Liam Carter
Nail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common condition that causes nails to thicken, discolour, and become brittle and crumbly. It is caused by fungi that multiply in warm, dark, and moist environments, such as sweaty shoes and communal showers. While nail fungus does not directly stop nail growth, it can cause pain and affect daily activities. If left untreated, it may worsen and spread to other nails or the body. Treatment options include antifungal drugs, creams, and laser treatments, with medical treatments being the most effective method to eradicate the infection. Home remedies like tea tree oil, vinegar, and baking soda may also help clear symptoms. However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment to prevent the infection from worsening and affecting nail growth.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Medical Name | Onychomycosis |
| Symptoms | Thick, discoloured, brittle, crumbly nails; nails may start to detach from the nail bed |
| Causes | Walking around barefoot in communal showers and gyms; walking around barefoot in warm, damp places like a wet pool deck or in sweaty shoes; having athlete's foot |
| Treatment | Antifungal tablets, creams, sprays, gels; laser treatment; debridement (surgical removal of the nail) |
| Prevention | Treating athlete's foot, maintaining foot hygiene |
| Cure | Healthy nail growth at the base of the toe |
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What You'll Learn
Treatment options for nail fungus
Treatment for nail fungus should begin as soon as possible to prevent the infection from worsening and causing further damage to the nail. While there are home remedies available, medical treatments are the only known methods to effectively treat nail fungus.
If you suspect that you have a fungal nail infection, you should speak to a pharmacist or healthcare professional. They will be able to recommend the best course of treatment for you. A pharmacist may suggest an antifungal nail medicine that you brush onto the nail. You will need to use this regularly for a few months before you start to see an improvement.
If over-the-counter treatments do not work, your general practitioner (GP) or dermatologist may prescribe antifungal tablets. Before starting treatment, your doctor will take a sample of your nail to test what kind of infection you have. They may also need to do a blood test before and during your treatment to check that your liver is functioning properly. Antifungal tablets may need to be taken for up to six months, and they are not suitable for those with liver or kidney disease, or for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. In severe cases, badly infected nails may need to be removed under local anaesthetic.
To make treatments more effective, your doctor may file down the surface of the nail so that the medication can penetrate more deeply. This is especially important to consider since nails grow slowly, and treatment takes time.
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Home remedies for nail fungus
While medical treatments are the only known methods to effectively treat nail fungus, home remedies may help clear up symptoms. It's important to note that natural remedies may be able to relieve your symptoms, but there is no certainty that they will work, and even if they do, it will likely take longer.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil has natural antifungal and antiseptic properties. A study published in the Journal of Family Practice found that 100% tea tree oil applied twice daily cleared nail fungus in 18% of participants after six months, with noticeable improvement in 56% of cases. Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil (e.g., coconut or olive oil). Apply directly to the affected nail using a cotton swab. Repeat twice daily for several weeks.
Vicks VapoRub
Although designed for cough suppression, its active ingredients (camphor and eucalyptus oil) may help treat toenail fungus. An older 2011 study found that Vicks VapoRub had a “positive clinical effect” in treating toenail fungus. Apply a small amount of Vicks VapoRub to the affected area at least once a day.
Snakeroot (Ageratina pichinchensis) extract
An older 2008 study showed that this plant-based antifungal remedy is effective against toenail fungus, similar to the antifungal medication ciclopirox.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a natural remedy that may help relieve symptoms of mild nail fungus infections.
Garlic
Garlic is another low-cost, natural solution for mild nail fungus infections.
It is important to consult a healthcare professional if home remedies do not work, as medical treatments are the only known methods to effectively treat nail fungus. Additionally, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional if the nail fungus is affecting your daily activities or causing you pain.
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Symptoms of nail fungus
Nail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common condition that can affect both the fingernails and toenails, although it is more commonly found on the toes. It is caused by a fungus that invades the nails, often spreading from other parts of the body such as athlete's foot or ringworm. The fungus thrives in warm, dark, and moist environments, making it more likely to occur if you walk barefoot in communal areas like showers and gyms.
The symptoms of nail fungus typically develop slowly, starting at the edge of the nail and gradually spreading. Here are some key symptoms to look out for:
- Discoloration: Nails may appear yellow, white, or brown, with a yellowish area spreading from the edges to the center.
- Thickening: The nail may become thickened and distorted, making it more brittle and crumbly.
- Lifting: The nail may start to lift or detach from the nail bed, leading to nail loss in severe cases.
- Breakage: Infected nails become easy to break, and the whole nail can sometimes break off, causing pain and swelling in the surrounding skin.
- Crumbling: The nail may crumble or break easily, indicating the presence of a fungal infection.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice. A healthcare professional can examine your nails, provide a proper diagnosis, and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. Treating nail fungus early is crucial to prevent further damage and potential health complications.
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Diagnosis of nail fungus
Before starting treatment, a GP will take a sample of the infected nail to test what kind of infection is present. A blood test may also be required before and during the treatment to check that the liver is functioning properly. This is important because certain treatments, such as antifungal tablets, are unsuitable for those with liver or kidney disease, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Toenail fungus often starts as subtle nail discolouration or lifting, but it can thicken, become brittle, and cause nail loss without treatment. The discolouration may appear as a slight yellow, white, or brown hue. As the infection progresses, the nail may start to crumble or break easily.
Fungal nail infections can develop slowly, often starting at the edge of the nail before spreading to the rest of the nail. In some cases, the whole nail can break off, leading to pain and swelling in the surrounding skin. It is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible to prevent the fungus from growing and destroying the nail.
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Prevention of nail fungus
Nail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common condition that can affect both the fingernails and toenails, although it is more commonly found on the toes. It often starts as subtle nail discolouration or lifting, but without treatment, it can lead to thickened nails, brittleness, and even nail loss. While it usually isn't a significant concern, nail fungus can lead to more severe health issues if left untreated. Therefore, early detection and treatment are crucial.
Keep Nails Short and Clean
Keeping your nails short helps prevent fungi and other germs from collecting under your nails. Trim your toenails straight across, keeping them shorter than the end of your toes. For fingernails, maintain short nails as well. Additionally, practice good nail hygiene by regularly cleaning your nails and the areas under them.
Disinfect Nail-Grooming Tools
Sanitize your nail clippers and other nail-grooming tools to prevent the spread of infection. Wash the tools with warm water and soap, then disinfect them. Ensure they are thoroughly dried before use. Do not share your nail-grooming tools with others.
Wear Proper Footwear
Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, so it's important to keep your feet dry. Wear moisture-wicking socks and change them daily or whenever they get sweaty. Choose breathable shoes made of materials like leather, canvas, or mesh that allow for airflow and help prevent excessive foot sweating. Avoid wearing shoes consecutively; give them at least 24 hours to air dry before wearing them again.
Protect Your Feet in Public Spaces
When using public spaces like locker rooms, gyms, shared showers, or pool decks, always wear protective footwear like flip-flops or shower sandals. Fungi are easily transferable and can be present on the floor. Additionally, use antifungal powder or spray on your socks and inside your shoes, especially before workouts or in hot weather.
Treat Infections Promptly
If you notice any signs of athlete's foot or ringworm, treat them immediately to prevent the infection from spreading to your nails. Similarly, if you live with someone who has nail fungus or athlete's foot, ensure they receive treatment to reduce the risk of transmission.
By following these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the chances of developing nail fungus and maintain healthy, fungus-free nails.
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Frequently asked questions
Nail fungus usually starts with mild nail discolouration or lifting. Over time, the nail might thicken, become brittle, or fall off without treatment. The nail may become crumbly and the whole nail can sometimes lift off, causing the skin around it to become swollen and painful.
No, nail fungus does not make your nails stop growing. However, it can cause nail loss without treatment.
There are several ways to treat nail fungus. Medical treatments are the only known methods to effectively treat nail fungus. These include antifungal drugs, creams, sprays, gels, and laser treatment. Home remedies like tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar, and baking soda may also be effective.
