Isla Bennett
Nail fungus is a common infection that can affect both finger and toenails, although it is more common in toenails. It is caused by microorganisms that invade the nail and thrive in warm and moist environments. The infection can cause discoloration, thickening, and crumbling of the nail, and may even be painful in some cases. Treatment for nail fungus can be a long and challenging process, with various options available such as oral antifungal medications, topical treatments, and alternative therapies. Keeping nails clean, dry, and trimmed is important for prevention and managing the infection.
How to cure fingernail fungus
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Fungi, yeast, bacteria, nail bed laceration, crush injury, bacterial infection |
| Symptoms | Discoloration, thickening, crumbling, foul odour, pain, separation from nail bed |
| Diagnosis | Examining debris under the nail, KOH test, fungal culture |
| Treatment | Oral antifungals, topical antifungals, nail removal, laser therapy, light therapy, non-prescription antifungal creams, ointments, nail hardeners |
| Prevention | Keeping nails short, clean, and dry, washing hands and feet regularly, using antifungal powder |
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What You'll Learn
- Oral antifungals: your doctor may prescribe pills to kill fungus in your body
- Topical antifungals: rub or brush medicine onto your nails to cure mild infections
- Surgery: doctors may remove the nail entirely if other treatments don't work
- Laser or light treatments: a promising new treatment method to clear nail fungus
- Home remedies: over-the-counter antifungal nail creams and ointments can be used at home
Oral antifungals: your doctor may prescribe pills to kill fungus in your body
Fingernail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common infection of the nail. It can be challenging to treat, but oral antifungal medications are often the first choice. Oral antifungals work by killing the fungus in your body and helping new nails grow free of infection. Your doctor may prescribe oral antifungal pills, also known as systemic medications, which work throughout your body to treat the infection. These pills typically work more quickly than topical treatments and can cure fingernail infections in about two months and toenail infections in about three months.
One example of an oral antifungal is griseofulvin, which is taken as a tablet. The typical dosage for adults is 1,000 mg per day, taken in divided doses of 500 mg, for four months for fingernails and six months for toenails. It is important to note that griseofulvin may cause side effects such as headaches, nausea, and rare cases of reversible liver damage or blood disorders. It is also important to refrain from consuming alcohol while taking this medication.
Another oral antifungal option is terbinafine, which is taken once daily for six to twelve weeks. This medication is a newer alternative to griseofulvin and has shown effectiveness in treating both toe and fingernail fungal infections.
It is important to remember that oral antifungal medications are prescription drugs, and your doctor will closely monitor you while taking them. You will likely need to undergo regular blood tests to check for any problems. Additionally, oral antifungals may not be suitable for everyone, and your doctor will determine the best course of treatment based on the severity of your condition and the type of fungus causing the infection.
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Topical antifungals: rub or brush medicine onto your nails to cure mild infections
Topical antifungals are a great way to cure mild nail infections. They are available as over-the-counter and prescription medications. Topical treatments are applied directly to the infected nail.
Non-prescription antifungal nail creams and ointments can be purchased at your local drug store or pharmacy. These include Lotrimin cream, which can be rubbed into the nail area, especially under the nail plate. It is important to clean your nails before applying the cream. Non-prescription antifungal treatments may not be as effective as prescription treatments, but they can still help to clear up the infection.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe a medicated antifungal cream, such as efinaconazole (Jublia) or tavaborole (Kerydin). These creams are rubbed into the infected nails after soaking. Your healthcare provider may recommend thinning your nails first, as this helps the medication get through the hard nail surface to the underlying fungus. This can be done by applying a non-prescription lotion containing urea, or your healthcare provider may thin the nail with a file or other tool. Antifungal nail creams may cause side effects, such as a rash, and temporary nail removal may be suggested to allow for direct application of the medication to the infection.
Topical treatments with nail polishes or creams can take up to a year to work. These treatments contain growth-inhibiting and antifungal ingredients such as amorolfine or ciclopirox. Research has shown that treatment with ciclopirox cleared the fungal infection in about 22 out of 100 people. However, the cosmetic results were not always satisfying, with only 7 out of 100 people achieving healthy-looking nails.
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Surgery: doctors may remove the nail entirely if other treatments don't work
Fingernail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common infection that can affect one or more nails. It is characterised by discolouration, thickening, and crumbling of the nail. While there are various treatments available, such as antifungal medications and topical ointments, some cases of nail fungus may be severe and require more aggressive interventions. In such cases, surgery may be considered as a last resort to remove the nail entirely.
Surgical nail removal is typically recommended when other treatments have failed to resolve the infection. It is important to note that this procedure is invasive and requires proper wound care post-operation. The recovery process can be lengthy, as it may take at least a year for a healthy new nail to grow back.
During the surgery, the doctor will remove the affected nail, along with its root, to ensure the complete elimination of the fungus. This procedure is often performed under local anaesthesia to minimise discomfort. In some cases, a skin graft may be necessary to facilitate healing and promote nail regrowth.
While surgery can be an effective solution for stubborn nail fungus, it is important to carefully consider the benefits and risks. The procedure may leave the affected finger or toe vulnerable to infection and other complications. Additionally, the recovery period can be lengthy, and proper wound care is crucial to ensure optimal healing.
It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable treatment option for nail fungus. They will consider the severity of the infection, the patient's medical history, and potential side effects before recommending surgery or any other treatment modality.
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Laser or light treatments: a promising new treatment method to clear nail fungus
Laser treatment is a promising new method for treating nail fungus. It is a safe and effective way to get rid of nail fungus without the risk of side effects associated with medication. While the exact mechanism of how laser treatment removes nail fungus is unknown, some experts believe that light penetrates the nail and is absorbed by the fungus, causing damage or death to the fungus cells.
Laser treatment is generally safe, and most people do not experience any discomfort during the procedure. It is also a good option for those who may be at risk of side effects from medication, such as children, pregnant people, and those with underlying conditions. The procedure typically takes about 30 minutes, and there is no recovery time needed, so people can return to their usual activities immediately afterward.
However, it is important to note that laser treatment for nail fungus may require multiple sessions, and the results may take a few months to become noticeable. The success rate of laser treatment is slightly lower than that of medication treatments, but it still offers a promising alternative, especially for those who cannot take medication due to potential side effects.
There are several types of lasers used for nail fungus treatment, including the CO2 laser, the Ti:sapphire laser, and the erbium:YAG solid-state laser. The CO2 laser has been found to achieve the best overall results, with a highly successful cure rate and a good safety profile. The 1064-nm Nd: YAG laser has also been shown to have a high cure rate and a low risk of side effects.
While laser treatment for nail fungus is generally safe and effective, it is always a good idea to discuss the options with a healthcare professional before scheduling any treatment. They can advise on the most suitable treatment option based on the individual's specific needs and circumstances.
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Home remedies: over-the-counter antifungal nail creams and ointments can be used at home
If you have a fungal nail infection, you may not need treatment if your condition is mild and not bothersome. However, if you are experiencing pain or permanent damage to your nails, it is important to take action. Fungal nail infections can also lead to other serious infections, especially if you have a suppressed immune system.
- Lotions containing urea to thin the nails and help medication reach the underlying fungus.
- Antifungal foot powder to be applied after washing and drying the affected area.
- Topical ointments such as terbinafine, which is applied once a day for 6 to 12 weeks.
- Topical liquid medicines such as Lotrimin cream, which is rubbed into the nail area, especially under the nail plate.
- Tolnaftate, a staple in over-the-counter products for athlete's foot, is available as a cream, powder, spray, or liquid.
- Oral antifungal medications, such as griseofulvin, should be taken for 6 months to 1 year but may cause side effects such as headaches, nausea, and rare reversible liver damage or blood disorders.
It is important to maintain good nail hygiene by keeping your nails short, clean, and dry. Wash your hands regularly and after touching an infected nail. Disinfect your nail clippers after each use and consider applying a nail hardener to strengthen your nails and cuticles.
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Frequently asked questions
Symptoms include discolouration (white, yellow, green, or black spots), thickening, crumbling, foul odour, and separation from the nail bed.
You should consult a doctor or a dermatologist, who will be able to diagnose the infection by examining debris from underneath the nail.
Treatment options include antifungal pills, topical ointments, laser therapy, nail removal, and alternative therapies.
To prevent a fungal nail infection, keep your nails short, clean, and dry. Wash your hands and feet regularly, especially between the fingers and toes, and disinfect nail clippers before use.
