How to Treat Fungus on my toes?

Question

I do running very much, I love it! But now I have big problem with fungus on my toes. This fungus make my toenails look very ugly and it hurt a little. I try many things like creams and special powder, but no help at all. I even stop running for few weeks to see if it get better, but it only get worse. I read that Ayurveda have many natural treatments. Can you give me advice what to do for my fungus? Maybe some herbs or oils can help? I really want my toes to be healthy again so I can run without problem.

Dr Sujal Patil · Accepted Answer

Dear Rajesh, 
Do you sweat a lot? May be sweating during your runs and enclosed feet is causing the issue. Try resting till the issue is resolved completely.
Ayurvedic treatment for fungal infections on the foot, such as athlete's foot, emphasizes restoring balance, promoting healing, and preventing recurrence. Here are some effective approaches:

1. Dietary Recommendations
Anti-inflammatory Foods: Incorporate foods that reduce inflammation, such as turmeric, ginger, garlic, and green leafy vegetables.
Avoid Sugary and Processed Foods: Limit sugar and processed foods that can promote fungal growth.
2. Herbal Remedies
Neem: Known for its antifungal properties, neem can be used as a topical paste or infused in oil for application.
Turmeric: A paste made from turmeric powder and water can be applied to the affected area to reduce inflammation and fight infection.
Coconut Oil: Apply virgin coconut oil, which has antifungal properties and helps moisturize the skin.
Tea Tree Oil: Dilute tea tree oil in a carrier oil and apply to the affected area to help combat fungi.
3. Topical Treatments
Aloe Vera Gel: Applying fresh aloe vera gel can soothe irritated skin and has antifungal properties.
Herbal Powders: Use powders like kalonji (black seed) or besan (gram flour) mixed with water as a paste on the affected area.
4. Foot Hygiene
Keep Feet Dry: Ensure feet are clean and dry, especially between the toes, as moisture promotes fungal growth.
Natural Foot Soaks: Soak feet in warm water with added neem leaves or salt to help cleanse and soothe the skin.
5. Panchakarma
Consider detoxification treatments like Virechana or other cleansing procedures under the guidance of an Ayurvedic practitioner to help eliminate toxins from the body.
6. Lifestyle Modifications
Footwear: Wear breathable shoes and moisture-wicking socks to prevent excessive sweating.
Regular Change: Change socks regularly and avoid walking barefoot in public areas to reduce exposure.
7. Consultation
Seek advice from a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner for a tailored treatment plan and to address any underlying imbalances.
Final Note
If the infection persists or worsens, consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and treatment. Consistency in hygiene and treatment is key to overcoming fungal infections.

Dr. Harsha Joy · Answer

In Ayurveda, fungal infections like toenail fungus are often related to an imbalance in Kapha and Rakta (blood), which can lead to moisture accumulation and poor circulation, creating an environment for fungal growth. To manage this condition, Ayurvedic remedies focus on purifying the blood, drying the excess moisture, and preventing the fungus from spreading. Herbal treatments like neem (Azadirachta indica) and turmeric (Curcuma longa) are well known for their antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. You can apply a paste made from neem powder mixed with water directly onto the affected toenails, as neem helps fight infections and promote healing. Turmeric paste, made by mixing turmeric powder with water or coconut oil, can also be applied to the infected nails to reduce inflammation and fight the fungus. Another useful remedy is tea tree oil, which has strong antifungal properties. You can dilute tea tree oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, and apply it to the affected area daily. In addition to topical treatments, you should follow a Kapha-pacifying diet, which includes light, warm, and dry foods like barley, millet, and cooked vegetables. Avoid heavy, greasy, or excessively sweet foods, as they can aggravate Kapha and contribute to fungal growth. To keep the toes dry and prevent further fungal infection, wear breathable footwear and avoid moisture buildup. Regular foot baths with warm water infused with neem leaves or turmeric can further help disinfect and cleanse the toes. Along with these remedies, maintaining good hygiene and keeping the feet dry is essential for faster recovery.

Dr. Ayush Varma · Answer

Ah, toenail fungus can be such a nuisance, especially for a dedicated runner like yourself. You want to get back to running without those pesky toe issues, I get it. In Ayurveda, we believe that such fungal infections could be related to an imbalance in the Kapha dosha, often influenced by dampness and toxins accumulating in the body.

First things first, tea tree oil—it's like the go-to in such cases. You could try applying it directly to your toenails. Just dab a drop with a cotton ball, twice a day. It's known for its antifungal properties, so it might give your toes a break from this misery. Same goes for neem oil, which is another strong ally. Again, just a couple of times a day should do.

Now, let's not forget about a powerful herb, turmeric, which works wonders as an internal cleanser for your system. Maybe try a pinch of turmeric powder mixed with warm water in the morning. See if that helps. But be cautious, too much turmeric might cause some digestive upset, so just a pinch is good.

Suppose you want to dial down that internal fungus breeding ground; consider having foods that pacify Kapha, like light and dry foods. Think along the lines of steamed vegetables, and maybe skip heavy, oily, and sugary foods. They're not really your friends right now.

Meanwhile, keeping your feet dry is crucial. Swap those tight-fitting shoes for something openly breathable when you're not running. And change your socks regularly because you don't want that moisture sticking around any longer than necessary.

If you’re into foot soaks, a warm saltwater soak with a tad of apple cider vinegar could help too. Maybe sit back with that soak once a day, it might make your nails feel and look a bit better.

But look, if it still doesn’t get better or starts hurting a lot, you should definitely have a doc check it out. Sometimes things need another pair of eyes! But let's hope these remedies get you back to running in no time. 👍

How to Treat Fungus on my toes? - #38

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