Toenail Pain [Toenail Fungus, Ingrown Toenails, Discolored Toenails]
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Does Wearing Nail Polish Cause Toenail Fungus? [Best Treatment Guide]
Does wearing nail polish cause toenail fungus? 90% of the time NO! This is dehydration from acetone. Find out the SECRET to fixing it fast!
Look:
- Yellow & green toenail fungus can be improved with a few simple treatment changes.
- We are foot doctors & we see this problem get better almost every day.
- The goal is to solve this problem without medication or surgery if at all possible.
So, let’s GO!
Table of Contents
White Toenail Picture Gallery:
Look:
- These photos are of dehydrated superficial nail keratin granulations vs other toenail conditions.
- Keratin granulations are white chalky appearing dehydration.
- It is possible that some fungus could be mixed in with the keratin granulations.
- It is also possible to have superficial white onychomycosis.
So click on the photos for gallery mode & description!
Click on pictures for full size & descriptions:
Click on pictures for full size & descriptions:
Does Wearing Nail Polish Cause Toenail Fungus?
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Acetone based toenail polish removers can cause dehydration of the toenail surface.Yes but that’s probably not what you have!
- Nail polish can cause toenail fungus by dehydrating the toenail and causing nail damage.
- Fungus can then invade through the small cracks and get under your toenail.
- But if your toenails are white, you probably have a condition known as keratin granulations!
Wearing nail polish can cause toenail fungus. BUT it is usually something called keratin granulations. This is a mostly harmless white chalky substance that is dehydrated toenail protein.Quick Home Treatment Overview for Damaged or Fungus Toenails From Toenail Polish:
- Make sure to read the rest of our guide to understand what is causing your toenail fungus.
- But these are researched and recommended products that you can’t go wrong with.
- These will start getting your toenails looking better pretty quickly!
Table could not be displayed.
Are Your Toenails White, Yellow or Black?
1) White Toenails: Keratin Granulations.
This is white toenail buildup on the big toe joint with dry keratin granulations forming.The #1 cause of discolored nails after removing your toenail polish is a white chalky like substance called keratin granulations.
- These occur because nail polish has harmful chemicals in it like formaldehyde and toleune.
- Nail polish remover has acetone within it.
- There is a way to correct this by remoisturizing your nails:
- White toenails are usually just due to the dehydration of your toenails.
- The nail plate is made up of a substance called keratin.
- When dehydrated keratin becomes white keratin granulations.
- Read below for the complete guide to keratin granulations!
Frequently asked questions about toenail polish damage:
Can I Keep Using Toenail Polish?
Yes you can!
- Just be aware that it will continue to dry out your nails.
- You can wear it less frequently or you can try treating your nails before polishing them again.
- There are even brands of toenail polish that will not dehydrate your nails.
- Trust me, these brands are very well promoted!
How do I know for sure that this is not toenail fungus?
- My recommendation: treat is like keratin granulations.
- If the treatment does not make it better after 2 weeks, then it can still be toenail fungus.
- Don’t worry, 2 weeks will not put your toenail fungus in any danger.
- If it is a superficial toenail fungus, it should be very easily curable anyway.
- If it does seem like toenail fungus or it is yellow, head to #3: toenail fungus.
2) White Marks On Toenails: Leukonychia.
White lines are called leukonychia.White spots on the toenails are due to a condition known as leukonychia:
- These are permanent until the toenail grows out.
- Unfortunately the toenail grows very slowly.
- The toenail only grows at a rate of 1mm/ day.
3) Yellow Thick Toenails: Toenail Fungus.
Toenail Fungus Best Treatment ProductsThe second most common cause of discolored toenails.
- This is usually a type called superficial white onychomycosis that is not as serious as most nail fungus; this type is very easily cured with a topical cream that you can put on your nails.
- If you want to use toenail polish, be more worried about dry nails and how to rehydrate them and not how to prevent fungus.
Is the toenail fungus dangerous?
- The toenail fungus should be very curable with proper treatment.
- Superifical white onychomycosis is very easily treatable with antifungal medication.
- It is not the type of fungus that takes root deep under your toenail.
4)Black, Red or Blue Toenail: Subungual Hematoma.
Jogger’s toe is essentially just “overuse toe”.
- The trick with this one is it sneaks up on people without any pain!
- Be aware that you can still have bleeding underneath your toenail and it doesn’t have to be extremely painful.
- For example I just saw a woman had a scary black toenail without any cause.
- But the more I talked to her I realized she bought new shoes and started Zumba classes.
- She was exercising more, had small shoes and was not suffering from any pain!
Even if there is no pain, light micro-trauma from walking or running could have caused you to develop little black spots underneath your toenails that are the result of light bleeding.
- Unless there is pain this is usually very harmless and it should not be something that you worry about.
- Over time the nail will grow out and the black spot will disappear unless you continue irritating it.
For more on Does Wearing Nail Polish Cause Toenail Fungus?
Toenail Fungus (Onychomycosis) Treatment & Cure Infographic:
Toenail Fungus Home Treatment:
- These are our favorite products to treat toenail fungus at home.
- It is difficult to properly diagnose any health problem such as toenail fungus with 100% certainty. So go see your podiatrist and make sure you are not missing anything!
- Also many of these products are considered beauty products more so than health products, just be aware that they are not always FDA evaluated or approved in any way.
How to fix toenail fungus:
- There are many different types of toenail damage.
- In our experience, about easily 50% or more is related to toenail fungus.
- The key to toenail fungus is to trim it is much as possible, and file that nail down vertically and length wise.
- If you are able to do that, you have to make sure you can kill fungus the rest of the way with creams and topical medication.
- The best way to do that is to soak exfoliate the affected toenail skin. So, foot soaks can be a strong anti-fungus solution.
- At the same time you have to apply anti-fungal medication such as these medications evaluated here, or the toenail repair pens
Table could not be displayed.
Recommended foot fungus products:
- It is also very important to fix your foot fungus.
- Athlete’s foot can be beneficial to remove from the foot, because if left unchecked it can quickly spread back to the toenails even if they are fixed.
- Even if you cure your toenail fungus, keep your toenails trimmed in healthy: it is possible for your foot fungus to spread back into toenails.
- So make sure you treat your foot fungus, as well as your toenail fungus.
Best Foot Fungus Products
Best Fungus Combo (Foot Soak, Body Wash & Toe Ointment)
Best Foot Powder Option For Shoes.
Best Shower Body Wash
Best choice for Foot Bath Mix
Best & Most Cost Effective Foot Soak Tub.
Price:
$31.49
$19.32
$15.30
$14.79
$14.97
Overview:
This is almost everything you need for foot fungus! This has a foot soak powder, body wash for showering and toenail ointment.
3 pack of foot powder spray. This is great for shoes and feet, but not as practical outside the foot or shoe.
Great cost effective shower wash.
Mix of epsom salts, tea tree oil for a good price.
This is a cost effective tub for foot soaks. You still need to also buy a foot soak powder or solution!
Pros:
Great cost ($50+ separately), $29 in the bundle. Tea tree oil has proven antifungal benefits. Excellent reviews and good overall cost value.
If you sweat in your shoes, this is your best bet. This will soak up sweat and kill fungus. Very effective and excellent Amazon reviews. 3 pack online is the price of one bottle at the store.
Over 5,000 5 star amazon reviews. Great reviews, medically proven component in tea tree oil. All natural with excellent results.
Epsom salts and tea tree oil have proven effect. Epsom salts make your loose skin flake off and tea tree oil is anti-fungal. Great price and near 5 star review on Amazon.
Excellent choice for cost effective foot soak tub. Top notch reviews on amazon, great price.
Cons:
The combo could be more than you need. You still need a foot bath tub.
Powder makes a big mess. Good for shoes but it can get powder inside your shoes. Can have chemical like smell.
Can be more expensive than regular soap. It may not be enough by itself without soaking or especially further toenail treatment.
Foot soak by itself may not be enough to fix your problem, but a component. You also need a foot tub.
Not much downsides, it’s a tub! But you have to get foot soak powder or antifungal solution separately.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot Fungus Products
Best Fungus Combo (Foot Soak, Body Wash & Toe Ointment)
Price:
$31.49
Overview:
This is almost everything you need for foot fungus! This has a foot soak powder, body wash for showering and toenail ointment.
Pros:
Great cost ($50+ separately), $29 in the bundle. Tea tree oil has proven antifungal benefits. Excellent reviews and good overall cost value.
Cons:
The combo could be more than you need. You still need a foot bath tub.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot Fungus Products
Best Foot Powder Option For Shoes.
Price:
$19.32
Overview:
3 pack of foot powder spray. This is great for shoes and feet, but not as practical outside the foot or shoe.
Pros:
If you sweat in your shoes, this is your best bet. This will soak up sweat and kill fungus. Very effective and excellent Amazon reviews. 3 pack online is the price of one bottle at the store.
Cons:
Powder makes a big mess. Good for shoes but it can get powder inside your shoes. Can have chemical like smell.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot Fungus Products
Best Shower Body Wash
Price:
$15.30
Overview:
Great cost effective shower wash.
Pros:
Over 5,000 5 star amazon reviews. Great reviews, medically proven component in tea tree oil. All natural with excellent results.
Cons:
Can be more expensive than regular soap. It may not be enough by itself without soaking or especially further toenail treatment.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot Fungus Products
Best choice for Foot Bath Mix
Price:
$14.79
Overview:
Mix of epsom salts, tea tree oil for a good price.
Pros:
Epsom salts and tea tree oil have proven effect. Epsom salts make your loose skin flake off and tea tree oil is anti-fungal. Great price and near 5 star review on Amazon.
Cons:
Foot soak by itself may not be enough to fix your problem, but a component. You also need a foot tub.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot Fungus Products
Best & Most Cost Effective Foot Soak Tub.
Price:
$14.97
Overview:
This is a cost effective tub for foot soaks. You still need to also buy a foot soak powder or solution!
Pros:
Excellent choice for cost effective foot soak tub. Top notch reviews on amazon, great price.
Cons:
Not much downsides, it’s a tub! But you have to get foot soak powder or antifungal solution separately.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Toenail Fungus Clippers & Files:
- This is something you have to be careful using at home, and definitely be safe and don’t use these if you have dangerous health conditions.
- It is important to see a podiatrist for foot evaluation and care if you are having continued health care issues or problems with your feet.
- These are some great value heavy duty clippers and sets.
- The key is to cut straight across, and file the nail down from the top to keep it from impinging in the corners.
- It is also important to make sure all dead dry skin is removed surrounding the foot.
- This is where you should really see your podiatrist if you have any concerns or worried about cutting or hurting yourself.
- This is something covered, so don’t take chances with your health!
Best Grooming Supplies
Best Value Clipping Set
Best Value Heavy Duty Clipper Set
Heavy Duty Non-Scissor Clipper
Price:
$13.99
$24.99
$12.99
Overview:
This is the Amazon best overall rated value set: Great Reviews and cost.
Value heavy duty clipper, nail file and currette for scooping under the nail.
Great alternative choice for heavy duty clipper if difficulty cutting with the other one.
Pros:
4.4/5 ratings at almost 800+ ratings. Multi-tool set that should be adequate for most people.
4.7/5 reviews with 200+ reviews. Strong clipper with files and currette, everything you need!
Excellent reviews, 4.8/5 with 600+ reviews. Some people prefer this grip
Cons:
It won’t work for heavy duty thickness. It can be dangerous clipping if you have health conditions.
It is still not perfect if you can’t reach your foot. See your podiatrist if health conditions.
No currette and no nail file, so you may need this.
Crucial Tips:
If your toenails are too thick and if you have dangerous health conditions, see your podiatrist for your toenail fungus!
If you have health conditions, be very safe at home, this can be a risky treatment! Be very safe.
Make sure to see your podiatrist if you have metabolic or blood flow conditions! Be safe if you can’t reach.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Grooming Supplies
Best Value Clipping Set
Price:
$13.99
Overview:
This is the Amazon best overall rated value set: Great Reviews and cost.
Pros:
4.4/5 ratings at almost 800+ ratings. Multi-tool set that should be adequate for most people.
Cons:
It won’t work for heavy duty thickness. It can be dangerous clipping if you have health conditions.
Crucial Tips:
If your toenails are too thick and if you have dangerous health conditions, see your podiatrist for your toenail fungus!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Grooming Supplies
Best Value Heavy Duty Clipper Set
Price:
$24.99
Overview:
Value heavy duty clipper, nail file and currette for scooping under the nail.
Pros:
4.7/5 reviews with 200+ reviews. Strong clipper with files and currette, everything you need!
Cons:
It is still not perfect if you can’t reach your foot. See your podiatrist if health conditions.
Crucial Tips:
If you have health conditions, be very safe at home, this can be a risky treatment! Be very safe.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Grooming Supplies
Heavy Duty Non-Scissor Clipper
Price:
$12.99
Overview:
Great alternative choice for heavy duty clipper if difficulty cutting with the other one.
Pros:
Excellent reviews, 4.8/5 with 600+ reviews. Some people prefer this grip
Cons:
No currette and no nail file, so you may need this.
Crucial Tips:
Make sure to see your podiatrist if you have metabolic or blood flow conditions! Be safe if you can’t reach.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Toenail Fungus Polish and Remover:
- There are some great toenail fungus polish options and polish removal options.
- There are none acetone based toenail polish remover’s, they don’t dry as quickly, but they are less like a dehydrator toenail.
- This also applies for your fingernails and hands.
- The benefits of using these non-toxic toenail polishes are: they are filled with non-fungal options such as tea tree oil which prevent the spread of toenail fungus.
- These can also work well for the fingernails.
- So great combo is to use one of these healthier toenail paint options, as well as a non-acetone based toenail polish remover.
Non-Toxic Toenail Polish
Great Non-Acetone Toenail Polish Remover
Great Clear Topcoat & Anti-fungal Toenail Polish.
Great Multicolor Topcoat & Anti-fungal Toenail Polish.
Nail file and removal equipment set.
Price:
$11.99
$18.99
$56.00
$9.99
Overview:
Great non-toxic and non-acetone toenail remove. Great budget price with removal.
Great reliable brand that is combined with non-toxic and anti-fungal ingredients.
Great reliable brand that is combined with non-toxic and anti-fungal ingredients. Variety of colors.
Great reviews and value for toenail polish remover with nail file.
Pros:
Great reviewed product: 4.4/5 with 1600+ reviews. No acetone.
Tea tree oil base. Great reviews at 4.4/5 with over 200+ ratings. Great brand.
Tea tree oil base. Great reviews at 4.5/5 with a reliable brand.
Great reviews at 4.4/5 with 270 ratings. Includes nail files which are important.
Cons:
There are some questions about what organic really means for this brand. Some prefer the faster drying of acetone.
Some compliants of it getting thick if not sealing it properly.
Some compliants of it getting thick if not sealing it properly. Can be more expensive due to anti-fungal ingredients
More of a value budget set.
Crucial Tips:
Some prefer the quicker drying of acetone, but this works better if you are having drying and fungus issues.
If you still use acetone, it may still dehydrate.
If you still use acetone, it may still dehydrate.
The key is after removal, the nail files are useful for removal dry superficial nails and keratin granulations.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Non-Toxic Toenail Polish
Great Non-Acetone Toenail Polish Remover
Price:
$11.99
Overview:
Great non-toxic and non-acetone toenail remove. Great budget price with removal.
Pros:
Great reviewed product: 4.4/5 with 1600+ reviews. No acetone.
Cons:
There are some questions about what organic really means for this brand. Some prefer the faster drying of acetone.
Crucial Tips:
Some prefer the quicker drying of acetone, but this works better if you are having drying and fungus issues.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Non-Toxic Toenail Polish
Great Clear Topcoat & Anti-fungal Toenail Polish.
Price:
$18.99
Overview:
Great reliable brand that is combined with non-toxic and anti-fungal ingredients.
Pros:
Tea tree oil base. Great reviews at 4.4/5 with over 200+ ratings. Great brand.
Cons:
Some compliants of it getting thick if not sealing it properly.
Crucial Tips:
If you still use acetone, it may still dehydrate.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Non-Toxic Toenail Polish
Great Multicolor Topcoat & Anti-fungal Toenail Polish.
Price:
$56.00
Overview:
Great reliable brand that is combined with non-toxic and anti-fungal ingredients. Variety of colors.
Pros:
Tea tree oil base. Great reviews at 4.5/5 with a reliable brand.
Cons:
Some compliants of it getting thick if not sealing it properly. Can be more expensive due to anti-fungal ingredients
Crucial Tips:
If you still use acetone, it may still dehydrate.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Non-Toxic Toenail Polish
Nail file and removal equipment set.
Price:
$9.99
Overview:
Great reviews and value for toenail polish remover with nail file.
Pros:
Great reviews at 4.4/5 with 270 ratings. Includes nail files which are important.
Cons:
More of a value budget set.
Crucial Tips:
The key is after removal, the nail files are useful for removal dry superficial nails and keratin granulations.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Shoes For Toenail Injuries:
- The key to prevent toenail ripping and lifting is to have a good supportive shoes.
- If you have a good supportive shoe, that keeps pressure off your toes in your toenails, there will be no lifting and cracking to allow bacteria and fungus to get in.
- This almost seems counter-intuitive, but when people make a switch to really good supportive shoes that fit properly, there toenail problems almost always get better over the next few months or a year.
- Your current nail is already likely destroyed, especially with joggers toe, but let the new nail growing healthy without new damage.
- Click the following link for our most recommended shoes. Try to focus on shoes with mesh and room around the big toe and also the smaller toes.
Best AntiFungal Moisture Wicking Socks:
- These are some great options for moisture wicking sucks.
- The more you are able to wick moisture from your foot, the less chance there is that toenail fungus and athlete’s foot can survive.
- We tried to focus on budget value stocks that are not too expensive.
- Sure there are better stocks out there, but these are great socks for a great price for most people.
- If you are a diabetic focus on getting yourself some diabetic socks.
Best woman’s antifungal socks:
Table could not be displayed.
Best men’s antifungal socks:
Best Men’s Anti-Sweat & Anti-Fungus Socks
Best Budget & Well Reviewed Moisture Wicking Socks
Best ankle sock length Men’s running socks, moisture wicking.
Great Men’s Dress Socks designed for Moisture Wicking.
Great overall bamboo socks. Crew sock length with good budget price.
Price:
Price not available
Price not available
Price not available
Price not available
Overview:
These have a HUGE amount of great reviews, great cost men’s work socks.
Great overall budget reviewed choice for running socks at the ankle level.
These are great options for dress shoes with moisture wicking properties.
Great value and great reviews. Crew sock length.
Pros:
21,000+ reviews at 4.7/5! Excellent reviews at a great cost, you can’t go wrong.
2,500+ reviews at 4.5/5! Excellent reviews and specifically designed for moisture wicking, great company.
Great socks with very good reviews. Many options and moisture wicking technology.
Great reviews at 4.4/5 and over 150+ reviews.
Cons:
Not much downsides, some durability concerns, but these seem to be overblown.
Shoe ankle socks can curl. Fabric is thin.
Dress shoes are not the most comfortable. Your feet have to work hard in dress shoes. These are very effective.
A little on the thinner side compared to most crew socks. Good for work, not for outside cold weather.
Crucial Tips:
Make sure to keep your shoes clean as well with antifungal sprays. Combine with clean shoes.
This is thin fabric, while is does wick moisture well, this can make it fall apart faster. It also gives less cushion.
Get a 3/4 length dress orthotics or a full length dress orthotic that will let your feet work less hard.
Get a great breathable shoe and supportive orthotics.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Men’s Anti-Sweat & Anti-Fungus Socks
Best Budget & Well Reviewed Moisture Wicking Socks
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
These have a HUGE amount of great reviews, great cost men’s work socks.
Pros:
21,000+ reviews at 4.7/5! Excellent reviews at a great cost, you can’t go wrong.
Cons:
Not much downsides, some durability concerns, but these seem to be overblown.
Crucial Tips:
Make sure to keep your shoes clean as well with antifungal sprays. Combine with clean shoes.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Men’s Anti-Sweat & Anti-Fungus Socks
Best ankle sock length Men’s running socks, moisture wicking.
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Great overall budget reviewed choice for running socks at the ankle level.
Pros:
2,500+ reviews at 4.5/5! Excellent reviews and specifically designed for moisture wicking, great company.
Cons:
Shoe ankle socks can curl. Fabric is thin.
Crucial Tips:
This is thin fabric, while is does wick moisture well, this can make it fall apart faster. It also gives less cushion.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Men’s Anti-Sweat & Anti-Fungus Socks
Great Men’s Dress Socks designed for Moisture Wicking.
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
These are great options for dress shoes with moisture wicking properties.
Pros:
Great socks with very good reviews. Many options and moisture wicking technology.
Cons:
Dress shoes are not the most comfortable. Your feet have to work hard in dress shoes. These are very effective.
Crucial Tips:
Get a 3/4 length dress orthotics or a full length dress orthotic that will let your feet work less hard.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Men’s Anti-Sweat & Anti-Fungus Socks
Great overall bamboo socks. Crew sock length with good budget price.
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Great value and great reviews. Crew sock length.
Pros:
Great reviews at 4.4/5 and over 150+ reviews.
Cons:
A little on the thinner side compared to most crew socks. Good for work, not for outside cold weather.
Crucial Tips:
Get a great breathable shoe and supportive orthotics.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Toenail Pain [Toenail Fungus, Ingrown Toenails, Discolored Toenails]
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