Ava Monroe
Nail fungus is a common infection that causes the nail to become thick, discoloured, and brittle. It is usually caused by the same fungus that causes athlete's foot and thrives in warm, dark, and moist environments, such as socks and shoes. Treatment for nail fungus can vary depending on the severity of the infection and the type of fungus involved. While some people may find relief with topical treatments, such as creams and polishes, others may require oral antifungal medications or even laser treatment. The length of treatment depends on the type of medication used and can range from a few weeks to several months. It is important to note that even after the fungus is eradicated, it may take several months for a healthy nail to grow back completely.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Treatment duration | A few weeks to a few months |
| Treatment methods | Antifungal pills, antifungal nail medicine, nail removal, laser treatment, home remedies |
| Time to grow back | 4-6 months for fingernails, 12-18 months for toenails |
| Cause | Fungi that cause athlete's foot, yeast, mold |
| Prevention | Treat athlete's foot, avoid walking barefoot in communal areas |
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What You'll Learn
Antifungal pills and nail medicine
Antifungal medication is a common treatment for nail fungus. The infection causes the nail to become thick, discoloured, malformed, and crumbly, and can be stubborn to treat due to the nail's tough, close-knit protein composition. Antifungal treatments can be taken orally or applied topically to the nail.
Oral antifungal medications include terbinafine and itraconazole, which are prescription-only. Terbinafine is typically used if the nail fungus is caused by a skin fungus, whereas itraconazole is used if the infection is caused by yeast or mould. In continuous treatment, itraconazole is taken once daily for up to three months, with a dose of 200 mg per day (two 100 mg tablets). Treatment with pauses involves taking 400 mg of itraconazole daily for a week, followed by a three-week break, and the treatment lasts three months or less. Fluconazole is another oral antifungal medication used only if other treatments are unsuccessful or not an option. It is taken once a week (150 mg dose) for 6 to 12 months.
Topical antifungal treatments include creams and liquids that can be applied to the nail. A pharmacist may suggest an antifungal nail medicine that you brush onto the nail, and regular use for a few months is typically required before improvements are seen.
Combination therapy, which involves taking antifungal pills and applying medicine to the nails, has been shown to be more effective than using either treatment alone.
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Laser treatment
Toenail fungus causes thickened, separating, and discoloured nails. It is a tough infection to treat due to the makeup of the nail, which is a tough, close-knit protein called keratin. Laser treatment is a newer, promising treatment option for nail fungus.
There are several types of laser treatments available, including long-pulsed 1,064-nm neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) lasers, short-pulsed 1,064-nm Nd:CO2 lasers, and lasers with wavelengths of 870 nm, 930 nm, and 1,320 nm. The overall success rate of laser therapy is about 63%, which is slightly lower than medication treatments. However, laser therapy may offer a more suitable option for certain groups due to the risk of side effects associated with medication use. For example, individuals with diabetes, older individuals with drug intolerance, and patients with liver and kidney problems may find that laser treatment is a more effective option.
The cost of laser treatment can range from around $200 to $700 per session, and a person should contact the clinic to determine the expected number of sessions.
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Nail removal
Treatment for nail fungus can take a long time, and the infection can recur if treatment is stopped too early. Antifungal treatments are available over the counter or by prescription, and can be applied directly to the nail, taken orally, or a combination of both. However, even with treatment, nail fungus can be challenging to eliminate, and sometimes the nail may need to be removed.
Surgical nail removal is a minor procedure that is typically only recommended for severe or recurring infections. During the procedure, the area around the nail is numbed with a local anaesthetic to minimize pain and discomfort. The nail is then surgically removed, and the underlying nail bed is treated to eliminate the fungal infection.
Nonsurgical nail removal, also known as chemical nail removal, is a less invasive procedure that uses chemicals to dissolve and remove the infected nail. This method is often used when the infection is limited to a specific area of the nail, and the entire nail does not need to be removed. The chemical agent is carefully applied to the affected area, causing the nail to gradually dissolve. This process may take some time, depending on the severity of the infection and the type of chemical used.
Both surgical and nonsurgical nail removal require proper wound care to ensure the area heals properly and to prevent the recurrence of the fungal infection. It is important to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider to ensure a successful recovery. Additionally, it is worth noting that nail removal is not a common practice and is typically recommended only in severe or recurring cases of nail fungus.
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Home remedies
Vicks VapoRub
Vicks VapoRub is a topical ointment that contains camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol, which have antifungal properties. A 2011 study found that it had a "positive clinical effect" in treating toenail fungus. To use it, apply a small amount to the affected area at least once a day.
Snakeroot extract
Snakeroot is an antifungal plant in the sunflower family. A 2008 study showed that it is effective against toenail fungus, working almost as well as ciclopirox, a medicine used to treat skin infections caused by fungi.
Listerine mouthwash
Listerine mouthwash contains thymol, menthol, and eucalyptus, which have antifungal and antibacterial properties. It is a popular folk remedy for toenail fungus. To use it, soak the affected foot in a basin of amber-colored Listerine for 30 minutes daily.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic that has been used to kill germs and treat skin conditions like acne. In one study, tea tree oil was applied to the affected nail twice a day for six months, with cure rates for toenail fungus on par with using the cream clotrimazole. However, another study found no improvement over eight weeks, suggesting that longer treatment durations may be necessary. Tea tree oil can also cause skin irritation.
Oregano oil
Apply oregano oil to the affected nail twice daily with a cotton swab. Some people use oregano oil and tea tree oil together, but combining them may increase the risk of irritation or allergic reactions.
Ozonated oils
Ozonated oils, such as olive oil and sunflower oil, are "injected" with ozone gas. Research from 2020 suggests that low concentrations of ozone exposure can inactivate fungi.
Garlic and coconut oil
A 2012 review recommended placing crushed fresh garlic cloves on top of the infected toenail for 30 minutes. Another option is to create a cream by combining one tablespoon of fresh chopped garlic cloves, three tablespoons of coconut oil, and one tablespoon of olive oil. Rub the mixture on your toes daily and store it in the fridge.
Baking soda
Baking soda can help prevent fungi and absorb moisture. Some people advocate making a foot soak with baking soda, while others make a paste to apply to the toe.
It's important to note that home remedies may not work as quickly as medical treatments and may need to be used for several months. Additionally, they should not be used if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system. Always consult with a doctor to determine the best course of treatment.
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Oral and topical antifungal medications
Topical antifungal medications are available over the counter at your local drug store and can help improve the appearance of the nail. These include antifungal nail medicine that you brush onto the nail, as well as creams and liquids. Your pharmacist may suggest these as a first course of treatment, and you'll need to use them regularly for a few months before seeing improvements.
If pharmacy treatments don't work, your doctor may prescribe antifungal tablets. These tablets inhibit the growth of fungi or kill them and are typically taken once a day for three months. Common antifungal tablets include terbinafine and itraconazole. Terbinafine is usually preferred if the nail fungus is caused by a skin fungus (dermatophyte), while itraconazole is used if the infection is caused by yeast or mold. Fluconazole is another option if other treatments are ineffective or not suitable. However, it needs to be taken for 6 to 12 months to work properly.
It's important to be patient during treatment, as nail fungus can be stubborn and persistent. Even after clearing the infection, it may take up to a year for a healthy big toenail to grow back. Additionally, there is a small risk of side effects, such as liver damage, associated with some antifungal medications. For this reason, it's crucial to consult with your doctor and disclose any other medications you are taking.
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Frequently asked questions
It usually takes a few weeks to a few months to treat the underlying infection.
A fingernail grows out in 4 to 6 months, while a toenail can take 12 to 18 months.
Antifungal pills and topical medicines are commonly used. In more severe cases, nail removal may be recommended.
Yes, some treatments may cause side effects. For example, there is a small risk of liver damage from taking certain antifungal medications.
Yes, nail fungus can be persistent and may return even after successful treatment.
