Ava Monroe
Fungal nail infections are typically caused by fungi called dermatophytes that infect the skin beneath the nail. Yeast is another common culprit. Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is characterized by a white, brown, or yellow discolouration of one or more toenails. It may spread and cause the nails to thicken or crack. Several treatment options are available, including antifungal medications, combination therapies, laser therapy, and surgery. Oral antifungal pills such as terbinafine (Lamisil) are generally more effective than topical treatments but may have side effects and interact with other medications. Home remedies such as tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, and Vicks VapoRub have shown mixed results in treating nail fungus. While medical treatments are the only proven methods to effectively treat nail fungus, home remedies may provide symptom relief. It is important to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment, especially if symptoms are severe or persistent.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Treatment Goals | Get rid of the fungus and restore the nail |
| Nail Fungal Infections Cause | Nail becomes thick, discoloured and easy to break |
| Treatment Options | Antifungal creams, gels, sprays, patches, pills, nail polish, laser treatment, nail removal |
| Home Remedies | Apple cider vinegar, baking soda, mentholated salve, snakeroot extract |
| Medical Treatment | Requires prescription antifungals, combination therapies, laser therapy, surgery, nonsurgical removal |
| Side Effects | Nausea, vomiting, headaches |
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What You'll Learn
- Antifungal medications: oral tablets or topical paints are effective in treating up to 80% of nail infections
- Laser therapy: high doses of light energy can help destroy fungi
- Surgical nail removal: a last resort, this procedure involves removing the nail with a chemical or surgery
- Non-surgical nail removal: a chemical is applied to loosen the skin around the nail
- Natural remedies: tea tree oil applied twice a day for 6 months has shown some positive results
Antifungal medications: oral tablets or topical paints are effective in treating up to 80% of nail infections
Fungal nail infections cause the nail to become discoloured, thickened, distorted, and brittle. The nails may also change shape and become easy to break. The treatment options for nail fungus include oral tablets, nail polishes, and creams.
Antifungal pills, such as itraconazole and terbinafine, are highly effective in treating nail fungus. They are taken for 12 weeks, but the fungus may not be completely gone for 10 months or longer. These pills have high success rates, but they can affect the liver and interact negatively with other medications, so patients should be monitored by a doctor while taking them. Oral tablets are especially effective for severe cases of nail fungus. They generally work faster than topical treatments and are often necessary if multiple nails are infected or if the infection has spread across the nail.
Topical antifungal treatments are usually recommended for children, as most oral medications are not suitable for them. Topical treatments include nail polishes and creams, which can be purchased over the counter without a prescription. Nail polishes contain antifungal ingredients such as amorolfine or ciclopirox. Ciclopirox nail polish has been shown to be effective in treating about 22 out of 100 people after one year of use. However, it is important to note that the cosmetic results may not always be satisfying, as the nails may not look healthy even after successful treatment. Topical treatments can take a long time to work, sometimes up to a year, and are generally less effective than oral tablets.
In addition to oral and topical treatments, surgical treatment is a rare option for severe cases of nail fungus. This procedure involves removing the nail from the toe after loosening the surrounding skin with a special tool. A new nail usually grows back within a year, and doctors may prescribe a cream or other treatment to prevent further fungal growth during this time.
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Laser therapy: high doses of light energy can help destroy fungi
Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a fungal infection that causes the nail to become discoloured, thickened, distorted, and easy to break. It is caused by an overgrowth of fungi that are often found on the body alongside other bacteria. The fungi enter through cracks in the toenails and thrive in the warm, moist environment inside shoes.
Laser therapy is a treatment option for toenail fungus that uses high doses of light energy to destroy the fungi. The laser device emits light at a specific wavelength that is absorbed by the fungus, destroying its structure without damaging the surrounding skin and tissue. This process is known as photothermolysis, which causes photomechanical or photothermal damage to the fungus. Non-thermal laser therapy is a pain-free option as it does not use heat.
Laser therapy has been proven effective in clinical trials, and regulatory bodies like the FDA have cleared laser devices for this purpose. In a controlled pilot study, researchers found an average reduction rate in the number of colony-forming units (CFUs) of 75.9% for a group treated with 300 J and 85.5% for those receiving 450 J of laser energy. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy revealed disintegration of fungal and toenail structures in the nail plate at 450 J.
While laser therapy shows promising results, it is important to note that the effects on the nail's appearance may persist until a new nail grows in, which can take six to twelve months. During this time, the treated nail may not look aesthetically pleasing. To maintain the curative effect, consistent laser treatments may be required, and physical debridement of the nail may also be necessary.
It is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a podiatrist, to determine if laser therapy is suitable for treating toenail fungus and to receive guidance on basic care techniques to prevent future fungal infections.
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Surgical nail removal: a last resort, this procedure involves removing the nail with a chemical or surgery
Surgical nail removal is considered a last resort for treating fungal nail infections. It is usually performed when a large portion of the nail is diseased and damaged or if the nails are very painful. The procedure can be carried out safely under local anaesthesia, but some patients may opt for general anaesthesia. Before the procedure, the doctor will give the patient an injection to prevent pain.
During the surgery, the doctor will use a tool to loosen the skin around the nail and separate it from the skin. If only part of the nail is diseased, only that part will be removed. If the patient wants to prevent the nail from growing back, the doctor can destroy the nail matrix by applying a chemical to the cuticle area after removing the nail plate. An ointment is then applied to the wound, which is covered with gauze and tape. The patient should keep the wound dry and change the bandage regularly.
After the procedure, it takes about 6 months for a fingernail to regrow and about a year for a toenail. The new nail often looks normal, but it may be odd in shape and appearance. To reduce the risk of infection, it is important to keep the area clean during the recovery process.
While surgical nail removal is an effective treatment for severe or returning fungal nail infections, it is rarely needed. Other treatments, such as antifungal pills, creams, gels, sprays, and patches, are typically recommended first. These treatments can take months to work and may not be as effective as surgery, but they are less invasive and have a lower risk of complications.
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Non-surgical nail removal: a chemical is applied to loosen the skin around the nail
Non-surgical nail removal is an option for those suffering from fungal nail infections. This procedure involves applying a chemical to loosen the skin around the nail, allowing for the infected nail to be removed.
Fungal nail infections cause the nail to become discoloured, thickened, distorted, and brittle. If the infection is deep and long-standing, a doctor may recommend removing all or part of the nail. This can be done surgically or non-surgically. Non-surgical nail removal is a less invasive option that may be preferable for those wanting to avoid surgery.
The non-surgical procedure involves the application of a chemical, typically urea ointment, to the infected nail. The chemical softens the nail bed, making it easier to remove the nail. After applying the ointment, the nail is wrapped in plastic and tape, which is left in place for about 7 to 10 days. During this time, it is important to keep the treated area dry.
After the allotted time, the doctor can then safely remove the infected nail from the nail bed or cut away the diseased portion of the nail. This procedure is generally well-tolerated, but it may take some time for a new nail to grow back, typically 6 months or more for fingernails and 12 to 18 months for toenails. While the nail is regrowing, a doctor may recommend a cream or other treatment to prevent further fungal infections.
It is important to note that non-surgical nail removal may not be suitable for everyone, and a doctor's advice should be sought to determine the best course of treatment for fungal nail infections. Additionally, there are other treatment options available, including antifungal pills, creams, gels, and natural remedies, which may be effective in milder cases or used in conjunction with nail removal to prevent re-infection.
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Natural remedies: tea tree oil applied twice a day for 6 months has shown some positive results
Toenail fungus is a common condition that causes the nail to become discoloured, thickened, distorted, and brittle. While there are various treatment options available, including antifungal pills, creams, gels, and surgical procedures, some people prefer to explore natural remedies first. One such remedy that has shown promise is tea tree oil.
Tea tree oil is an essential oil known for its therapeutic benefits, including its antifungal and antiseptic properties. These characteristics make it a potential solution for treating nail fungus. In fact, a 2013 study found that tea tree oil effectively reduced the growth of T. rubrum, a common fungus responsible for nail infections.
To use tea tree oil for nail fungus, it's important to purchase a high-quality product. Look for oil that is 100% pure, organic, and has a 10 to 40% concentration of terpinen, one of its main antifungal and antiseptic components. Apply the tea tree oil consistently, twice a day, directly to the affected nails. You may also combine it with standard medicated antifungal creams to enhance its effectiveness.
While tea tree oil can be a safe and effective treatment for nail fungus, it's important to remember that results may take time. Nail fungus can be challenging to eradicate, and consistent application is key. Additionally, monitor the skin around the nail for any adverse reactions, and discontinue use if necessary. With dedicated use, you may start to see improvements in a few weeks to a few months. However, it's important to note that scientific studies supporting the use of tea tree oil for nail fungus are limited, and further research is needed to confirm its efficacy.
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Frequently asked questions
Some at-home remedies for fungal nail infections include over-the-counter antifungal creams, lotions, gels, sprays, and patches. There are also natural remedies such as mentholated salve, snakeroot extract, and tea tree oil, however, there is little evidence that these are effective.
Medical treatments for fungal nail infections include prescription antifungal pills, creams, gels, or lacquers. Doctors may also recommend laser therapy or, in severe cases, surgical or non-surgical nail removal.
A fungal nail infection will cause the nail to become discoloured, thickened, distorted, and brittle. There may also be changes in nail texture, or you may experience swelling or itching.
To prevent a fungal nail infection, it is recommended to wear socks with your shoes and to avoid going barefoot, especially in public places.
