Sophia Delgado
Fungal nail infections are unsightly and stubborn. They cause the nail to become thick, discoloured, and brittle. While they are not serious, they can take a long time to treat and may reoccur. To grow healthy nails after a fungal infection, it is important to treat the infection early and consistently. Over-the-counter antifungal treatments are available, but for severe infections, oral medication may be required. During treatment, it is important to maintain a good foot care routine, keep your feet clean and dry, and cut your nails short. With treatment and care, healthy nails will grow back over time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Symptoms | Thick, discoloured, brittle, easy to break nails |
| Cause | Fungi growing in warm, dark, moist areas, e.g. athlete's foot |
| Treatment | Antifungal medication, e.g. antifungal nail medicine, antifungal tablets, medicated nail polish, topical medication, oral medication |
| Prevention | Keep nails short and straight, wear shoes in communal areas, keep feet clean and dry, change socks regularly, use antifungal foot powder or spray |
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What You'll Learn
- Treat the infection early with antifungal medication to save your nails
- Keep your feet clean and dry to prevent re-infection
- Wear shoes with good support and a wide toe area
- Cut your nails short and straight across, filing down thick areas
- Use over-the-counter antifungal treatments like medicated nail polish
Treat the infection early with antifungal medication to save your nails
Fungal nail infections are highly contagious and can be picked up from other people in communal areas like gym showers and pools. They thrive in warm, dark, and moist environments, such as the feet, and can spread to multiple nails. The infection often starts at the edge of the nail, causing it to become thick, discoloured, and brittle. While it is not a serious condition, it can take a long time to treat, and if left untreated, you risk losing your nail.
To save your nails, it is crucial to treat the fungal nail infection early. Over-the-counter antifungal medications are readily available and can be very effective in stopping the infection in its tracks. These include antifungal creams, gels, sprays, and patches, which you can purchase at drugstores or online without a prescription. It is important to use these treatments regularly and for the recommended duration, as it may take several months for the nail to grow out completely healthy.
For more severe infections, oral antifungal medication, such as Terbinafine, may be prescribed by a pharmacist, podiatrist, or GP. These medications target severe fungal growth and help prevent recurrence. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions and take the medication for the full prescribed course, even if your nails start to look better, to ensure the infection does not return.
In addition to medication, maintaining good foot care and hygiene practices is essential. Keep your feet clean and dry, and wear shoes and socks that provide good ventilation and absorb sweat. Change your socks daily and use sanitised, acrylic socks, which are more effective than cotton in wicking away moisture. When visiting a nail salon, ensure they sanitise their tools, and if possible, bring your own equipment.
By treating the fungal nail infection early with antifungal medication and adopting good hygiene practices, you can effectively save your nails and prevent the infection from spreading or returning.
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Keep your feet clean and dry to prevent re-infection
Keeping your feet clean and dry is essential to preventing fungal nail infections. Fungi thrive in warm, dark, and moist environments, so maintaining good foot hygiene and ensuring your feet are not constantly damp can help stop the spread of infection.
- Wash your feet regularly, especially after being in communal areas like pools, gyms, and locker rooms.
- Dry your feet thoroughly after washing, paying extra attention to the areas between your toes.
- Wear clean, dry socks every day. Opt for socks that absorb sweat well, such as sanitised, acrylic socks. Change your socks immediately if they become damp from sweat or if your feet get wet.
- Wear shoes that provide good ventilation and support and have a wide toe area. Avoid wearing tight-fitting shoes that can trap moisture and create a favourable environment for fungi.
- Avoid wearing shoes for extended periods, especially if your feet tend to sweat a lot. Give your feet time to breathe and dry by going barefoot or wearing open-toed footwear in well-sanitised environments.
- When visiting wet areas, such as public bathrooms or pool decks, wear shower shoes or flip-flops. This will prevent direct contact between your feet and potentially contaminated surfaces.
By following these steps, you can effectively reduce the moisture and warmth that fungi need to proliferate, thereby lowering the risk of re-infection.
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Wear shoes with good support and a wide toe area
Wearing shoes with good support and a wide toe area is an important step in preventing fungal nail infections and promoting healthy nail growth. Here's why:
Fungal nail infections thrive in warm, dark, and moist environments. Wearing shoes that are too tight or constricting can create such an environment, trapping heat and moisture and providing the perfect conditions for fungal growth. Therefore, it is essential to choose shoes that offer ample room for your toes to move and breathe.
Look for shoes made from breathable materials, such as canvas or leather, which allow air to circulate and help keep your feet dry. Avoid wearing synthetic materials or plastic shoes for extended periods, as they often lack breathability and can cause your feet to sweat more.
Additionally, consider the type of socks you wear. Opt for socks made from natural fibres, such as cotton or wool, which are more absorbent and help wick away moisture. Change your socks regularly, especially if they become damp from sweat or other activities.
By wearing shoes with good support and a wide toe area, you not only prevent the buildup of moisture and heat but also reduce the risk of your toenails coming into contact with potential sources of infection in communal areas. This proactive approach helps create a healthier environment for your nails to grow and recover after a fungal infection.
Remember, maintaining proper foot care and choosing the right footwear are crucial steps in preventing fungal nail infections and supporting the growth of strong, healthy nails.
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Cut your nails short and straight across, filing down thick areas
Keeping your nails short and filing down thick areas is an important step in treating a fungal nail infection. This is because fungi thrive in warm, dark, and moist environments, and allowing nails to become too long can provide the perfect environment for fungi to grow. Cutting your nails short and filing them straight across can help to reduce the risk of infection and aid in the treatment process.
When cutting your nails, it is important to use clean nail clippers to avoid introducing new fungi or bacteria to the nail bed. It is also recommended to soak your nails in warm water before cutting them, as this can help to soften the nails and make them easier to trim. If you have a fungal infection, be sure to disinfect your nail clippers afterward to prevent the spread of the fungus to other nails or surfaces.
In addition to keeping your nails short and straight, filing down any thick areas is an important part of treating a fungal nail infection. Fungi can cause the nail to become thickened and discoloured, so filing the nail down can help to remove the infected parts and expose the fungus to antifungal treatments. When filing, use a separate nail file for the infected nails to avoid spreading the fungus to your other nails.
It is important to note that cutting your nails short and filing them should be done in conjunction with other treatments, such as antifungal medications, to effectively treat the infection. Filing the nail can help expose the fungus to these treatments, improving their effectiveness. It is also crucial to continue cutting and filing your nails properly after the infection has cleared up to prevent recurrence.
By following these steps and maintaining proper nail care, you can help treat and prevent fungal nail infections, promoting the growth of healthy nails. Remember to practice good foot hygiene, keep your nails clean and dry, and seek medical advice if the infection persists or returns.
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Use over-the-counter antifungal treatments like medicated nail polish
While it can be very challenging to cure nail fungus completely, there are several over-the-counter (OTC) treatments available to help grow healthy nails after a fungal infection. One option is to use medicated nail polish that contains antifungal ingredients. These nail polishes can be painted directly onto the affected nails to help treat the infection. It's important to follow the treatment instructions carefully and consistently for the best results.
One of the advantages of using OTC antifungal treatments is their ease of application. Many of these products are designed for self-administration, allowing you to treat the infection at home without requiring frequent visits to a healthcare provider. This can be especially convenient for individuals with busy schedules or those who live in remote areas with limited access to medical facilities.
When choosing an OTC antifungal nail polish, look for active ingredients such as tolnaftate, undecylenic acid, tea tree oil, or ciclopirox. These ingredients have been clinically proven to be effective against fungal infections. For example, tolnaftate is a common ingredient in OTC treatments for athlete's foot and ringworm, and it is also effective against toenail fungus.
In addition to medicated nail polish, other types of OTC antifungal treatments are also available. These include creams, gels, sprays, and patches. Some people may prefer creams or gels if they find nail polish inconvenient or if the infection is also present on the surrounding skin. Sprays can be useful for covering larger areas or for individuals who prefer a quicker application method.
It's important to remember that even with OTC treatments, treating nail fungus takes time and consistency. Most antifungal treatments require regular application for several months to see improvement. Additionally, it's crucial to follow the instructions provided with the product and continue using the treatment as directed, even after symptoms disappear, to prevent the infection from returning. If OTC treatments are ineffective or the infection is severe, it's recommended to consult a healthcare provider for prescription treatment options.
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Frequently asked questions
You may have a fungal nail infection if your nail is brittle, discoloured, thicker than usual, or easy to break. Fungal nail infections usually start at the edge of the nail and can cause the nail to turn yellow and crumble.
It is recommended that you use an over-the-counter antifungal or fungistatic medication to stop the infection from spreading. You should use this medication regularly for several months to see an improvement. If over-the-counter medication doesn't work, your doctor may prescribe oral antifungal medication.
To prevent fungal nail infections, keep your nails cut short and file down any thick areas. Keep your feet clean and dry, and wear shoes and socks that allow your feet to breathe. Avoid walking barefoot in communal areas such as gym showers and locker rooms.
It can take 12 to 18 months for a toenail to grow out completely after a fungal nail infection. During this time, be sure to finish any medication prescribed by your doctor to prevent the infection from returning.
