Noah Sinclair
Toenail fungus is a common condition that can take a long time to go away. It usually starts as mild nail discolouration or lifting and can thicken, become brittle, and cause nail loss without treatment. The timeline of fungal progression typically sees a new nail grow back within 12 to 18 months, with treatments taking a few months to start working. Home remedies like vinegar and baking soda soaks, as well as over-the-counter antifungal creams, gels, and sprays, may help clear up symptoms, but medical treatments are the only known methods to effectively treat nail fungus.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How fast does nail fungus grow? | It takes 12 to 18 months for a nail fungus infection to completely clear up. |
| How does it spread? | Nail fungus usually starts at the edge of the nail and spreads to the rest of the nail. It can spread to multiple nails. |
| What are the symptoms? | The nail becomes thick, discoloured, brittle, crumbly, and easy to break. It may cause the skin around it to become swollen and painful. |
| What are the treatment options? | Antifungal tablets, creams, gels, sprays, patches, and nail polishes are available. Home remedies like vinegar, baking soda, Vicks VapoRub, and tea tree oil may also help. |
| How to prevent it? | Keep your feet clean and dry, especially in public places like locker rooms or swimming pools. Wear shower shoes or flip-flops in such places. Avoid walking barefoot in communal showers and gyms. |
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Nail fungus symptoms
Nail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common infection that often begins as a white or yellow spot under the tip of a fingernail or toenail. The infection usually starts at the edge of the nail and gradually spreads to the rest of the nail. Nail fungus symptoms include discolouration, thickening, and brittle nails that crumble or break easily. In some cases, the whole nail can break off, causing the surrounding skin to become swollen and painful.
Fungal nail infections are typically caused by the same fungus that causes athlete's foot. This fungus thrives and multiplies in warm, dark, and moist environments, such as the feet. Communal spaces like showers, gyms, and pools increase the risk of contracting nail fungus as the fungus can spread from one person to another. Additionally, chronic skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema can make individuals more susceptible to nail fungus by compromising the skin barrier.
The early symptoms of nail fungus include changes in nail colour and texture, such as white or yellow spots or discolouration. The nail may also thicken and become brittle, crumbly, or prone to breakage. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to seek professional advice promptly. Early intervention can prevent the spread of the infection and potential secondary bacterial infections.
To diagnose nail fungus, a dermatology professional will observe nail changes and symptoms, perform appropriate tests to confirm the presence of fungi, and develop a personalised treatment plan. Treatment for nail fungus typically involves topical or oral antifungal medications, which must be used consistently for several months to effectively eliminate the infection.
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Treatment options
Treatment for nail fungus can take a long time, and the infection may persist or reoccur after successful treatment. It can take up to 18 months for a toenail to grow out completely, and you should continue taking any medication or using any cream prescribed by your doctor for as long as necessary.
Home Remedies
Home remedies are best paired with prescription medication for faster results. Some common home remedies include:
- Soaking your feet in a mixture of apple cider vinegar and warm water for at least 10 minutes.
- Using baking soda to make a foot soak or a paste to apply to the toe.
- Using over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal creams, gels, sprays, and patches. These include clotrimazole (Lotrimin) and terbinafine cream (Lamisil).
- Applying Vicks VapoRub or tea tree oil to the affected area.
Prescription Medication
If home remedies do not work, your doctor may prescribe antifungal medication. These include:
- Antifungal tablets: Tablets are more effective than topical treatments but may have more side effects. You may need to take them for several weeks or months.
- Oral antifungal medications: These can be prescribed by a dermatologist to stop nail fungus from growing. Terbinafine is an example of an oral antifungal medication.
- Removing the infected nail: In some cases, your doctor may recommend removing some or all of the infected nail. This can be done surgically or through a procedure called chemical avulsion, which involves applying a chemical called urea to the nail.
It is important to note that you should not stop taking medication or using prescribed treatments when your toenail starts to look better, as this may allow hidden fungus to grow back.
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Home remedies
While medical treatments are the only known methods to effectively treat nail fungus, home remedies may help clear up symptoms. It is important to note that natural remedies may be more effective for mild-to-moderate toenail fungus, and there is less scientific evidence that they work.
Tea Tree Oil
Derived from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia tree, tea tree oil has natural antifungal and antiseptic properties. Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil. Apply this mixture directly to the affected nail using a cotton swab, twice daily for several weeks.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is often touted as a natural remedy for various ailments, and it may also be effective in treating toenail fungus. Soak your affected foot in a solution of apple cider vinegar and water for 15-20 minutes once daily.
Garlic
Garlic has natural antifungal properties and can be used to treat mild nail fungus infections. Create a garlic paste by crushing or blending a few cloves of garlic. Apply this paste directly to the affected nail and leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing it off.
Vicks VapoRub
Although designed for cough suppression, Vicks VapoRub's active ingredients (camphor and eucalyptus oil) may help treat toenail fungus. Apply a small amount of Vicks VapoRub to the affected area at least once a day.
In addition to these remedies, it is important to practice good foot hygiene, including washing and drying your feet daily, especially between the toes. Choose breathable footwear and change your socks regularly to avoid providing a welcoming environment for fungi. Avoid walking barefoot in public areas like communal showers and gyms, and use antifungal powder in your shoes to reduce moisture.
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Prevention tips
The growth rate of nail fungus varies, but it can take a long time to clear up, ranging from 6 months to 18 months. The infection usually starts at the edge of the nail and spreads to the rest of the nail, causing it to thicken, discolour, become brittle, and crumble. In severe cases, the nail may detach from the nail bed. Therefore, it is important to take preventive measures to avoid nail fungus. Here are some prevention tips:
- Maintain good foot hygiene: Keep your feet clean and dry, especially in warm and moist places like communal showers, gyms, and swimming pools. Wear shower shoes or flip-flops in public places to avoid direct contact with potentially contaminated surfaces.
- Avoid walking barefoot: Nail fungus can spread from person to person. Avoid walking barefoot in places like communal showers, gyms, and locker rooms, where the fungus that causes athlete's foot is commonly present.
- Wear breathable footwear: Avoid wearing trainers or tight-fitting shoes for extended periods, as they can make your feet hot and sweaty, providing an ideal environment for fungus to thrive. Opt for shoes that allow your feet to breathe and change your socks regularly to keep them dry.
- Treat athlete's foot: Nail fungus is often associated with athlete's foot, a fungal infection of the skin on the feet. If you have athlete's foot, be sure to treat it promptly to reduce the risk of nail fungus.
- Practice good nail hygiene: Keep your nails trimmed and filed. Avoid ripping or tearing your nails, as it can create an entry point for fungus. Clean under your nails regularly to prevent the buildup of dirt and grime.
- Home remedies: While medical treatments are the most effective way to treat nail fungus, some home remedies can be helpful in preventing and managing mild infections. These include soaking your feet in a mixture of apple cider vinegar and warm water, using baking soda as a foot soak or applying it as a paste, and using over-the-counter antifungal creams, gels, or nail polishes. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any home remedies.
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Recovery timeline
Nail fungus is a common condition that can take a long time to go away. It is not usually a serious condition, but it can lead to more severe health concerns if left untreated. The infection usually starts at the edge of the nail, with mild nail discolouration or lifting. It then spreads to the rest of the nail, making it thicker and turning it white or yellow. In more severe cases, the nail may start to detach from the nail bed or make walking difficult.
First Signs of Infection
The first signs of a nail fungal infection include mild nail discolouration (white, yellow, or brown) and lifting. The nail may also thicken, become brittle, or crumble and break easily.
Treatment
If you think you have a fungal nail infection, you should speak to a pharmacist or healthcare professional. They may suggest trying an antifungal nail medicine that you brush onto the affected nail. You will need to use this regularly for a few months before you start to see an improvement.
Recovery
It can take at least 6 months to as long as 12 to 18 months for the nail to return to normal and the infection to completely clear up. A sign that the nail fungus is healing is when you see a healthy nail growing back at the base of the toe, separate from the unhealthy nail. The healthy nail will be its natural colour and not thick. It is important to continue taking any medication or using any treatments prescribed by your doctor, even if the nail starts to look better, to prevent the infection from returning.
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Frequently asked questions
Nail fungus is caused by a fungus that thrives in warm, dark, and moist places. It usually starts as mild nail discoloration or lifting at the edge of the nail and spreads slowly.
You may have nail fungus if your nail becomes thick, discolored (white, yellow, or brown), brittle, or crumbly. In more severe cases, the nail may start to detach from the nail bed or make walking difficult.
If you think you have nail fungus, it is recommended to see a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. A pharmacist may suggest trying an antifungal nail medicine that you brush onto the affected nail.
Medical treatments are the only known methods to effectively treat nail fungus. It may take at least 6 months to as long as 12 to 18 months for the nail fungus infection to completely clear up and for a new, healthy nail to grow back.
