Caleb Foster
Nail fungus is a common condition that can affect both toenails and fingernails, causing the nail to become thick, discoloured, and brittle. Treatment for nail fungus typically involves the use of antifungal medications, which can be applied topically or taken orally in the form of tablets or pills. While nail fungus medication helps to eliminate the fungal infection, it is important to note that the nail growth process takes time, and it can take several months to a year or more for the nail to completely grow out and return to its normal, healthy state. In this article, we will explore the various treatments available for nail fungus and discuss their effectiveness in promoting nail growth. We will also provide insights into the factors that influence nail growth and offer guidance on managing nail fungus and supporting healthy nail regeneration.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fungal nail infection symptoms | Thick, discoloured, brittle, easy to break, change in shape, whitish-yellowish or brownish discolouration |
| Treatment options | Oral medication, surgical procedure, chemical avulsion, antifungal nail medicine, nail polish, cream, gels, sprays, patches |
| Oral medication examples | Terbinafine, itraconazole |
| Oral medication side effects | Liver damage, headaches, rashes, gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating, decreased appetite, nausea, diarrhea |
| Oral medication duration | 6-12 weeks |
| Oral medication restrictions | Not suitable for people with liver or kidney disease, pregnant or breastfeeding women |
| Oral medication effectiveness | More effective than topical treatments |
| Topical treatment duration | Up to a year |
| Topical treatment examples | Amorolfine, ciclopirox, clotrimazole, terbinafine |
| Topical treatment effectiveness | Less likely to get rid of a fungal nail infection |
| Topical treatment advantages | Fewer side effects |
| Home remedies | Tea tree oil, Vicks VapoRub |
| Preventative measures | Wearing shower shoes or flip-flops in public places, keeping feet dry |
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What You'll Learn
Oral medication for nail fungus
Oral medication is an effective way to treat nail fungus. Oral treatments are more commonly prescribed for onychomycosis (fungus infections of the toenails and fingernails) and they have shorter treatment times and better cure rates than topical preparations.
One such oral medication is terbinafine, which is available by prescription to treat adults with nail fungus on their fingernails and toenails. Before taking terbinafine, you will need to undergo testing to check how your liver is functioning, and this test will need to be repeated six weeks after starting the medication. Liver damage is a rare side effect, but it is a possibility. Other side effects include headaches, rashes, and gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating, decreased appetite, nausea, and diarrhea. While taking this medication, you must not drink alcohol or spend time in the sun.
The dosage for terbinafine is 250 milligrams once a day for 12 weeks for toenail infections in adults, and 6 weeks for fingernail infections. For children, the use and dose must be determined by a doctor. It is important to take terbinafine for the full time of treatment, even if your symptoms begin to clear up. To help keep the amount of medicine in your blood constant, do not miss any doses, and take the doses at the same time every day.
It is important to note that oral antifungal medications may not be suitable for everyone. For example, those with liver or kidney disease, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, may be advised against taking these medications.
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Topical treatments
Colorless antifungal nail polishes are also used as topical treatments. Before applying this type of polish, the affected nail should be cut and filed down as much as possible. The old layer of polish needs to be removed with an alcohol swab before applying a new layer. While these topical treatments can help inhibit the growth of the fungus, they may not completely cure the infection.
While some sources suggest that topical treatments may not be as effective as oral antifungal medications, they can still be useful in preventing the spread of the infection and promoting nail health. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific condition.
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Surgical procedures
During a surgical nail avulsion, a doctor will numb the area around the nail and use special tools to remove either the entire nail or just the infected piece. This procedure can be done in your doctor's office and usually takes less than an hour. After the surgery, your doctor will apply an antibiotic cream and a bandage to prevent infection, and you will need to keep the area clean as it heals.
Chemical nail avulsion, on the other hand, involves your doctor applying a chemical called urea to the diseased nail and covering it with a bandage for 7 to 10 days. During this time, it is crucial to keep the area dry. After this period, you return to your doctor's office to have the treated nail removed.
With both types of nail avulsion, you will need to carefully follow your doctor's instructions for at-home care to prevent infection and control pain. Nails usually grow back after these procedures, but it takes time—up to 18 months in some cases.
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Antifungal tablets
If you are considering taking antifungal tablets, you should first speak to a pharmacist or doctor. They will be able to recommend the best treatment for you. If you have a weakened immune system, for example, due to an organ transplant or chemotherapy, you should seek medical advice.
If you have tried other treatments without success, your doctor may prescribe antifungal tablets. Before prescribing these tablets, your doctor should take a sample of your nail and have it tested to determine the type of infection. They may also need to perform a blood test to check that your liver is functioning properly. Antifungal tablets are typically taken for several weeks or months, and you may need to take them for up to six months. It is important to continue taking the medication as directed, even if your toenail starts to look better, to prevent the fungus from returning.
The specific type of antifungal tablet prescribed depends on the cause of the nail infection. Terbinafine is typically prescribed for nail fungus caused by a skin fungus (dermatophyte), while itraconazole is used for infections caused by yeast or mould. Both medications can be taken continuously or with breaks between treatments. Continuous treatment involves taking the medication once daily for three months, while treatment with breaks can be done in two ways: taking two tablets daily for one week, followed by a three-week break, or taking one tablet daily for four weeks, followed by a four-week break.
While taking antifungal tablets, it is important to avoid drinking alcohol and stay out of the sun. Additionally, pregnant and breastfeeding individuals should not take these tablets, as terbinafine passes into breast milk. Possible side effects of antifungal tablets include mild symptoms such as headaches, rashes, and gastrointestinal issues like bloating, decreased appetite, nausea, and diarrhoea. Liver damage is a rare but possible side effect, so it is important to have your liver function tested before and during treatment.
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Home remedies
While medical treatments are the only known methods to effectively treat nail fungus, certain home remedies may help clear up symptoms. It is important to note that there is no evidence that any home remedy can fully clear up a fungal nail infection.
Vicks VapoRub
Vicks VapoRub is a topical ointment designed for cough suppression. Its active ingredients, camphor and eucalyptus oil, may help treat toenail fungus. A 2011 study found that Vicks VapoRub had a "positive clinical effect" in treating toenail fungus. To use, apply a small amount of Vicks VapoRub to the affected area at least once a day.
Oregano Oil
Oregano oil is another potential remedy for toenail fungus. Apply the oil to the affected nail twice daily with a cotton swab. Some people use oregano oil and tea tree oil together, but caution is advised as both products are potent and may cause irritation or allergic reactions.
Ozonized Oils
Ozonized oils are oils like olive oil and sunflower oil that are "injected" with ozone gas. Research from 2020 suggests that exposure to low concentrations of ozone gas for a short duration can inactivate fungi.
Listerine Mouthwash
Listerine mouthwash is a popular folk remedy for toenail fungus due to its menthol, thymol, and eucalyptus content, which have antifungal properties. To use, soak the affected foot in a basin of amber-colored Listerine for 30 minutes daily.
Snakeroot Extract
Snakeroot (Ageratina pichinchensis) extract is an antifungal made from plants in the sunflower family. A 2008 study showed that this remedy is effective against toenail fungus, comparable to the antifungal medication ciclopirox.
Nail Scraping
Nail scraping is thought to work by gradually removing parts of the affected nail over 2 to 3 weeks. This involves using an over-the-counter (OTC) kit with a urea paste to soften the nail and a scraping device. After applying the paste, cover the nail with a bandage for 24 hours before scraping. While nail scraping may help remove the infection, it may not eliminate all the fungus, and antifungal medication may still be necessary.
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Frequently asked questions
No, nail fungus medication does not make your nails grow faster. Nails usually take a year or more to grow back completely.
Oral antifungal medications can take 6 to 12 weeks to clear the infection. However, it can take a year or longer for your nail to grow out completely and appear normal.
Treatment options include topical treatments such as nail polishes, creams, gels, sprays, and patches, as well as oral antifungal medications in the form of tablets. In some cases, surgical or chemical removal of the infected nail may be necessary.
Yes, oral antifungal medications can have side effects such as liver damage, although this is rare. Topical treatments may also cause mild side effects such as headaches, rashes, and gastrointestinal issues.
Yes, nail fungus can be prevented by keeping your feet clean and dry, wearing appropriate footwear in public places, and avoiding walking barefoot in communal areas.
