Isla Bennett
Fungal nail infections are characterized by thick, discoloured, and brittle nails that are easy to break. They are caused by fungi that thrive in warm, dark, and moist environments, such as sweaty feet inside shoes or boots. While not a serious condition, fungal nail infections can be stubborn and take a long time to treat. The duration of the infection depends on various factors, including the type of treatment sought and the severity of the infection. Treatment options range from topical antifungal medications to oral antifungal pills and, in severe cases, nail removal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Treatment duration | 6 months to 18 months |
| Treatment type | Antifungal pills, creams, gels, sprays, patches, nail lacquers, nail removal |
| Treatment side effects | Nausea, vomiting, headaches, redness, swelling, ingrown toenail, stinging or burning |
| Prevention | Keep nails cut short, wear shower shoes or flip-flops in public places, avoid walking barefoot in places like communal showers and gyms |
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What You'll Learn
Treatment options
Fungal nail infections are unlikely to get better without treatment, but various treatment options are available. The treatment you receive will depend on the type and severity of the infection, and how long it has been present.
Antifungal medication
Antifungal medication is available in the form of pills, creams, gels, sprays, patches, and nail lacquers. Pills tend to work better than creams and gels, but they can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and headaches, and may affect the liver. Antifungal pills usually need to be taken for 12 weeks, but the fungus may not be completely gone for 10 months or longer. Your doctor will monitor you while you take them and may prescribe blood tests to check for liver damage.
Nail removal
If you have a severe infection or other treatments are unsuccessful, your doctor may recommend removing the nail. This can be done surgically or non-surgically. For non-surgical treatment, urea ointment is applied to the infected nail surface, which softens the nail bed. After about 10 days, the infected nail can be removed.
Home remedies
Home remedies can be used to treat the symptoms of a fungal nail infection, but they are unlikely to treat the infection itself. Soaking your feet in baking soda and water for at least 10 minutes is one suggested remedy. Other remedies include Listerine mouthwash and snakeroot extract, which has been found to be as effective as the drug ciclopirox in one study.
Laser and light treatments
Laser and light treatments are being investigated as potential treatments for fungal nail infections. While they show promise, more research is needed to determine their safety and effectiveness.
It is important to note that treatment for fungal nail infections can take a long time, and the infection may return even after successful treatment.
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Prevention
Fungal nail infections can take a long time to treat and may cause side effects. To prevent a fungal nail infection, you can take the following measures:
Keep Your Nails Clean and Short
It is important to maintain good nail hygiene. Keep your nails cut short and file down any thick areas. If you have your nails professionally manicured, bring your own nail file and trimmer to avoid using the same tools on healthy and infected nails.
Wear Appropriate Footwear and Socks
Fungal nail infections thrive in warm, dark, and moist environments. Avoid wearing trainers or pointed shoes for long periods, as they can make your feet hot and sweaty. Opt for shoes with good support and a wide toe area. Wear socks made of wicking materials, such as high-tech polyester, which pulls moisture away from the skin. Change your socks regularly, especially if they become damp from sweat or if your feet get wet.
Practice Good Foot Hygiene
Wear waterproof gloves for wet tasks such as washing dishes or floors, and 100% cotton gloves for dry work. Keep your feet clean and dry, and use over-the-counter antifungal foot powder inside your socks to absorb moisture. Avoid walking barefoot in public areas like locker rooms, swimming pools, communal showers, and gyms. Instead, wear shower shoes or flip-flops in these places to reduce the risk of contracting a fungal infection.
Clean Your Environment
Fungal infections can spread through shared spaces and surfaces. Routinely clean your shower, tub, and bathroom to lower the risk of fungal spores spreading. Avoid sharing personal care items such as towels and nail care tools, as the infection can spread between people.
Home Remedies
Some home remedies have been suggested to prevent and treat fungal nail 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 to the affected area, or using topical treatments such as Vicks VapoRub or tea tree oil. However, it is important to note that while these remedies may help prevent or manage the infection, they may not cure it completely. For persistent or severe infections, it is best to consult a healthcare professional for prescription medication or other treatment options.
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Diagnosis
Fungal nail infections are characterised by nails that become thick, discoloured, brittle, and easy to break. They are caused by fungi that thrive in warm, dark, and moist environments, such as sweaty feet inside shoes or boots. The fungi enter through cracks in the nail and the infection typically starts at the edge of the nail, eventually spreading to the rest of the nail.
To diagnose a fungal nail infection, a doctor or dermatologist will visually examine the nails and the surrounding skin. They will also ask questions about your symptoms and medical history. If a fungal nail infection is suspected, they may collect a sample of debris from beneath the nail, trim off a small part of the nail, or scrape off some skin for laboratory testing. These samples will be examined under a microscope to confirm the presence and type of fungus.
Before starting treatment, your doctor may also perform a blood test to check your liver function, as some antifungal medications can affect the liver. It is important to note that fungal nail infections are unlikely to improve without treatment, and even with treatment, they can take a long time to resolve, sometimes up to 18 months.
In terms of self-diagnosis, it is important to be vigilant about any changes in your nail appearance. If you notice your nails becoming thicker, discoloured, brittle, or more prone to breaking, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Additionally, fungal nail infections can spread from person to person, so it is important to take preventive measures such as wearing shoes in communal areas like locker rooms and gyms, and avoiding sharing personal care items like towels and nail tools. Maintaining good nail hygiene and keeping your nails cut short can also help prevent fungal infections.
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Home remedies
One study found that treating infected nail samples with baking soda stopped fungal growth in 79% of cases and reduced it in 17% of cases after 7 days of treatment. This means baking soda is more likely to prevent fungi than kill it. Some people advocate making a foot soak with baking soda, while others make a paste to apply to the toe. You can also sprinkle baking soda on your feet to absorb moisture.
Listerine mouthwash and snakeroot extract are other remedies you may come across on the internet. Listerine contains thymol, which has antifungal properties. One study on snakeroot extract found it worked as well as the drug ciclopirox. In the study, the extract was given in a nail polish that was painted on the nail over a 6-month period.
Tea tree oil is another popular home remedy. In one study, tea tree oil was applied to the affected nail twice a day for 6 months. The cure rate for toenail fungus was found to be comparable to using the cream clotrimazole. Another study that ran for only 8 weeks showed no improvement, so more time may be needed to see results.
Vicks VapoRub is another home remedy that can be tried. Almost everyone has a jar of this at home to soothe coughs, but some people think it can help with toenail fungus too. The rub contains camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol, ingredients that have antifungal properties.
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Symptoms
A fungal nail infection, also known as onychomycosis, is characterised by nails that become thick, discoloured, brittle, and easy to break. The infection usually starts at the edge of the nail, causing it to become white and yellow, and then spreads to the rest of the nail. In some cases, the whole nail can break off, leading to pain and swelling of the surrounding skin.
Fungal nail infections are commonly caused by the same fungi that cause athlete's foot, which thrives in warm, dark, and moist environments. The infection can occur when the feet are constantly warm and sweaty, such as from wearing trainers for extended periods. Walking barefoot in communal areas, such as showers, gyms, and locker rooms, can also increase the risk of contracting the infection.
The symptoms of a fungal nail infection may vary depending on the severity and duration of the infection. In some cases, the infection may cause pain, especially if left untreated for an extended period. Severe infections can lead to ingrown toenails or even result in the nail breaking off completely.
Fungal nail infections can affect both toenails and fingernails, although they are more commonly seen in toenails. The infection can develop slowly, and it may take a long time for the symptoms to become apparent. In some cases, the infection may go unnoticed until it has spread to multiple nails.
It is important to note that fungal nail infections are not typically serious, but they can be challenging to treat. The treatment process can be lengthy, and the infection may recur if the treatment is not completed as directed. Seeking medical advice from a healthcare professional, such as a pharmacist or a doctor, is essential to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
Fungal nail infections are unlikely to get better without treatment. Even with treatment, fungal nail infections can take a long time to go away.
Antifungal pills typically need to be taken for 2-3 months to cure a fungal nail infection. However, it may take 10 months or longer for the fungus to be completely gone.
Fingernails typically grow out in 4 to 6 months. Toenails take longer, usually 12 to 18 months.
