Caleb Foster
Fungal nail infections are characterised by thick, discoloured, and brittle nails that are easy to break. They are usually caused by the same fungus that causes athlete's foot and are more likely to occur in people with constantly warm and damp feet. While the infection is unlikely to get better without treatment, it can take a long time to treat. The goals of treatment are to get rid of the fungus and restore the nail. Antifungal drugs, creams, gels, sprays, patches, and pills are available to treat the infection. Laser treatment is also an option, although it is expensive and not usually covered by insurance. Once the infection is cured, a healthy nail will grow back at the base. Nails grow back slowly, so treatment takes time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fungal nail infection symptoms | Thickened, discoloured, brittle, easy to break, crumbly |
| Fungal nail infection causes | Constantly warm and damp feet, wearing trainers for long periods, walking barefoot in communal showers and gyms, wearing shoes that are too small, athlete's foot |
| Fungal nail infection treatment | Antifungal drugs, creams, gels, sprays, patches, nail polish, oral medications, laser treatment, home remedies |
| Fungal nail infection treatment duration | 6 weeks to 6 months or more |
| Fungal nail infection cure | Healthy nail growing back at the base |
| Fungal nail infection prevention | Keep feet clean and dry, trim nails, thin nail bed by filing it down |
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What You'll Learn
- Fingernails and toenails can grow back after treatment for fungal infections
- Antifungal treatments include pills, creams, gels, sprays, patches, and nail polish
- Oral antifungal medications include terbinafine and itraconazole
- Laser treatment is not covered by insurance but can improve the look of the nail
- Prevent fungal nail infections by keeping your feet clean and dry, and not confined for long periods
Fingernails and toenails can grow back after treatment for fungal infections
Fungal nail infections are characterised by nails that are brittle, discoloured, and thicker than usual. They are caused by a fungus that thrives in warm, dark, and moist places, such as sweaty feet inside trainers. The infection usually starts at the edge of the nail and spreads, causing the nail to become white and yellow, and crumble or break easily.
Treatments for fungal nail infections can take a long time and may have side effects. Antifungal nail medicines, which are brushed onto the nail, need to be used regularly for several months before any improvement is seen. Antifungal tablets may also be prescribed, but these require careful monitoring as they can cause liver damage in rare cases.
In some severe cases, the infected nail may need to be surgically removed. This is a minor procedure done under local anaesthesia. After removal, a new nail will usually grow back, but it can take up to a year or longer. During this time, your doctor may prescribe a cream or other treatment to prevent the recurrence of the fungus.
It is important to note that even after successful treatment, the infection can return. To prevent this, it is recommended to keep your feet clean and dry, as fungi thrive in warm and moist environments. Additionally, early intervention is key, so if you notice any changes in nail colour or texture, or experience swelling or itching, it is best to consult a doctor promptly.
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Antifungal treatments include pills, creams, gels, sprays, patches, and nail polish
Fungal nail infections are characterised by nails that are brittle, discoloured, or thicker than usual. While these infections are not serious, they can take a long time to treat. Antifungal treatments are available in various forms, including pills, creams, gels, sprays, patches, and nail polishes.
Antifungal Pills
If over-the-counter treatments are ineffective, a GP or dermatologist may prescribe antifungal tablets. Before prescribing, a doctor will take a sample of the nail to determine the type of infection. In addition, blood tests may be required before and during treatment to check that the liver is functioning properly. Antifungal pills include terbinafine (Lamisil) and itraconazole (Sporanox), which are taken daily for 12 weeks. While the infection may clear within 6 to 12 weeks, it can take a year or more for the nail to grow out completely.
Topical Treatments
Topical antifungal treatments include creams, gels, sprays, and nail polishes. These are typically applied directly to the nail and surrounding skin. Examples of antifungal creams include ciclopirox (Penlac), efinaconazole (Jublia), and tavaborole (Kerydin). These treatments are best suited for surface-level infections as they do not penetrate the nail bed. It may take a year of daily use for the infection to resolve.
Other Treatments
In addition to pills and topical treatments, other antifungal options are available. These include patches and nail polishes, which are painted onto the nail and surrounding area. While these treatments may be effective, they may also require regular and prolonged use for several months before improvement is observed.
It is important to note that antifungal treatments can have side effects, and some people may experience antifungal resistance, especially with prolonged use. Therefore, it is crucial to follow the instructions provided by healthcare professionals and to complete the full course of treatment to reduce the risk of recurrence and resistance.
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Oral antifungal medications include terbinafine and itraconazole
Fungal nail infections are characterised by nails that are brittle, discoloured, and thicker than usual. They are usually slow to develop and often affect the toenails, but they can also occur in the fingernails. While not serious, these infections can take a long time to treat.
Oral antifungal medications are one way to treat fungal nail infections. These medications can stop the nail fungus from growing and help restore the nail. Two examples of oral antifungal medications are terbinafine and itraconazole.
Terbinafine is available by prescription and is used to treat adults with nail fungus on both their finger and toenails. Before taking terbinafine, patients need to undergo liver function tests, which must be repeated six weeks after starting the medication. Liver damage is a rare but possible side effect. Terbinafine is taken daily as a pill, with treatment lasting six weeks for fingernails and 12 weeks for toenails. While the infection will clear within 6 to 12 weeks, it can take a year or longer for the nail to grow out completely.
Itraconazole is available as a brand-name or generic medication. It is typically taken as a capsule, although it can also be administered as an oral suspension (liquid) to treat oral thrush. Itraconazole is generally well-tolerated, with fewer side effects and drug interactions than other antifungals. However, it may not be effective for widespread fungal infections.
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Laser treatment is not covered by insurance but can improve the look of the nail
Fungal nail infections are characterised by nails that are brittle, discoloured, thickened, and easy to break. They are usually caused by the same fungus that causes athlete's foot and are more likely to occur when your feet are constantly warm and damp, such as when wearing trainers for long periods.
Fungal nail infections are not serious, but they can take a long time to treat. Treatment goals include getting rid of the fungus and restoring the nail. Oral antifungal medications , such as terbinafine, are often prescribed to treat fungal nail infections. These medications can have side effects and may not be suitable for those with certain conditions, such as liver or kidney disease.
Laser treatment is a newer therapy for fungal nail infections. It uses concentrated light to kill the nail fungus and prevent its growth. While it shows promise, particularly for at-risk populations, it is considered a cosmetic treatment and is typically not covered by insurance. The cost of laser treatment can vary, ranging from $200 to $700 per session, and individuals may require multiple sessions.
Although laser treatment can improve the appearance of the nail, it is important to note that it is not a cure for the fungal infection itself. Nails usually grow back after being removed or falling out due to infection, but this process can take a significant amount of time, with toenails taking 12 to 18 months to regrow.
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Prevent fungal nail infections by keeping your feet clean and dry, and not confined for long periods
Fungal nail infections are characterised by thick, discoloured, and brittle nails that are easy to break. They are caused by a fungus that thrives in warm, dark, and moist environments, such as sweaty feet confined in shoes for long periods. While these infections are usually not serious, they can be challenging to treat and often require prescription medication. Therefore, prevention is crucial. Here are some detailed tips to prevent fungal nail infections by keeping your feet clean, dry, and unconfined:
Keep Your Feet Clean
Maintaining good foot hygiene is essential for preventing fungal nail infections. Wash your feet regularly, especially after they have been confined in shoes for an extended period. Ensure you dry your feet thoroughly after washing, paying attention to the areas between your toes, as fungi thrive in warm, damp environments. Additionally, practice proper nail grooming. Keep your nails short, and trim them straight across. This helps prevent fungi and other germs from collecting under your nails. Disinfect your nail clippers after each use to avoid spreading the infection to other nails.
Keep Your Feet Dry
To avoid creating an ideal environment for fungi, it is crucial to keep your feet dry. Choose breathable shoes made of materials like leather, canvas, or mesh, which allow for airflow and help prevent excessive sweating. Avoid wearing shoes that make your feet hot and sweaty, such as trainers or shoes with poor ventilation. If your feet tend to sweat a lot, opt for moisture-wicking socks, and always wear a fresh pair of socks daily. If your socks get sweaty, change them immediately. Allow your shoes to dry thoroughly before wearing them again, and avoid wearing shoes consecutively without giving them time to air out.
Avoid Confining Your Feet for Long Periods
Giving your feet some breathing room is essential to prevent fungal nail infections. Avoid wearing shoes for prolonged periods, especially if they cause your feet to become hot and sweaty. Go barefoot at home or opt for open-toed shoes or sandals when possible. When using communal showers or visiting the gym, wear flip-flops to avoid coming into contact with fungi that may be present on the floors. Additionally, avoid sharing shoes, towels, or nail-grooming tools with others, as fungal infections can spread easily through these items.
By following these steps and maintaining good foot hygiene, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing fungal nail infections. Keeping your feet clean, dry, and unconfined creates an unfavourable environment for fungi, hindering their growth and spread.
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Frequently asked questions
A fungal nail infection is when the nail becomes thick, discoloured, and brittle. It is caused by a fungus that multiplies in warm, dark, and moist places.
You can treat a fungal nail infection with antifungal drugs, creams, gels, sprays, patches, and oral medications. You can get these from a pharmacist or your doctor may prescribe them.
Nails usually grow back, but this takes time. Toenails can take 12 to 18 months to regrow.
You can prevent a fungal nail infection by keeping your feet clean and dry. You are more likely to get an infection if you wear trainers for a long time and have hot, sweaty feet.
A fungal nail tends to be thickened, discoloured (yellow, brown, or dark white), and crumbly.
