Noah Sinclair
Fingernail fungus is a common infection that can cause nails to become thick, discoloured, crumbly, brittle, and easy to break. While toenails are more commonly affected, fingernails can also become infected. Discolouration can appear white, yellow, brown, green, or black. There are several treatment options available, including prescription medications, topical treatments, and home remedies. Prescription medications, such as terbinafine, are taken orally for several weeks or months and are highly effective but may have side effects. Topical treatments, including nail polishes and creams containing antifungal ingredients, can be applied directly to the nail, but may take up to a year to work. Home remedies, such as soaking the affected area in warm water and using creams with urea and bifonazole, can also be used. In severe cases, nail removal may be recommended, with a new nail taking at least a year to grow back.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Treatment Goal | Get rid of the fungus and restore the nail |
| Treatment Options | Prescription medications, laser treatment, nail polishes, creams, tablets, nail abrasion, home remedies |
| Prescription Medications | Terbinafine (pill taken daily for 6-12 weeks depending on the type of nail) |
| Side Effects of Prescription Medications | Headaches, rashes, gastrointestinal symptoms (bloating, decreased appetite, nausea, diarrhea) |
| Precautions with Prescription Medications | Avoid alcohol and sun exposure |
| Laser Treatment | Shining infrared or ultraviolet (UV) light on the nail to kill the fungi |
| Nail Polishes | Contain growth-inhibiting and antifungal ingredients (amorolfine or ciclopirox); applied after cutting and filing down the affected nail |
| Creams | Urea-based cream to soften the nail, then bifonazole cream with an antifungal effect |
| Nail Abrasion | Scraping or filing the surface of the nail to remove the fungus |
| Home Remedies | Vicks VapoRub applied topically every day |
| Nail Removal | A small procedure done under local anaesthetic; regrowth can take 6 months or longer for fingernails and 12 to 18 months for toenails |
| Prevention | Avoid walking barefoot in places like communal showers and gyms |
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What You'll Learn
Prescription medications
Fingernail and toenail fungus is a common condition, often starting at the edge of the nail and spreading to the rest of the nail. It is characterised by white, brown, or yellow spots on the nail, which may also thicken and become crumbly and brittle. In some cases, the nail may even start to lift from the toe or finger.
Antifungal Tablets
If over-the-counter treatments are ineffective, your doctor may prescribe antifungal tablets. Before prescribing treatment, your doctor will take a sample of your nail to test what kind of infection you have and may also perform a blood test to check that your liver is functioning properly. Antifungal tablets are taken for up to six months and work to inhibit the growth of fungi or kill them. Examples of antifungal tablets include:
- Terbinafine (Lamisil): This medication is taken daily for 12 weeks to treat toenail fungus. Liver damage is a rare side effect, so it is important to undergo liver function tests before and during treatment. Alcohol consumption should be avoided while taking terbinafine.
- Itraconazole (Sporanox): This medication is used if the nail infection is caused by yeast or mould. It is taken daily for three months and may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and headaches.
Ciclopirox Nail Lacquer
Ciclopirox nail lacquer is a prescription medication used to treat nail fungus in people aged 12 and older. It is applied directly to the infected nails once a day, covering the entire nail as well as the surrounding skin. To ensure the medication's effectiveness, any loose or infected nails should be trimmed or filed down before application.
Nail Procedures
In some cases, a medical procedure may be included in the treatment plan for nail fungus. One such procedure is nail abrasion, which involves scraping or filing the surface of the infected nails. This method is particularly effective for white superficial onychomycosis, a type of nail fungus that develops on top of the nail. After scraping, antifungal medication is applied to the treated area.
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Laser treatment
There are several types of laser treatments available, including blue light lasers and carbon dioxide lasers (CO2 lasers). The latter was found to achieve the best overall results among several types of laser therapy. CO2 lasers ablate the nail plate, potentially disrupting the growth of the fungus. Other types of lasers that have been used include titanium (Ti):sapphire and erbium-based devices, as well as lasers with wavelengths of 870 nm, 930 nm, and 1320 nm.
The cost of laser treatment for nail fungus can vary, ranging from $200 to $700 per session. Insurance may not cover the procedure as it may be considered cosmetic. While laser treatment shows promising results, more research is needed to assess its effectiveness and establish it as a standard treatment option.
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Home remedies
Fingernail fungus can take months to clear up, and in some cases, it may be necessary to remove the nail. While there are prescription medications available, these can sometimes cause side effects, so many people opt for home remedies instead. It's important to note that there is little evidence to support the effectiveness of home remedies, and they may not work any faster than medical treatments.
One home remedy for fingernail fungus is to apply Vicks VapoRub topically every day. VapoRub contains thymol, menthol, camphor, and eucalyptus oil, which have antifungal properties. A 2011 study found that long-term use of VapoRub can be used to treat onychomycosis, with the fungus being cured in one-quarter of users after 48 weeks.
Another option is to use tea tree oil, which has been researched for use on skin conditions and has been found to be as effective as the cream clotrimazole in treating toenail fungus when applied twice a day for six months. Oregano oil, which contains thymol, can also be applied to the nail twice daily using a cotton swab. It is possible to use oregano oil and tea tree oil together, but this may increase the risk of irritation or allergic reactions.
Baking soda is another home remedy that may be effective in preventing and treating fingernail fungus. One study found that treating nail samples with baking soda stopped fungal growth in 79% of cases after seven days of treatment. To use this method, you can make a foot soak with baking soda, or create a paste to apply to the affected area.
Some people also recommend using Listerine Original Antiseptic Mouthwash as a foot soak, as it contains thymol, which has antifungal properties. However, it is important to note that Listerine has not been studied as a cure for toenail fungus, and it may be less effective than other treatments.
While these home remedies may provide relief from symptoms, they may not cure the infection, and it is important to consult a doctor if you are experiencing signs of a fingernail fungal infection, such as discoloration, thickening, or crumbly and brittle nails.
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Nail removal
Fingernail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common infection that can cause nail discolouration, thickening, and brittleness. While most cases affect toenails, fingernails can also become infected. If left untreated, it can become a chronic condition. Medical treatments are the only proven effective cure for nail fungus, but in some severe cases, nail removal may be recommended by a doctor.
After nail removal, it can take at least 6 months for a fingernail to grow back, and up to 12-18 months for a toenail. During this time, it is important to take steps to prevent the infection from returning or spreading to other nails. The new nail may not look exactly the same as it did before the infection, and laboratory testing is the only way to confirm if the fungus has been eradicated.
While nail removal can be an effective last resort, it is important to explore other medical treatments first. Prescription medications are often the first line of treatment. For example, terbinafine is a medication that is taken daily for 6-12 weeks, depending on whether it is being used to treat the fingers or toes. During treatment, patients must avoid alcohol and sunlight exposure, and potential side effects include headaches, rashes, and gastrointestinal issues.
Additionally, procedures such as nail abrasion can be performed in conjunction with medication. This involves scraping or filing the surface of the nail to remove the fungus and then applying an antifungal medication. This method is particularly effective for white superficial onychomycosis, where the fungus develops on top of the nail.
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Pharmacist recommendations
Fingernail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common type of infection caused by fungi entering and spreading in your nails. While most cases affect toenails, it can also occur in your fingernails. It typically causes nail discolouration, thickening, brittleness, and pain.
If you suspect you have a fungal nail infection, your first step should be to visit a pharmacist. They can recommend suitable over-the-counter treatments to address the infection and manage symptoms. Here are some pharmacist recommendations for treating fingernail fungus discolouration:
- Antifungal nail medicine: Your pharmacist may suggest an antifungal solution that you brush onto the affected nail. Follow the directions carefully and use it regularly for several months. This treatment takes time and dedication, so it's important to continue until advised to stop by your pharmacist or healthcare provider.
- Topical medications: Your pharmacist might recommend over-the-counter creams, ointments, or liquids with antifungal properties. These can be applied directly to the affected nail several times a day for up to six months or as directed.
- Oral anti-fungal pills: In some cases, your pharmacist may advise you to consult your primary care physician or a podiatrist for prescription-strength treatments. Oral anti-fungal pills are usually more effective than topical treatments, but they may interact with other medications and can affect liver function, so caution and medical supervision are necessary.
- Laser therapy: Toenail fungus laser treatment can be an option to consider, but it has a lower cure rate than oral medication. It can help improve the appearance of the nail, but it may not cure the infection completely.
It's important to note that while these treatments can help clear up symptoms and address the infection, medical treatments are the only proven methods to effectively cure nail fungus. Therefore, if home treatments are ineffective or your condition worsens, it's crucial to seek medical advice from a doctor or specialist.
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Frequently asked questions
If you notice discolouration, thickening, or brittleness in your fingernail, you may have a fungal nail infection. The discolouration can be white, yellow, brown, green, or black.
You should seek medical advice from a doctor or pharmacist, who can recommend treatment options. Prescription medications are the only treatments that can cure a fungal nail infection.
Treatment options include prescription medications, topical treatments such as nail polishes and creams, and, in some cases, nail removal. Laser treatment may also be an option, but it is not yet approved by the FDA for treating nail fungus.
To prevent a fungal nail infection from returning or spreading to other nails, maintain good hygiene and disinfect any tools used during treatment. Take steps to avoid spreading the infection, such as avoiding walking barefoot in communal areas.
