Isla Bennett
Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common fungal infection that causes the nail to become thick, discoloured, and brittle. It usually starts at the edge of the nail and spreads to the rest of the nail, causing it to thicken and crack. While it's common to have some fungus under the nails, it can become a health concern when the infection advances. Treatment for toenail fungus aims to get rid of the fungus and restore the nail. Medical treatments are the most effective way to treat nail fungus, but home remedies may help alleviate symptoms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Symptoms | Thick, discoloured (white, brown, or yellow) nails that are easy to break |
| Causes | Fungi called dermatophytes that infect the skin beneath the nail; yeast is another common cause. Athlete's foot can also spread to the nails. |
| Prevention | Wash feet with soap and water and dry thoroughly, especially after swimming |
| Treatment | Antifungal pills, creams, gels, sprays, patches, and tablets; laser treatment; surgical removal of the nail; home remedies such as tea tree oil, oregano oil, baking soda, Vicks VapoRub, and ozonized oils |
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What You'll Learn
- Natural remedies: Tea tree oil, oregano oil, and ozonized oils
- Over-the-counter treatments: Antifungal creams, gels, sprays, and patches
- Oral medication: Antifungal pills like terbinafine and itraconazole
- Laser treatment: Laser heats up nail layers to destroy fungal genetic material
- Surgery: Infected nail is removed under local anaesthetic
Natural remedies: Tea tree oil, oregano oil, and ozonized oils
Natural remedies have long been used to treat nail fungus. Here is some information on three such remedies: tea tree oil, oregano oil, and ozonized oils.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is an essential oil with therapeutic benefits. It has antifungal and antiseptic properties, making it an effective treatment for nail fungus. To use tea tree oil for nail fungus, look for oil that is 100% pure and organic, with a 10 to 40 percent concentration of terpinen, which is responsible for its antiseptic and antifungal effects. Apply the oil regularly to the affected area, and continue treatment even after the nail has healed to prevent the fungus from returning. While tea tree oil is generally considered safe, it is important to purchase it from a trusted supplier as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate essential oils.
Oregano Oil
Oregano oil is another essential oil with antifungal and antiseptic properties due to its thymol content. To use oregano oil for nail fungus, apply it twice daily to the infected toenail using a cotton swab.
Ozonized Oils
Ozonized oils, such as olive and sunflower oil, are created by injecting ozone gas, which can disable infection-causing fungi. These oils can be rubbed directly into the infected toenail twice a day.
While natural remedies can be effective, it is important to note that treating nail fungus may take some time and consistent application of the chosen remedy.
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Over-the-counter treatments: Antifungal creams, gels, sprays, and patches
There is no single "best" over-the-counter (OTC) treatment for nail fungus. While OTC products can be used to treat fungus on the skin around the nail bed, they are not very effective at treating the hard nail bed. Oral antifungal medications and prescription topical treatments are more effective for nail fungus. However, oral antifungal medications may have more significant side effects and drug interactions.
Some OTC options for treating nail fungus include:
- Antifungal creams, such as clotrimazole (Lotrimin) and terbinafine (Lamisil). While terbinafine cream is available over the counter, a prescription is needed for the pills.
- Gels, such as terbinafine (Lamisil).
- Sprays, such as clotrimazole (Lotrimin) and terbinafine (Lamisil).
- Patches, such as terbinafine (Lamisil).
It is important to note that while OTC products may help with mild toenail fungus, they may take months to work. It is always advisable to consult a doctor, especially for severe infections, as oral medications may be necessary.
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Oral medication: Antifungal pills like terbinafine and itraconazole
Oral antifungal medications are an effective way to treat nail fungus. Two of the most commonly used medications are terbinafine (Lamisil) and itraconazole (Sporanox).
Terbinafine is a prescription medication available as tablets and oral granules. It is typically taken once a day for 12 weeks in doses of 250 milligrams for adults. The medication can be taken with or without food, although it is recommended to take the oral granules with a meal. Terbinafine is generally well-tolerated, but it can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and headaches. It is important to note that terbinafine can affect the liver, so caution is advised, especially for elderly patients who may have age-related liver issues.
Itraconazole is also a prescription medication available as capsules, tablets, and oral liquid. The capsules and tablets should be taken with a full meal, while the oral liquid is best taken on an empty stomach. It is important to follow the prescribed dosage and brand as different forms may have varying effects. Itraconazole interacts negatively with certain medications, so it is crucial to inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking. Similar to terbinafine, itraconazole can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and headaches. Additionally, elderly patients taking itraconazole may require caution due to the potential impact on hearing and age-related liver or kidney issues.
Both terbinafine and itraconazole are highly effective in treating nail fungus, with high success rates. However, it is important to continue taking the medication as prescribed, even if symptoms improve, to ensure the infection clears completely.
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Laser treatment: Laser heats up nail layers to destroy fungal genetic material
Laser treatment is a newer therapy for nail fungus. It is generally considered an unproven therapy by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), but studies have shown promise in its effectiveness and safety, especially for at-risk populations such as those with kidney or liver disease, or pregnant people.
The treatment involves using a laser to heat up the nail layers where the fungus is located, with the aim of destroying the fungal genetic material. The exact mechanism of how laser treatment removes nail fungus is not yet fully understood, but some experts believe that light penetrates the nail and is absorbed by the fungus, causing damage or death to the fungal cells.
Each treatment takes about 30 minutes, and a person usually needs at least two treatments, spaced 5-6 weeks apart. It will take about two months from the first treatment to see results. The majority of people will not feel any discomfort during the procedure, and no preparation is usually required, although some clinics may suggest using topical creams beforehand.
The cost of laser treatment for nail fungus can vary, with estimates ranging from $200 to $700 per session. It is typically not covered by insurance, as it may be considered a cosmetic procedure.
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Surgery: Infected nail is removed under local anaesthetic
Surgical treatment for fungal nail infections is rarely done. However, if you have a severe case of onychia, or chronic paronychia, your doctor may recommend removing the infected nail under local anaesthetic. Onychia is an infection of the nail itself, causing inflammation and swelling of the surrounding tissue. Chronic paronychia is a fungal skin infection that develops around the nail, and can lead to a serious infection if left untreated.
Before recommending surgery, your doctor will examine your symptoms and may take a sample of the infected nail to confirm the presence and type of fungus. They may also perform an X-ray to check for bone involvement. If your infection is severe, or other treatments have not worked, your doctor may suggest surgery.
During the procedure, your doctor will first administer a local anaesthetic to numb the area. They will then use a special tool to loosen the skin around your nail, before removing the infected nail from the toe or finger. This process will ensure that the infection does not spread further and allows your doctor to treat the affected area directly.
After the surgery, a new nail should grow back, but this can take up to a year. During this time, your doctor will likely prescribe a cream or other treatment to keep the area free from infection and aid the healing process.
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Frequently asked questions
The most noticeable symptom is white, brown, or yellow discolouration of one or more of the toenails. It may spread and cause the nails to thicken or crack.
See a doctor or a dermatologist. Medical treatments are the only known methods to effectively treat nail fungus. Your doctor may prescribe pills, creams, or antifungal nail polish. In some cases, the nail may need to be removed.
Studies on home remedies have shown mixed results. While they may help clear up symptoms, they are not proven to effectively treat nail fungus.
Fungal nail infections are usually caused by moisture trapped under the nails. They can also be caused by fungi that cause athlete's foot, which multiplies in warm, dark, and moist places like the feet. Keeping your feet clean and dry may help prevent infections.
