Ava Monroe
Fingernail fungus is a common issue, with 10% of the adult population suffering from it. It occurs when a fungus attacks a fingernail or the skin under the nail, and can cause discolouration, usually white or yellow, and changes in texture, such as brittle or crumbling nails. To treat it, you should consult a doctor, who may prescribe antifungal medication, either oral or topical. There are also home remedies that may help, such as nail scraping, but these are not proven to be effective. To prevent the spread of the fungus, keep your nails short and clean, and sanitise any nail scissors or clippers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Symptoms | White, yellow, brown, green or black discolouration of the nail; thickening of the nail; brittleness; curling up or down; loosening from the nail bed; bad smell; pain |
| Causes | Trauma, irritation, or infection; bacteria entering broken skin near the cuticle and nail fold; candida (a type of fungus); dermatophyte (a type of fungus); yeast |
| Treatment | Antibiotics; pus drainage; prescription antifungals (oral or topical); nail removal; laser treatment; photodynamic therapy; nail scraping |
| Prevention | Wash hands and feet often with soap, especially between fingers and toes; treat athlete's foot |
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What You'll Learn
- Medical treatments such as oral antifungals are the most effective way to treat nail fungus
- Home remedies like tea tree oil may help clear up symptoms, but there is little evidence to support this
- Laser treatment is an option for stubborn nail fungus
- In mild cases, treatment may be unnecessary
- Prevent the spread of the fungus to other nails by washing hands and keeping nails short and trimmed
Medical treatments such as oral antifungals are the most effective way to treat nail fungus
Fungal nail infections are common and can cause the nail to become discoloured, thickened, distorted, painful and brittle. Toenails are more frequently affected than fingernails. While there are home treatments available, medical treatments such as oral antifungals are the most effective way to treat nail fungus.
Oral antifungals are available by prescription and typically come in tablet form. Terbinafine and itraconazole are the two medicines most commonly prescribed for fungal nail infections. These medications are thought to be effective in treating about 60 to 80% of fungal nail infections. It can take between 6 and 18 months for the appearance of the nail to return to normal, and the nail may not look the same as it did before the infection. Oral medications are not suitable for children, who are instead often treated with topical nail polishes or creams.
If the infection is severe or painful and other treatments have not helped, a procedure to remove the affected nail may be recommended. A new nail should eventually grow back in its place, but this could take a year or more. Laser treatment is another option for stubborn infections, but there is currently insufficient evidence to recommend it as a routine treatment.
Before starting treatment, a small sample of the infected nail may be taken and sent for testing to confirm the presence of a fungal infection. It is important to follow your healthcare provider's instructions and complete the entire course of medication to prevent the infection from returning.
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Home remedies like tea tree oil may help clear up symptoms, but there is little evidence to support this
Home remedies, such as tea tree oil, may be effective in treating nail fungus. Tea tree oil is an essential oil with antifungal and antiseptic properties. It can be applied directly to the affected area or diluted with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil. However, it is important to note that there is limited research on the effectiveness of tea tree oil in treating nail fungus, and the results of existing studies are mixed.
Tea tree oil has been shown to have potential as an antifungal agent in laboratory studies. For example, a 2013 study found that tea tree oil was effective in reducing the growth of the fungus Trichophyton rubrum, which commonly affects the toenails and can cause athlete's foot. This study used a nanosuspension, which makes the drug easier to absorb, but it is unclear if widely available forms of tea tree oil would have the same effect. Additionally, this study was conducted using lab-grown cultures and human nail clippings, so the effectiveness on infected nail tissue in humans is still uncertain.
Another study from 1999 combined tea tree oil with a standard medicated cream containing butenafine hydrochloride. After 16 weeks of treatment, 80% of participants who used this cream cured their toenail fungus with no relapses, while no one in the placebo group cured their nail fungus. However, it is unclear which ingredient was most effective in treating the nail fungus.
While tea tree oil may offer a potential natural remedy for nail fungus, it is important to exercise caution. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate essential oils, so it is crucial to purchase tea tree oil from a trusted supplier. Look for oil that is 100% pure, organic, and has a concentration of 10 to 40% terpinen, the main antiseptic and antifungal component. Always do a patch test before using tea tree oil, especially if it is undiluted. Keep your nails trimmed and clean during the healing process, and wash your hands thoroughly after treating to avoid spreading the infection.
It is important to note that nail fungus can be challenging to treat, and most treatments do not clear the infection entirely. If home remedies do not provide improvement within a few days, it is recommended to seek medical advice. Healthcare providers can prescribe antibiotics or other treatments to effectively clear up the infection and prevent further complications.
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Laser treatment is an option for stubborn nail fungus
Fingernail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common fungal infection caused by various types of fungi, including dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds. Toenail fungus, in particular, is a persistent problem that can cause discomfort and embarrassment. Fungi thrive in warm and moist environments, such as sweaty shoes, and can enter the nail through small cracks or cuts in the skin around the nail or through the opening between the nail and the nail bed. Once inside, they multiply and grow, leading to an infection.
There are several treatment options available for fingernail fungus, including topical medications and laser therapy. Laser treatment, in particular, has emerged as a modern treatment option for onychomycosis, offering a safer and more effective alternative to topical and oral drugs. Laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses focused laser beams to target and eliminate the fungal infection. The laser device emits focused beams of light that generate heat, which is absorbed by the pigments in the fungal cells, causing a localized increase in temperature. This elevated temperature effectively destroys the fungal cells, including their spores, without causing damage to the surrounding healthy tissue.
Laser therapy has been found to be especially beneficial for individuals with certain medical conditions or those taking specific medications that may pose risks or limitations for using antifungal medicines. For example, individuals with diabetes, older individuals with drug intolerance, and patients with liver and kidney problems may find laser treatment to be a more suitable option. Laser therapy can also be combined with other treatment methods, such as topical or oral antifungal medications, to enhance its effectiveness and improve outcomes.
Additionally, laser treatment has been shown to have fewer adverse events compared to other treatments. While terbinafine, a common oral antifungal medication, has demonstrated excellent fungicidal activity, about 10.5% of receivers experienced adverse effects, with stomach problems being the most frequent. In contrast, laser therapy has been associated with fewer side effects, such as bleeding and pain in the area around the infected nail. Overall, laser treatment is a promising option for stubborn nail fungus, providing effective results with minimal adverse effects.
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In mild cases, treatment may be unnecessary
Fungal nail infections are caused by tiny organisms called fungi that you can only see through a microscope. In mild cases, treatment may be unnecessary. However, it is important to note that even mild cases can progress and become more serious over time. Therefore, it is advisable to take preventive measures and, if necessary, seek appropriate treatment.
Mild fungal nail infections usually present as a white or yellow spot under the nail. This discolouration starts at the edges of the nail and gradually spreads to the centre. The nail may also start to thicken, becoming difficult to trim. Additionally, the affected nail may begin to curl or loosen from the nail bed.
If left untreated, the infection can spread and cause the entire nail to turn white, yellow, green, or even black. The nail can become brittle and crumble upon touch. In more severe cases, the infection can cause pain and discomfort when pressure is applied to the affected area.
To prevent the infection from worsening or spreading, it is recommended to practice good hand and foot hygiene. This includes regularly washing your hands and feet with soap and ensuring that you clean between your fingers and toes. Keeping your nails trimmed straight across and maintaining good foot hygiene, such as wearing moisture-wicking socks and changing them frequently, can also help prevent the spread of the infection.
In summary, while mild cases of fungal nail infections may not require immediate treatment, it is important to take preventive measures and monitor the condition closely. If the infection persists or worsens, it is advisable to seek medical advice from a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment option for your specific case.
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Prevent the spread of the fungus to other nails by washing hands and keeping nails short and trimmed
Preventing the spread of nail fungus to other nails is a crucial step in managing and treating nail fungus. Here are some detailed steps to prevent the spread of nail fungus:
Keep Nails Short and Trimmed: Maintaining short and trimmed nails is essential for preventing the spread of nail fungus. By keeping your nails short, you reduce the surface area where fungi can grow and multiply. Trim your nails regularly, aiming to keep your fingernails at a shorter length and your toenails shorter than the end of your toes. This helps prevent fungi and other germs from getting under your nails.
Hand and Foot Hygiene: Practice good hand and foot hygiene by washing your hands and feet regularly with soap and water. Pay attention to the areas between your toes, ensuring they are thoroughly cleaned. After washing, dry your hands and feet completely, especially the areas between the toes. Fungi thrive in warm and moist environments, so keeping your hands and feet clean and dry is crucial for preventing the spread of nail fungus.
Sanitize Nail Clippers: Before trimming your nails, sanitize your nail clippers to prevent the spread of infection. Wash your nail clippers with soap and water, then wipe them with rubbing alcohol. This helps eliminate any fungal spores that may be present on the clippers, reducing the risk of transferring the fungus to other nails.
Disinfect Footwear: Fungi can live in your shoes and footwear, providing a source for recurring infections. Disinfect your shoes and footwear using an ultraviolet (UV) shoe sanitizer or an ozone cabinet. Alternatively, you can throw away old shoes and boots, especially if they were worn during the active infection. If you go to a salon for nail care, inquire about their disinfection practices to ensure they sanitize equipment after each client.
Moisturize Dry Skin: Fungi can enter your body through small cracks in your skin. To prevent this, moisturize your hands and feet within 5 minutes of bathing or washing. This helps seal any small cracks, creating a barrier against fungal entry.
By following these steps, you can effectively prevent the spread of nail fungus to other nails and support the overall management of the condition.
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Frequently asked questions
Symptoms of a fungal nail infection include discolouration of your fingernail, which can be white, yellow, brown, green or black. The nail may also thicken and become difficult to trim, starting to curl up or down or loosen from the nail bed. You may also notice a bad smell.
You should see a doctor, who may prescribe antifungal medication taken orally or topically. In serious cases, your nail may need to be removed so a healthy new one can grow in its place.
There is currently no evidence that any home remedy can fully clear up a fungal nail infection. While you may be able to treat mild cases at home by soaking the infected area in warm water several times a day, you should see a doctor if your symptoms don't improve after a day or two.
