Liam Carter
Fingernail fungus is a common infection that can affect anyone, but is more prevalent in men and older adults. It is caused by microorganisms that invade the nail, resulting in colour or texture changes, and sometimes pain. Diagnosis is typically carried out by examining debris under the nail, and treatment options range from topical ointments to oral antifungal medications and even surgery in severe cases. While some home remedies exist, persistent infections should be addressed with medical treatments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Fungi that enter the skin through tiny cuts or small separations between the nail and nail bed |
| Risk Factors | Age, gender, nail length, moisture, nail trauma, diabetes, weakened immune system |
| Symptoms | Color or texture changes, nail thickening, foul odour, pain, nail separation |
| Diagnosis | Visual inspection, nail scraping, KOH test, fungal culture, microscopic examination |
| Treatment | Oral antifungals, topical treatments, surgery, laser therapy, home remedies |
| Oral Antifungals | Griseofulvin, terbinafine, ciclopirox nail lacquer |
| Topical Treatments | Antifungal creams, ointments, Vicks VapoRub, Listerine, garlic |
| Surgery | Partial or full nail removal, chemical avulsion with urea |
| Laser Therapy | Laser treatments every 1-2 months |
| Home Remedies | Short and clean nails, moisturiser, disinfected nail clippers, soap and water |
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Oral antifungals
Another oral antifungal is terbinafine, which is taken once a day for 6 to 12 weeks. Common side effects of terbinafine include headaches, skin rash, and vomiting.
Itraconazole is another oral antifungal. It is also taken once a day for 6 to 12 weeks. Side effects may include headaches, stomach upset, and respiratory infection.
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Topical antifungals
Topical nail polishes that contain the growth-inhibiting and antifungal ingredients amorolfine or ciclopirox are also available. Ciclopirox has been shown to be effective in treating fungal infections. Before applying the nail polish, the affected nail has to be cut and filed down as much as possible. However, it is important to note that topical treatments with nail polishes may take up to one year, and they are not always cosmetically satisfying.
In some cases, it may be helpful to surgically remove some or all of the affected nails. This allows topical treatments to reach the fungus more easily and prevents moisture from getting trapped beneath the nail, which is necessary for the fungus to grow.
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Laser treatments
Laser treatment is a safe and effective option for treating finger nail fungus. It is a good choice for those who cannot take medications, such as children, pregnant people, and those with underlying conditions. The treatment is also suitable for those with diabetes, liver and kidney problems, or drug intolerance.
Laser therapy works by emitting pulses of energy that produce heat. This heat is directed at the infected area, penetrating the toenail to the nail bed where the fungus is located. The heat breaks down the infected tissue, destroying the fungus and surrounding skin and nails. The heat also has a sterilizing effect, preventing new fungal growth. The exact mechanism of how laser treatment removes nail fungus is not yet fully understood, but some experts believe that light penetrates the nail and absorbs the fungus, causing damage or death to the fungus cells.
There are several types of laser treatments available, including solid-state lasers such as titanium (Ti): sapphire and erbium-based devices, and carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers. CO2 lasers have been found to achieve the best overall results, with a high success rate and good safety profile. Other types of lasers that have been cleared by the FDA to treat toenail fungus include PinPointe Footlaser, GenesisPlus, and Noveon. The Nd:YAG class of lasers is also effective, with a long-pulsed option and a short-pulsed option with different wavelengths.
The number of treatment sessions can vary, with some sources stating an average of four sessions, and others saying it can take three to 18 months of consistent treatment. It is important to note that repeat treatments are usually needed, as the infection can partially survive the first treatment.
The cost of laser treatment for nail fungus can range from $200 to $700 per session, and insurance may not cover the procedure as it is considered cosmetic.
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Nail removal
Fingernail fungus is often caused by a species of Trichophyton fungus, which feeds on keratin—the protective outer layer of nails, hair, and skin. The fungus grows when the nail provides a suitably warm and moist environment.
In severe cases, doctors may recommend removing the hard part of the nail, called the nail plate. This is because anti-inflammatory cells cannot get into the dead area of the nail, so removing it allows the body's resources to reach the live tissue. Removing the nail also exposes the area to anti-fungal cream and prevents water and moisture from getting trapped beneath the nail.
There are two types of nail avulsion: surgical and chemical. Surgical nail avulsion involves a dermatologist surgically removing as much of the nail as needed. Chemical avulsion involves a dermatologist applying a chemical called urea to the diseased nail and covering it with a bandage for 7 to 10 days. After this period, the patient returns to the doctor's office to have the treated nail removed. Nails usually grow back, but this process can take up to 6 months or longer.
Before performing nail avulsion, a dermatologist may trim the nail or clip off a bit of the nail to examine debris from underneath the nail. This procedure helps diagnose the fungus and determine the best treatment.
In addition to nail avulsion, there are other treatments for fingernail fungus, including oral antifungals, topical antifungals, and laser therapy. Oral antifungals involve taking a pill to kill the fungus in the body, while topical antifungals are brushed or rubbed onto the nails. Laser therapy is a newer treatment that uses special light to kill the fungus.
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Home remedies
While medical treatments are the only known methods to effectively treat nail fungus, certain home remedies may help alleviate symptoms. Here are some home remedies to remove finger nail fungus:
Soaking Nails in Vinegar
Soak your nails in a solution of one part distilled white vinegar and two parts warm water. Leave your nails in the solution for about 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse and dry them. Repeat this process twice a day until the fungus disappears. If the vinegar irritates your skin, dilute the solution with more water or reduce the frequency of soaking.
Listerine Mouthwash
The original Listerine Antiseptic Mouthwash, which is gold in colour, contains thymol, a plant compound with antifungal properties. Fill a basin with Listerine and soak your nails for 15 minutes, two to three times a week. Alternatively, apply Listerine to the affected area twice a day.
Vicks VapoRub
Vicks VapoRub contains thymol, menthol, camphor, and eucalyptus oil, which may help treat toenail fungus. Apply a small amount to the affected area with a cotton swab, working it under the nail. Put on a sock to keep the product in place, and repeat the process three to four times a week.
Oregano Oil and Tea Tree Oil
Oregano oil has antifungal properties and can be applied to the affected nail twice daily using a cotton swab. Tea tree oil can also be used to help kill the fungus. Mix one teaspoon of tea tree oil with half a teaspoon of olive oil and apply the mixture to your nails.
Garlic
Crush a few cloves of garlic and place them on your infected nails for 30 minutes. Cover the garlic with a bandage and wear socks to keep it in place. Alternatively, create a cream by mixing one tablespoon of fresh chopped garlic cloves with three tablespoons of coconut oil and one tablespoon of olive oil. Apply this mixture to your nails daily and store it in the fridge.
It is important to note that while these home remedies may help alleviate symptoms, they may not completely eliminate nail fungus. Additionally, individuals with diabetes or a weakened immune system should consult a doctor before attempting home remedies.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a few home remedies that can be used to treat fingernail fungus, including:
- Soaking nails in warm water to soften them and then trimming the infected parts
- Using Listerine or vinegar for nail fungus twice a day
- Applying topical ointments or antifungals
- Spreading chopped garlic over nails or sprinkling garlic powder in shoes
There are several medical treatments available for fingernail fungus, such as:
- Oral antifungal medications like griseofulvin and terbinafine
- Laser treatments
- Ciclopirox nail lacquer
- Surgery to remove the nail
To prevent fingernail fungus, it is important to keep nails short, clean, and dry. Wash your hands regularly and avoid sharing nail clippers with others.
Fingernail fungus usually presents as a white or yellow spot under the nail, which can spread and turn the entire nail white, yellow, green, or black. The nail may also thicken, become difficult to trim, curl up or down, or loosen from the nail bed.
Fingernail fungus is caused by tiny organisms called fungi, which can enter the skin through small cuts or separations between the nail and nail bed. The fungi thrive in warm and moist environments.
