Liam Carter
Fingernail fungus is a common infection that can occur when fungi enter and spread in your nails. It can cause discolouration, thickening, and nail breakdown. While there are over-the-counter (OTC) treatments available, they are not always effective at treating the hard nail bed. Prescription medications, such as oral antifungals, are often more effective at curing the infection. However, these treatments can also have side effects and may not be suitable for everyone. Home remedies, such as nail scraping and the use of certain creams and ointments, may be considered as complementary treatments to medical treatment. Overall, treating fingernail fungus can be a challenging and lengthy process, and it is important to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effectiveness | Over-the-counter treatments are not very effective at treating hard nail beds. Prescription medicines are more effective. |
| Treatment time | It can take several months for a healthy nail to grow back. |
| Treatment options | Oral medications, topical ointments, alternative therapies, home remedies, nail scraping, laser therapy, nail removal. |
| Symptoms | White, yellow, brown or black discolouration, crumbly texture, thickening, foul odour, nail pain. |
| Risk factors | Diabetes, circulation problems, athlete's foot, older age, male gender, profuse sweating, minor trauma to the hyponychium, ill-fitting shoes. |
| Prevention | Keep nails short and clean, wear appropriate footwear, treat athlete's foot, avoid nail polish. |
Explore related products
Topical treatments
Another topical treatment option is nail scraping, which involves using an over-the-counter kit with a urea paste and a scraping device. The paste is applied to the affected nail after washing and drying it, and then it is covered with a bandage for 24 hours before scraping off the softened nail. While nail scraping can help remove an active infection, it may not remove all of the fungus.
It is important to note that while topical treatments are convenient and may provide temporary relief, they may not be sufficient for more severe cases of nail fungus. In such cases, it is advisable to consult a doctor, as oral medications or other medical treatments may be necessary. Additionally, home remedies and over-the-counter treatments may not work as quickly or effectively as prescription medications, and there is a risk of the infection returning even after successful treatment.
The Mystery of Curved Middle Finger Nails
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Oral medications
While there are over-the-counter treatments for nail fungus, oral medications are generally prescribed for more severe or difficult-to-treat cases. These are typically prescribed by a medical professional and are designed to treat the infection from within the body, rather than topically.
There are several different oral medications that can be prescribed for nail fungus, including:
Ridges on Fingernails: What Do They Mean?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Home remedies
While medical treatments are the only known methods to effectively treat nail fungus, home remedies can improve affected nails. However, they may not fully eliminate the problem, especially in severe cases.
Nail scraping
Nail scraping is thought to work by gradually removing parts of the affected nail. This involves using an over-the-counter (OTC) kit with urea paste to help soften the nail, as well as a scraping device. First, wash and dry the affected nail. Then, apply the paste and cover it with a bandage for 24 hours before scraping the nail. While nail scraping may help remove an active infection, it doesn’t remove all of the fungus.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is a popular treatment for many conditions, including foot fungus. Research shows it works as well as clotrimazole, which is found in many OTC treatments.
Vapor rub
Vapor rub is a popular home remedy for toenail fungus. There isn’t a lot of proof that it works, but in one small study, more than half of the participants said it did.
Sodium bicarbonate
Sodium bicarbonate has been shown to limit the growth of the most common types of fungi that cause skin and nail infections.
Toddler Puffy Nails: What Parents Should Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Nail removal
Surgical nail removal is an option for severe or recurring fungal nail infections. The procedure can be performed in a doctor's office, where the doctor will inject your finger or toe with a painkiller before loosening the skin around the nail and separating it from the skin. If only part of the nail is infected, the doctor will only remove the diseased portion. If you want to prevent the nail from growing back, the doctor can destroy the nail matrix by applying a chemical to the cuticle area. After the procedure, an ointment is applied to the wound, which is then covered with gauze and tape.
Nonsurgical nail removal is also an option, where chemicals are used to remove the nail. Oral antifungal medications are effective but can cause side effects, while topical versions do not cause side effects but are less effective. There are also home remedies that can be used to complement medical treatment, such as nail scraping, which involves using an over-the-counter (OTC) kit with a urea paste to soften the nail and a scraping device. However, it's important to note that there is no single best OTC treatment for nail fungus, and prescription medications are the only treatments that can cure it.
If you are considering nail removal as a treatment option for nail fungus, it is important to consult with a doctor to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of different treatment methods. While nail removal can be effective, it is important to keep in mind that it can take at least a year for a healthy new nail to grow back. Additionally, when the nail grows back, it may be odd in shape and appearance.
Overall, while nail removal can be an effective treatment for severe or recurring nail fungus, it is important to consider the benefits and drawbacks of the procedure and be prepared for the potential recovery time and appearance of the new nail.
The Compulsion to Clean Under Fingernails: Why?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Preventing re-infection
Keep Nails Short and Clean
Maintaining short and clean nails is essential for preventing nail fungus. Nails that are long and unkempt can trap dirt and debris, providing a suitable environment for fungi to grow. Trimming your nails regularly helps reduce pain and pressure from debris and nail buildup. It is also important to keep your nails dry, as moisture can create a breeding ground for fungi.
Footwear and Foot Hygiene
Practising good foot hygiene is crucial. This includes washing and drying your feet thoroughly, especially after wearing shoes, and wearing appropriate footwear. It is advisable to wear foot covers in public areas like locker rooms, public showers, and pool decks, as these warm, moist areas are breeding grounds for fungi. Additionally, consider changing your socks daily or whenever your feet get sweaty to prevent fungal growth.
Disinfect and Discard Footwear
Fungi can live in shoes, so it is essential to disinfect your footwear to prevent re-infection. You can use an ultraviolet shoe sanitizer for this purpose. If you had a fungal infection, it is recommended to discard any footwear you used before treatment, as the fungus can remain and cause re-infection.
Treat Athlete's Foot
Fungal infections like athlete's foot can worsen or lead to nail fungus. Treating athlete's foot effectively can help prevent the spread of the fungus to your nails. Effective antifungal products like creams or sprays for athlete's foot can be found over the counter.
Consult a Doctor
Consulting a doctor is essential, especially for severe infections. They can prescribe oral or topical antifungal medications that can effectively treat the underlying infection. In some cases, your doctor may recommend laser therapy or, as a last resort, nail removal.
It is important to note that preventing nail fungus re-infection requires diligence and a combination of these preventative measures.
Uncover the Reasons Behind Black Fingernails
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Over-the-counter (OTC) treatments for finger nail fungus exist, but they are not very effective at treating the hard nail bed. Prescription medicines, which you either take by mouth or apply to the nail, are more effective.
Over-the-counter treatments for finger nail fungus include creams and ointments, as well as home remedies such as nail scraping, which involves using an OTC kit with urea paste to help soften the nail, as well as a scraping device.
A common sign of nail fungus is white or yellow spots under the tips of a fingernail or toenail. If left untreated, nail fungus can cause your nail to discolour, become thick or start to break down.
