How To Make Nails Stronger: 12 Healthy Tips
Everyone wants beautiful natural nails that are both strong and healthy. Discover how to make your nails stronger with these 12 essential tips
What Kills Toenail Fungus Permanently? Is There Such A Thing?
Toenail fungus is something that many people experience throughout life. It may not be a topic that’s often spoken about, but it is estimated that almost 14% of adults in North America have toenail fungus.
This stubborn, often recurring, and resistant to quick remedies issue is hard to treat, specially considering that many treatments only reduce symptoms without tackling the undelying root. The key to eliminating toenail fungus is to choose the right therapy and preventing reinfection.Â
Let’s breakdown what really works, and why some methods fail
What makes nail fungus so difficult to eliminate?
If you’re experiencing thick, brittle, yellow nails, you will know only too well that eliminating toenail fungus isn’t an easy task. You may have waited to see if it clears up on its own without success. You may have also tried a few different ways to fix toenail fungus. The problem is, just when you think you’re making progress, toenail fungus often returns.
So, why is it so hard to get rid of toenail fungus?
- Fungus usually hides under the nail plate and nail bed, making some creams less effective.Â
- Nails grow slowly, so visibile results take months.
- Reinfection is really common if shows, socks and even tools aren’t disinfected.Â
- Some people are genetically or medically predisposed (diabetes, weak immunity, among other).
The Basics of Nail Fungus
The signs of toenail fungus may be clearly visible on your nails. However, the cause of the fungus actually goes a lot deeper. You see, toenail fungus actually develops beneath the surface of your nail.
A microscopic organism known as a dermophyte fungus is responsible for causing toenail fungus. The fungus can develop throughout the multiple layers that make up the toenail. Fungus can also develop in the nail matrix, which is located under the cuticle. As the nail matrix produces new nail cells, the fungus can continue to grow until the entire toenail is colonized.
Toenails provide the ideal environment for fungus to grow
Unfortunately, toenails provide the perfect environment for fungus to thrive and grow. The hard shell of the toenail creates a protective shelter where fungus can continue to multiply undisturbed. As the fungus is beneath the nail, it’s extremely challenging to reach the source of the fungus and to kill it. The warm, dark, and moist conditions that are created when you wear socks and shoes, also help fungus to keep growing.
Toenail regrowth is a slow process
Eliminating toenail fungus is rarely a quick job. One of the main reasons it’s so hard to treat is because it’s often such a long process. You see, nails grow slowly. It can actually take between 12 and 18 months2 for a completely new nail to grow through after treating toenail fungus.
What kills nail fungus permanently?
The best way to kill toenail fungus is a topic of much debate. Many people try several methods before they successfully eliminate their toenail fungus permanently.
These are some of the most commonly used methods of killing toenail fungus:
Anti fungal creams
Anti fungal creams and ointments, such as terbinafine cream, are often used to treat toenail fungus. However, these can sometimes cause irritation to the surrounding skin. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, terbinafine may not be suitable for you to use, so you will need to discuss this with your healthcare provider.
Some creams:
- Work best in mild cases.
- Require Months of consisten use
- Is often combined with nails debridement (trimming/thinning).
Oral treatments
Oral medication can be prescribed by a physician to treat toenail fungus. The most common medications used are fluconazole, terbinafine, and itraconazole. These medications work by entering the bloodstream and going to the site of the fungus to kill it.
These tablets often need to be taken for several months to be effective. However, some people experience side effects when taking them.
Oral Treatments (often Terbinafine, Itraconazole) are:
- Most effective for long-term clearence.
- Best for reaching the infection through the bloodstream.
- Usually prescribed for 3-6 months.
Laser treatment
Laser treatment is sometimes offered as a toenail fungus treatment when the fungus is at the most severe stage. This involves the infected toenail being targeted with a laser beam in a bid to kill the fungus. However, there is little evidence to suggest this method works as a permanent solution for toenail fungus.
Laser treatment for toenail fungus:
- Penetrates nail to kill fungal spores.Â
- Promise fast results but is costly and isn’t worth it for low to mild cases.Â
- Works best when combined with preventive measures.Â
Reality check:Â No single method guarantees “permanent” cure. Success = treatment + prevention.Â
Prevention as the best treatment
As you can see, treating toenail fungus is extremely challenging, and it can take many months to be effective. So, preventing toenail fungus from developing in the first place is the best way to keep your nails healthy.
Keeping your feet clean and dry is the first step to preventing toenail fungus. Wearing shoes made from breathable material can also keep fungus at bay. Keeping nails short will help prevent fungus growing underneath them. Using a topical anti fungal treatment made from natural ingredients can be used as soon as the first signs of toenail fungus appear. This will help to stop the fungus in its tracks, before it develops into a more widespread fungal infection.
Quick tips
- Keep nails trimmed, dry, and clean.
- Disinfect clippers, shoes and socks regularly.
- Wear moisture-wicking socks & breathable shoes.Â
- Avoid walking barefoot in public areas (such as gym, pools, showers)
- Use antifungal sprays, sticks, or powders if prone to reinfection.
The KlearNail Anti-Fungal Stick kills fungal spores on contact, and doesn’t contain any chemical ingredients, making it safe for long term use. Using KlearNail for at least six months can completely eliminate stubborn toenail fungus, even when it’s deep into the nail.
References:
#1.
Ghannoum MA, Haajeh RA, Sher R, et al, A large-scale North America study of fungal isolates from nails: The frequency of onychomycosis, fungal distribution, and anti-fungal susceptibility patterns, J Am Acad. Dermatol., 2000; 43 (4): 641-648
#2.
Higuera, V. (August 17, 2021) How Long Does it Take for a Toenail to Grow Back? https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-does-it-take-for-a-toenail-to-grow-back
Swissklip Team
Our blog is authored by the Swissklip founders alongside our trusted medical advisors. What began as a heartfelt solution for Opa’s thick toenails blossomed into a full line of premium self-care tools, all designed with quality and safety in mind. Working closely with podiatrists and dentists, we ensure every article carries medical-grade insights you can trust. Expect practical, expert-backed advice every time.
Table of Contents
Related Products
4.9
Organic AntiFungal Treatment
A roll-on solution that kills drug-resistant fungus on contact.
From $29.99
4.9
3-in-1 Nail Buffer Block
Achieve salon-quality smoothness and a dazzling natural shine
From $12.99
4.9
KlearNail Antifungal Stick + Heavy Duty Toenail Clipper
Related Products
4.9
Organic AntiFungal Treatment
A roll-on solution that kills drug-resistant fungus on contact.
From $29.99
4.9
3-in-1 Nail Buffer Block
Achieve salon-quality smoothness and a dazzling natural shine
From $12.99
4.9
KlearNail Antifungal Stick + Heavy Duty Toenail Clipper
Related Posts
What Kills Toenail Fungus Permanently? Is There Such A Thing?
Have you ever wondered how to kill toenail fungus permanently? Find out how you can eliminate toenail fungus for good in an easy way
Nail Fungus vs Subungual Melanoma: Key Differences & Treatments
Learn the differences between nail fungus and subungual melanoma, with guidance on diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment options for each.
