Closeup of a hairy human foot and toes with a cracked and peeling toe nail on the largest toe.
If your toenail becomes loose and cut off from blood flow, fungus can start growing quickly.
This is the SECRET! Your dead loose toenail needs to be trimmed before fungus and bacteria start growing on it.
Don’t leave the toenail stuck to this site.
Symptoms:
Thick and flaky toenail.
Dry looking toenail.
Yellow or green discoloration.
Usually no pain.
Usually no swelling.
Usually poor blood flow and/or diabetes.
Possible odor.
Fungal infections are a special case that needs added consideration:
If you also have Athlete’s foot or a foot fungus infection, it is essential to treat this!
Foot fungus can easily spread from your skin to your toenail as time goes on.
So make sure you fix both and take care of your foot fungus with these great products:
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:
$30.74
$30.65
$15.30
$14.65
$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):
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):
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):
If you have suffered a traumatic injury or constant chronic rubbing, continue reading!
Step 1: Understand the Injury!
Accept that the nail just needs to grow back!
It grows at 1mm per month; this means 6-9 months if the entire toenail has fallen off!
Unfortunately there is not too much that can be done to speed up the growth of the nail beyond leading a healthy lifestyle and getting lots of exercise and sun(basically anything that boosts your metabolism).
Step 2: Treat The Pain!
If the toe is really painful – apply ice for 15-20 mins until it starts to get numb.
Initially elevate the foot to decrease the pain as well.
Take some anti-inflammatory medication to prevent long lasting pain.
Put a band-aid on it so that it does not catch on anything!
Step 3: Trim and File the Nail!
Once the pain is decreased, trim the nail so that it is no longer loose!
Trim all the loose nail, it is already detached and gone.
If it catches on a sock or bed sheets, you may re-injure it!
Use an emery board or pumice stone to trim the nail down.
Step 4: Prevent Infection:
Apply some antibiotic ointment cream ( neosporin and triple antibiotic ointment).
Do this for a week or two after the injury.
If the toe is getting red hot and swollen, you experience nausea, fever or redness moving up the toe or throbbing pain that lasts past the icing, anti-inflammatory medication and elevation then you likely have an infection.
Get yourself to a podiatrist or a emergency room as soon as possible.
Step 5: Protect the Toenail:
If you are going to continue running or working on that foot put some heavy duty duct tape or athletic tape over the band-aid.
If you are a runner or exercise, get some bigger or better shoes!
If you work construction, consider some steel toe shoes!
Step 6: Wait for the Toenail to Grow Back!
Unless you damaged the nail matrix(the base of the nail) then it should grow back every time.
Almost all grow back normally!
If there is matrix damage, the nail may curve more or be thicker- it is essential a scar of the nail bed.
Treatment at this point should be followup with your podiatrist!
Other Related Nail Problems:
See if any of these other problems apply to your situation!
These are our favorite products to treat toenail fungus at home.
Keratin Granulations are very easily taken care of through moisturizing your nails with cuticle wax, oils and simply avoiding nail polish for a little while.
It is not necessary to buy anything expensive or online; it is fine simply using a product like Vaseline or any other petroleum oil in most circumstances.
So get yourself some petroleum jelly at your corner store and just apply it to your nails at night when you won’t be using your hands. In 2 weeks you should be in great shape!
Make sure you read the reviews and see if it is good for you!
How to fix toenail fungus:
There are many different types of toenail damage.
In our experience, about 90% or more is related to toenail fungus.
The key to toenail fungus is to trim it is much as possible, and file that nailed down.
These products are not meant to replace prescription drugs or medical treatment equipment.
If you are able to do that, you have to make sure you can kill fungus the rest of the way.
The best way to do that is to soak exfoliate the affected toenail skin. So, consider foot soaks.
At the same time you have to apply antifungal medication such as these medications recommended here, or the toenail repair pens
Best Toenail Repair Products:
Best Toenail Repair Pen.
Top Choice For Direct Toenail Application.
Top Choice For Cream For Toenails & Webspaces.
Great Option For Foot Soak.
Great Tea Tree Oil Treatment
Price:
$27.99
$19.90
$17.99
$17.97
$21.99
Overview:
4 Pens with quick dry application that leaves a sealing lid on top. Easy to store and apply. Key is still to trim/file the toenail first!
All natural option that is toxic to fungus. This is similar to tea tree oil in that respect but can be more effective. You still need to exfoliate dead skin and trim thick toenails.
All natural cream option. This is a good option compared to some of the quick dry gels. This can be used on the skin surrounding your toenails.
Safe, cost effective and relaxing all at the same time! This needs to be used in a 20 minute foot soak. Works well for exfoliating loose skin/toenail as well as softening.
Tea Tree Oil is well studied and an all natural anti-fungal treatment.
Pros:
Easy to use, quick drying. This fills into the cracks and seals them with minimal mess. This is great for sealing even dehydrated keratin granulations.
All natural, relatively cost effective. 1,000s of reviews with excellent results. Very clean and quick drying, easy to apply.
Relatively cost effective. All natural tea tree oil that is proven toxic to fungus. Can be used on surrounding skin as well.
Very safe, little risk, low cost and very effective if used correctly. The key is to use it as an aid to soften and exfoliate loose/dry dead skin and toenail.
Great reviews at 4.7/5 at 500+ overall reviews. Well proven and natural option.
Cons:
0% chance of working if your toenail is loose and has no blood supply. Make sure you trim and file any loose finger or toenail. Otherwise “0% CHANCE OF WORKING!” You cannot restore a dead toenail without blood flow.
Small amount and a little more expensive than some other options. Once more has 0% chance of working if your goal is to heal a dead, detached toenail or dry skin. Are you noticing this is a trend? This is really the key!
Still more expensive than other options. Can get messy all over different areas of your foot. Key is still debride and cleaning your dry dead toenails and skin. TRIM them!
It once more has 0% chance working if you are trying to save loose and dead crusty skin. Fungus will always grow on this if no blood flow. It can not regenerate dead skin, only exfoliate it.
Not the greatest amount of solution, the all natural solutions can be more expensive.
Crucial Tips:
There is some evidence that these active ingredients work, just be aware: These are not FDA approved and massively studied medications!
There is some evidence that these active ingredients work, just be aware: These are not FDA approved and massively studied medications!
There is some evidence that these active ingredients work, just be aware: These are not FDA approved and massively studied medications!
There is some evidence that these active ingredients work, just be aware: These are not FDA approved and massively studied medications!
Although tea tree oil does nave studies and is antifungal, it is not an FDA approved medication and not studied for this specific use.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
4 Pens with quick dry application that leaves a sealing lid on top. Easy to store and apply. Key is still to trim/file the toenail first!
Pros:
Easy to use, quick drying. This fills into the cracks and seals them with minimal mess. This is great for sealing even dehydrated keratin granulations.
Cons:
0% chance of working if your toenail is loose and has no blood supply. Make sure you trim and file any loose finger or toenail. Otherwise “0% CHANCE OF WORKING!” You cannot restore a dead toenail without blood flow.
Crucial Tips:
There is some evidence that these active ingredients work, just be aware: These are not FDA approved and massively studied medications!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
All natural option that is toxic to fungus. This is similar to tea tree oil in that respect but can be more effective. You still need to exfoliate dead skin and trim thick toenails.
Pros:
All natural, relatively cost effective. 1,000s of reviews with excellent results. Very clean and quick drying, easy to apply.
Cons:
Small amount and a little more expensive than some other options. Once more has 0% chance of working if your goal is to heal a dead, detached toenail or dry skin. Are you noticing this is a trend? This is really the key!
Crucial Tips:
There is some evidence that these active ingredients work, just be aware: These are not FDA approved and massively studied medications!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
All natural cream option. This is a good option compared to some of the quick dry gels. This can be used on the skin surrounding your toenails.
Pros:
Relatively cost effective. All natural tea tree oil that is proven toxic to fungus. Can be used on surrounding skin as well.
Cons:
Still more expensive than other options. Can get messy all over different areas of your foot. Key is still debride and cleaning your dry dead toenails and skin. TRIM them!
Crucial Tips:
There is some evidence that these active ingredients work, just be aware: These are not FDA approved and massively studied medications!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Safe, cost effective and relaxing all at the same time! This needs to be used in a 20 minute foot soak. Works well for exfoliating loose skin/toenail as well as softening.
Pros:
Very safe, little risk, low cost and very effective if used correctly. The key is to use it as an aid to soften and exfoliate loose/dry dead skin and toenail.
Cons:
It once more has 0% chance working if you are trying to save loose and dead crusty skin. Fungus will always grow on this if no blood flow. It can not regenerate dead skin, only exfoliate it.
Crucial Tips:
There is some evidence that these active ingredients work, just be aware: These are not FDA approved and massively studied medications!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
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
$18.00
$48.00
$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):
It is also very important to fix your foot fungus.
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.
It’s not a far journey from skin fungus to jump onto your toenails again.
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:
$30.74
$30.65
$15.30
$14.65
$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):
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):
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):
You definitely want to get great shoes and sandals for your toenail fungus and foot fungus.
Specifically when you are in a communal shower, or pool you want to get a good pair of sandals. We compiled a great list of our recommended orthotic flip-flops.
You also want to get new breathable shoes, that are not covered in sweat and that have mesh around the toes.
Specifically good pairs of running shoes have mesh where your toes are, this prevents your toenails from rubbing, and prevents them from dreaming on the front of the foot.
Click on the below link to see which shoes we recommend for your toenail fungus and foot fungus.