than just a health-promoting beverage. It's also one of the most common toenail fungus supplement ingredients. Multiple studies have connected green tea leaves to natural fungus fighting benefits. By taking green tea as a supplement or applying it as a serum, you could fight back against a fungal infection.

Can turmeric help with toenail fungus? The spice is popular as a health and wellness aid. However, some studies have connected it to antifungal effects. In one study, researchers tested multiple concentrations of turmeric (ranging from concentrations of 1:20 to 1:80) and found turmeric led to "complete inhibition of growth" of toenail fungus.

Some nail fungus formulas contain olive leaf extract, which may help with fungus by being rich with oleuropein. A plant-based antioxidant, oleuropein has immune-boosting, antifungal effects and has been shown to help with candida infection. Like other antioxidants in toenail fungus supplements, olive leaf extract could provide significant antifungal effects.

How to Use Toenail Fungus Supplements

Toenail fungus supplements are designed to be easy for anyone to use – even if you've never taken a supplement or applied a nail serum in your life.

You use most toenail fungus supplements in one of two ways:

• By Mouth: Take one serving of the toenail fungus supplement (like one capsule or two drops) daily by mouth.
• By Skin: Apply one full dropper of the nail fungus serum to the toenail or surrounding skin.

Follow the recommended instructions on your toenail fungus formula for optimal effects.

Other Tips for Toenail Fungus

Taking a supplement could help with toenail fungus. However, making simple changes to your diet or lifestyle habits can also help.

Other tips for managing toenail fungus include:

Wear flip flops or shower sandals in gyms, spas, public showers, and pools. Many people develop toenail fungus infections from public spaces – particularly in moist areas.

Throw away old footwear from previous nail fungus infections. If you had a previous nail fungus infection, then get rid of any footwear from that infection. Fungus can continue to live in shoes. You might treat your infection, only to catch the same infection from putting on an old pair of shoes. If you don't want to throw away an expensive pair, then disinfect shoes with ultraviolet light or ozone treatment.

Wear clean socks. If you frequently wear dirty or sweaty socks, then you could have a higher risk of nail infection.

Avoid wearing sweaty socks and shoes for extended periods. If you have a physical job, then wearing sweaty socks and shoes could be unavoidable. However, sweaty socks and shoes create an ideal environment for foot fungi. Consider changing socks or shoes during the day. Or, wear moisture-wicking fabric.

Use antifungal powder in shoes. Antifungal powder can inhibit the growth of fungus in shoes.

Don't share nail clippers, shoes, or other tools. Most people get nail fungus infections from other people. Avoid sharing nail clippers, shoes, or other tools that could harbor bacteria.

Treat athlete's foot immediately. The sooner you treat it, the easier it is to limit the spread of infection.

Moisturize dry, cracked skin. Fungi enter your body through cracks in your skin. If your feet are dry and cracked, then it's an easy entry point for bacteria and fungi. Moisturize your feet to prevent cracked skin.

Am I Infected? Early Signs of Toenail Fungus Infection

Some of the early warning signs of a toenail fungus infection, according to the AAD, include:

• Changes in nail color, including white spots, brown streaks, or yellowing
• Changes in nail texture
• Chalky or cloudy looking nails
• Thickened or misshapen nails
• Soreness or swelling around nails
• Dry and itchy skin

FAQs About Toenail Fungus

Our toenail fungus experts get plenty of questions about nail fungus and how it works. Here are some of our answers to our most frequently asked questions.

Q: What is toenail fungus?

A: Toenail fungus is a fungal infection affecting your toenails.

Q: How does a toenail fungus infection occur?

A: A toenail fungus infection occurs when fungi get between your toenail and toenail bed. Typically, fungi enter through cracks in your skin or the gap between your nails and skin.

Q: What is tinea unguium?

A: Tinea unguium occurs when a dermatophyte, or toenail fungus strain, causes discoloration and cracking. Dermatophytes disrupt the production of keratin, a valuable structural protein in nails. Tinea unguium is also known as onychomycosis.

Q: How common is toenail fungus?

A: Toenail fungus affects approximately 1 in 10 people worldwide, or roughly 10% of the population. However, nearly 50% of people over 70 have toenail fungus, and risk increases with age.

Q: What does toenail fungus infection look like?

A: Early signs of toenail fungus infection can include chalky or cloudy looking nails, white or discolored nails, thickened nails, separation from your nail bed, or cracked nails.

Q: Does toenail fungus hurt?

A: Toenail fungus doesn't typically hurt.

Q: Does toenail fungus go away on its own?

A: Toenail fungus infections do not typically go away on their own. Instead, you may need to talk to a doctor for medication, take a nail fungus supplement, or follow a specialized treatment plan.

Q: Is nail fungus dangerous?

A: Toenail fungus infections, when left untreated, can affect your immune system and spread throughout your body. They can even be life-threatening.

Q: How do I get toenail fungus?

A: Most people get toenail fungus from skin-to-skin contact with other people. You can also get it from moist, public places – like swimming pools or public showers.

Q: Is foot fungus contagious?

A: Yes, toenail fungus is very contagious, and you can easily spread it to other people or receive it from other people.

Q: How do doctors treat toenail fungus?

A: Some doctors recommend antibiotics. Others recommend a consultation with a dermatologist. Typically, a combination of oral antifungal medication and topical medication can clear a toenail fungus infection.

Q: How do I prevent toenail fungus?

A: The best ways to prevent toenail fungus are to avoid going barefoot in communal areas, use shower shoes or flip flops in public showers, follow smart foot care practices if you have diabetes or circulatory issues, and keep your feet dry.

Q: Can I wear nail polish with toenail fungus?

A: You should not typically use nail polish if you have toenail fungus. Nail polish can lock in moisture, making toenail fungus worse.

Q: What's the best medication for nail fungus?

A: Your doctor can recommend the best nail fungus medication based on your unique situation. The FDA has approved four main types of medication for nail fungus, including Fluconazole, Griseofulvin, Itraconazole, and Terbinafine.

Q: What's the best toenail fungus supplement?

A: The best toenail fungus supplements include Kerassentials, Metanail Serum Pro, Fungus Elixir, Keravita Pro, and Genesis Nail Guard Silver, among others on our list.

Q: When should I see a doctor for my nail fungus?

A: You should see a doctor for your nail fungus if you have diabetes and think you're developing nail fungus, have bleeding around the nails, have swelling or pain around the nails, or have difficulty walking because of your infection.

Final Word

Toenail fungus is more than just a visible issue: it's a health risk.

By following a toenail fungus treatment plan, you could clear up your infection and experience relief.

To learn more about toenail fungus treatment options and the best toenail fungus supplements available today, check our list of the top toenail fungus supplements listed above.

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