Does betadine kill toenail fungus? Take a look at this short yet informative article to know whether the popular antiseptic works or not!
Betadine, alias, Povidone-Iodine, and Iodopovidone, is a non-toxic, topical antiseptic solution used by healthcare providers during medical settings to disinfect their hands and patients’ minor cuts and burns. Being an excellent anti-fungal agent, Does Betadine Kill Toenail Fungus? Let’s find out below!
Toenail Fungus & Its Symptoms
Toenail fungus is a fungal infection that occurs when the harmful fungi invade the toenails through cuts, breaks, or any injury. Dermatophytes are responsible for this cosmetic and painful condition.
Common Names
- Tinea unguium
- Onychomycosis
Symptoms
- Unpleasant smell from toenails
- Discolored, brittle, ragged, and crumbled nails
- Slight pain and discomfort
- Nail surface feels dry and powdery
- Distorted nails
- Infected nail plate gets slightly lifted from its bed
Does Betadine Kill Toenail Fungus?
The answer is ‘Yes.’ Betadine is an ideal topical solution to alleviate the signs and symptoms of toenail fungal infection. According to this research, betadine displays significant improvements in the color of fungal infected toenails after 24 weeks of topical treatment. But for complete eradication of toenail fungal infection, betadine must be used for at least 48 weeks.
How to Use Betadine to Kill Toenail Fungus?
If you’re tired of visiting the podiatrist often because of that pesky toenail fungal infection, try the clinically proven betadine.
- Clean the infected nails with an antifungal cleanser and dab them dry with a clean towel.
- Gently apply a dab of betadine ointment on the infected nail before going to bed.
- Lastly, wash your hands thoroughly. Repeat this in-home treatment regularly to enjoy positive results within 3-4 months.
Important Precautions to Consider
- If you’re allergic to betadine, avoid this remedy right away.
- Keep the betadine out of your kid’s reach.
- Pregnant and lactating women must consult a podiatrist before trying out this remedy.
- Seek immediate medical attention in case of incurring side effects such as swelling, skin irritation, and redness.
- In case of severe onychomycosis, do visit a podiatrist.
Other Natural Home Remedies to Treat Toenail Fungus
If betadine does not give you the desired result try out these natural and inexpensive in-home remedies.
- Vicks VapoRub
- Snakeroot Extract
- Thieves Oil
- Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide
- Vinegar and Baking Soda
- Essential Oils
How to Stop the Reoccurrence of Toenail Fungus?
Below are some pointers that’ll help you avoid the resurge of toenail fungus in the near future.
- Never leave your toes wet in any circumstances. Dry them immediately.
- Don’t forget to carry flip-flops or shower sandals every time you visit public showers, spas, gyms, locker rooms, and changing rooms near swimming pools.
- Avoid wearing sweaty socks and dirty shoes.
- Don’t share your personal belongings with anyone as it’s a highly contagious disease.
- Give your toenails some extra TLC by trimming and filing them often.
- Carry only good-quality shoes that are comfortable and have a breathing room.
- Always use sanitized nail styling equipment and instruct the same to the salon team as well.
- Keep your shoes under direct sunlight regularly for a couple of hours to kill infection-causing microbes.
- Clean your toes with anti-fungal soap and pat dry daily.
Toenail fungal infection is a bothersome condition that needs to be addressed immediately as it not only ruins nails’ appearance but is freaking painful. Don’t fret; you can easily manage this issue with betadine.