Noah Sinclair
Fungal nail infections are characterized by thick, discoloured, and brittle nails that are prone to crumbling and breaking. They are caused by fungi growing in and around the nail and are more common in toenails than in fingernails. Treatment for fungal nail infections can take a long time, and the type of treatment depends on the severity of the infection. Antifungal pills are often used, with treatment lasting two to three months for fingernails and up to six months for toenails. In some cases, nail removal may be necessary to get rid of the infection.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Treatment duration for fingernail fungus | 4 to 6 months |
| Treatment duration for toenail fungus | 12 to 18 months |
| Antifungal pills treatment duration for fingernails | 2 months |
| Antifungal pills treatment duration for toenails | 3 months |
| Antifungal tablets treatment duration | Up to 6 months |
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Antifungal pills
Types of Antifungal Pills
Common antifungal pills include itraconazole (Sporanox) and terbinafine (Lamisil). Terbinafine is generally more effective than itraconazole, but it can affect the liver. Itraconazole can interact with other medications and is not suitable for those with heart failure or for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Dosage and Treatment Duration
Side Effects
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Antifungal creams
Topical treatments are typically recommended for milder cases of nail fungus. For more severe infections, oral antifungal medications are usually prescribed. Oral medications have a higher success rate and work faster than topical treatments. However, antifungal pills can cause side effects, and you will need to have monthly blood tests to check for problems.
If you are using antifungal creams or other topical treatments, it is important to follow the treatment instructions carefully and consistently for the best results. Some treatments must be applied every day, while others are applied once a week. Fingernails typically grow out in four to six months, and toenails take 12 to 18 months. It can be challenging to cure nail fungus completely, and the nail may still look unhealthy even after the infection has cleared.
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Laser treatment
Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a fungal infection that can be treated with laser therapy. This treatment method has been used since the 1980s and involves using a laser device to shine a laser light into the toenail, penetrating down, in, and through the nail to reach the fungus. The laser is set at a certain wavelength that only the fungus will absorb, thus “vaporizing" it without affecting the surrounding skin and tissue.
Laser therapy for toenail fungus is a safe and effective treatment option that can be especially beneficial for individuals who cannot tolerate the side effects of oral antifungal medications or are concerned about drug interactions. It is also a pain-free and easy procedure, typically taking around 12 minutes to treat each foot.
While the results of laser therapy may not be visible immediately, you can expect to see a difference as the new nail grows in, which usually takes about six to twelve months. Clinical studies have shown that patients treated with laser therapy exhibited clear nails three to six months after treatment, with a high success rate and a 91% improvement in symptoms after six months.
The number of laser therapy sessions required may vary depending on the severity of the fungal infection. Some individuals may need at least two treatments, while others may require more. The cost of laser treatment for nail fungus can range from $200 to $700 per session, and insurance may not cover the procedure as it may be considered cosmetic.
It is important to consult with a board-certified podiatrist or dermatologist to determine if laser therapy is the right treatment option for your toenail fungus. They will be able to examine your infection, discuss your goals, and provide you with specific details about the treatment process and expected outcomes.
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Nail removal
Fungal nail infections are characterised by thick, discoloured, and brittle nails that are easy to break. The infection usually starts at the edge of the nail and can spread to the rest of the nail, causing it to crumble or break easily. Toenails are more commonly affected than fingernails, and the infection is more prevalent in adults as they age.
While fungal nail infections are not considered serious, they can take a long time to treat. Over-the-counter creams and ointments are typically ineffective, and treatment often involves taking antifungal medication for several months. In some cases, the infection may persist or recur despite these efforts.
If the infection is severe or resistant to other treatments, nail removal may be recommended to eliminate the fungal infection. This procedure is typically carried out under local anaesthesia, numbing the affected area.
There are two primary methods for nail removal: surgical and nonsurgical approaches. For the nonsurgical option, a doctor will apply urea ointment to the infected nail and wrap it in plastic and tape. After about 10 days, the softened nail can be gently removed from the nail bed, or the diseased portion can be cut away. The surgical approach involves removing all or part of the nail through a minor surgical procedure.
Following nail removal, it typically takes 4 to 6 months for a fingernail to grow back and 12 to 18 months for a toenail. During this time, it is crucial to diligently apply prescribed medications or creams to prevent the recurrence of the fungal infection.
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Home remedies
Some home remedies for toenail fungus include:
- Tea tree oil: A 2020 study using a topical formulation containing vitamin E and essential oils of lime, oregano, and tea tree oil indicates it may have some benefit in treating toenail fungus.
- Apple cider vinegar: Its antifungal properties are well-documented in various studies. Mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water in a basin and soak your feet for 15-20 minutes daily. Dry your feet thoroughly after soaking.
- Garlic: Garlic contains allicin, a compound with potent antifungal properties. Crush a few garlic cloves to release their juice and apply the paste to the affected nail. Cover with a bandage and leave for 30 minutes before washing off. Repeat this process daily. Alternatively, place chopped garlic cloves in your socks at night or create a cream by combining one tablespoon of fresh chopped garlic cloves, three tablespoons of coconut oil, and one tablespoon of olive oil.
- Baking soda: Baking soda can help absorb moisture, reducing fungal growth.
- Over-the-counter products: Tolnaftate is a staple in over-the-counter products for athlete's foot and can also be used to treat toenail fungus. It is available as a cream, powder, spray, or liquid.
- Vicks VapoRub: A 2011 study found that Vicks VapoRub had a positive clinical effect in treating toenail fungus. Apply Vicks VapoRub with a cotton swab and try to work it under the nail. Put on a sock to keep the product in place and repeat at least three to four times per week.
It is important to note that these home remedies may not be as effective as medical treatments, and it is always recommended to consult a doctor or podiatrist before starting any treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
It can take a while for nail fungus treatments to start working. You may need to use antifungal nail medicine regularly for up to 6 to 12 months before seeing an improvement. Antifungal pills can work faster, with 2 months of treatment curing a fingernail infection and 3 months usually being enough for toenails.
Fingernails typically grow out in 4 to 6 months, while toenails can take 12 to 18 months to return to normal.
You should see a doctor or pharmacist if the look of your nail bothers you or it's painful. If you've already tried treatments from a pharmacy without success, your doctor may prescribe antifungal tablets. If the infection is severe or other treatments aren't working, your doctor may recommend removing part or all of the affected nail.
