Caleb Foster
Toenail fungus is a common condition that can cause nails to thicken, discolour, and crumble. While it is not usually a serious condition, it can be stubborn and take a long time to treat. Treatment options include antifungal pills, creams, gels, and nail polishes, as well as home remedies like tea tree oil. Even with successful treatment, it can take anywhere from 6 to 18 months for nails to fully return to normal, as this is the time it takes for a toenail to grow out completely.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken for nails to look normal after fungal treatment | 6 months to 18 months |
| Time taken for antifungal nail medicine to work | A few months to 12 months |
| Time taken for antifungal tablets to work | 6 months to 10 months or more |
| Time taken for antifungal pills to work | 2 months for fingernails, 3 months for toenails |
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What You'll Learn
Antifungal pills
The two main antifungal pills prescribed are terbinafine (Lamisil) and itraconazole (Sporanox). Terbinafine is generally taken for 12 weeks, but the fungus may not be completely gone for 10 months or longer. It has a high success rate, but it can affect your liver. Itraconazole is also taken for around 12 weeks, but it can interact with other medications, including cholesterol-reducing and blood-sugar-lowering drugs, and certain sleeping pills. It is not suitable for those with heart failure, or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Common side effects of both medications include nausea, vomiting, and headaches.
The time it takes for nails to grow back and look normal after a fungal infection varies. Fingernails typically take 4 to 6 months to grow back, while toenails can take 12 to 18 months.
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Antifungal nail medicine
Fungal nail infections are characterised by nails that are thick, discoloured, brittle, and easy to break. While not a serious condition, it can take a long time to treat. The infection usually affects toenails, but it can also develop in fingernails. It typically starts at the edge of the nail and spreads to the rest of it, causing the nail to turn white and yellow, and crumble or break easily.
If you have a fungal nail infection, you should speak to a pharmacist or healthcare provider. They may suggest an over-the-counter antifungal nail medicine that you brush onto the nail. This type of treatment needs to be used regularly for 6 to 12 months, and it may take several months before you see an improvement. It is important to keep using the treatment until advised to stop, as stopping early could lead to the infection returning.
Topical antifungal treatments, such as efinaconazole and tavaborole, are applied directly to the affected nails. Cutting back the nail can help these products reach the infection more easily. In some cases, a healthcare provider may suggest temporarily removing the nail to apply treatment directly to the infected area.
If topical treatments are not effective, a stronger treatment may be prescribed in the form of oral antifungal medication, such as fluconazole or terbinafine. These medications are typically taken daily for up to several months or even a year to get rid of the infection completely. Oral antifungal medication tends to work faster and more effectively than topical treatments, usually clearing infections within two to three months. Antifungal tablets may not be suitable for those with certain conditions, such as liver disease or heart problems, and they may interact with other medications.
In rare cases of stubborn nail fungal infections, surgical removal of the nail may be recommended. This can be temporary to allow for the application of topical treatments or permanent to get rid of the infection and prevent its recurrence.
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Natural remedies
It can take 6 months or more for nails to start looking better after fungal treatment. Toenails, in particular, can take 12 to 18 months to grow out fully.
Regarding natural remedies for treating nail fungus, there are several options that can be considered:
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is derived from the leaves of the tea tree, a plant native to Australia. It has been traditionally used as an antiseptic to kill germs and has been researched for treating skin conditions like acne. In one study, applying tea tree oil to the affected nail twice a day for 6 months showed cure rates comparable to using the cream clotrimazole. However, another study that only lasted 8 weeks showed no improvement, suggesting that longer treatment durations may be necessary.
Vicks VapoRub
Vicks VapoRub contains camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol, which are ingredients with antifungal properties. While commonly used to soothe coughs, some believe it can also help treat toenail fungus.
Listerine Mouthwash
The gold-colored Listerine Original Antiseptic Mouthwash has been touted as one of the best over-the-counter treatments for toenail fungus. It contains thymol, a plant compound with antifungal properties. However, it is important to note that thymol is not present in other varieties of Listerine.
Baking Soda
Baking soda has been found to be effective in preventing and reducing fungal growth. In one study, treating nail samples with baking soda stopped fungal growth in 79% of cases and reduced it in 17% of cases after 7 days of treatment. Common applications include making a foot soak or a paste to apply to the affected area.
Cloves
Preliminary cell research suggests that cloves may have antifungal and antioxidant properties beneficial in treating nail fungus. One recommended method is to place chopped cloves in socks overnight or crush fresh cloves and apply them directly to the infected toenail for 30 minutes.
Garlic, Coconut Oil, and Olive Oil
A homemade cream can be created by combining one tablespoon of fresh chopped garlic cloves, three tablespoons of coconut oil, and one tablespoon of olive oil. This mixture can be applied to the affected toes daily and stored in the fridge.
While these natural remedies may provide alternatives to conventional treatments, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen. Additionally, keep in mind that the effectiveness of these remedies may vary, and in some cases, they may only treat the symptoms rather than the underlying fungal infection.
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Nail removal
Fungal nail infections are common and affect toenails more often than fingernails. The infection causes the nail to become thick, discoloured, brittle, and crumbly, and can lead to nail loss. While it is not usually a serious condition, it can be challenging to treat and may take a long time to resolve.
If you have a fungal nail infection, there are various treatment options available. Your healthcare provider may initially recommend over-the-counter or prescription topical antifungal medications, such as creams, gels, or nail polishes. These treatments are typically applied directly to the affected nail(s) and used regularly for several months. However, they have a relatively low cure rate and may not be suitable for everyone. For example, they are not recommended for individuals who are under 18, pregnant, or breastfeeding.
If topical treatments are ineffective or impractical, oral antifungal medications may be prescribed. These medications, such as itraconazole (Sporanox) and terbinafine (Lamisil), are usually taken for 12 weeks, but it may take 10 months or longer for the fungus to clear completely. Oral antifungal pills are more effective than topical treatments and work faster, but they can cause side effects and may not be suitable for everyone due to potential interactions with other medications or conditions. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before taking any medication.
In some cases, particularly if the infection is severe or other treatments have failed, nail removal may be recommended. This can be done surgically or non-surgically. Non-surgical nail removal involves applying urea ointment to the infected nail surface and wrapping it in plastic and tape. After about 10 days, the softened nail can be removed from the nail bed, or the diseased portion can be cut away. Surgical nail removal may be performed by a healthcare professional and typically involves cutting away the diseased portion of the nail. Following nail removal, wound care is necessary to ensure proper healing.
Regardless of the treatment method, it may take a significant amount of time for the nail to return to its normal appearance. For fingernails, this process can take 4 to 6 months, while toenails may take 12 to 18 months to fully regrow and replace the damaged nail. During this time, it is important to continue with the recommended treatments and follow-up care to ensure the infection does not return and to promote healthy nail growth.
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Preventative measures
Fungal nail infections are often caused by walking barefoot in places like communal showers and gyms, so it's important to always wear shoes or sandals in public spaces. You can also take other preventative measures, such as maintaining good foot hygiene and keeping your nails short and clean.
If you have a weakened immune system, it is recommended that you consult a healthcare professional about preventative measures, as you may be more susceptible to infection.
There are also some home remedies that you can try to prevent toenail fungus. For example, you can soak your feet in a mixture of one part apple cider vinegar and three parts warm water for 10 to 40 minutes. You can also try making a foot soak or paste with baking soda, or sprinkling it on your feet to absorb moisture. However, it's important to note that these home remedies may not be as effective as medical treatments in preventing fungal nail infections.
Finally, if you notice any changes in your nails, such as discolouration, thickening, or brittleness, it's important to speak to a healthcare professional as soon as possible. They can provide a proper diagnosis and treatment plan to help clear the infection before it worsens.
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Frequently asked questions
It can take anywhere from 6 months to 18 months for nails to recover from a fungal infection. Fingernails tend to grow back faster, typically within 4 to 6 months, whereas toenails can take up to 12 to 18 months to fully regrow.
Treatment options include over-the-counter antifungal nail medicines that are brushed or painted onto the nail, antifungal pills or tablets, and in some cases, surgical or non-surgical nail removal. Home remedies like tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar soaks, and baking soda soaks may also help.
Nail fungal infections typically cause the nail to become thick, discoloured, brittle, and crumbly. In some cases, the nail may start to detach from the nail bed or even fall off completely. If you notice any of these signs, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
