HomeNail Health, Nail Disorders & Disease

Does CBD Oil Cure Toenail Fungus?

Toenail fungus is referred to as onychomycosis in medical terms. It mostly affects the big toenails and is rarely seen on fingernails. This condition is difficult to treat and takes a long time to get cured. It leads to whitish-yellowish discoloration of the nails affected. The nails also become thick, brittle or fragile and out of shape. This causes the nail to become detached from the nail bed. It mostly occurs in people who have a suppressed immune system. Toenail fungus is caused by dermatophytes or fungus that infects the skin most of the times. The other causative agents include yeast or mold as well.⁽¹⁾

Toenail fungus is not a serious condition and it goes away with treatment in healthy people. However, in people with a weak immune system, the skin surrounding the toenail fungus is prone to bacterial infections. It is best to take preventive measures in order to avoid onychomycosis. Since fungus grows in wet and damp places it is necessary to keep the feet dry after taking bath or washing feet, not wearing very tight shoes and letting the feet breathe as often as possible by wearing flip flops or slippers often and not sharing towels or socks with other people.⁽²⁾

Cannabis is known to have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties thus making it effective against toenail fungus. Some studies have shown that cannabis is capable of getting rid of toenail fungus but not as effective as the conventional methods of treatment. Although they have fewer side effects and faster mode of action research still has not completely proven their efficiency. Studies have shown that they help in relieving the pain caused by the infected nail. Since the fungus eats the affected nail and exposes the underlying tender skin it becomes extremely painful and uncomfortable while walking. The CBD oil is helpful in soothing the inflamed skin and making it easier to walk and it has also shown to hasten the healing process of the infected toenail and provide relief from pain as well.⁽²⁾

The role of cannabis in curing toenail fungus is still under research and study. There is little data available regarding its efficiency and therefore it is not prescribed commercially by the doctors. They prefer to use conventional methods to get rid of toenail fungus that is rather difficult to treat and takes a long time to get cured. In many cases, patients have reported relief by using CBD oil directly on the infected part that led to the fungus completely dying off. The drawback to this was that the fungus returned on discontinuation of the treatment. Patients who do not respond to conventional methods of treatment have tried cannabis oil and the results have varied from person to person. Some had a better response to the treatment while in others the fungus remained as such with temporary relief or no relief at all. Topical antifungals have shown less efficiency against persistent fungal infections. Oral antifungals along with topical use have shown better results.⁽²⁾

The results of anti-fungals and anti-microbials have also shown varied results in different people due to development of resistance against the anti-fungals. It is due to this reason that most treatment options available are ineffective and take a long time to get cured. Topical CBD oil has antimicrobials that have the tendency to kill the fungus and is effective in some patients. It is better to prevent the fungus from growing in the early stages and take proper measures when the person is more prone to toenail fungus. Diabetics, people with suppressed immunity, patients undergoing cancer treatment, heart patients are more prone to developing toenail fungus and therefore should take measures from the starting to avoid severe fungus from growing. Wearing properly fitted shoes, drying up feet thoroughly before putting on footwear and avoiding sharing of towels and socks can help prevent toenail fungus.

References:

Also Read:

Does CBD Oil Cure Toenail Fungus?