Isla Bennett
Toenail fungus is a common infection that can cause the toenail to discolour, thicken, distort and crumble. It is often contagious and can spread to multiple nails. While it is not a serious infection, it can take a long time to treat and may require prescription-strength medication. There are several ways to treat toenail fungus, including over-the-counter antifungal creams, gels, sprays, patches, and home remedies such as baking soda, menthol products, and foot care. If home remedies are ineffective, it is recommended to consult a doctor or podiatrist, especially for those with underlying conditions such as diabetes or weakened immune systems. In severe cases, surgical treatment may be required, although this is rare.
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What You'll Learn
Home remedies: baking soda, menthol, foot care, etc
Home remedies may be an effective way to treat mild-to-moderate toenail fungus. However, it is important to note that they may take longer to work and are not a substitute for medical treatment. If you have diabetes or a weakened immune system, it is recommended that you consult a doctor instead of using home remedies.
Baking soda
Baking soda is a common home remedy for foot fungus due to its ability to neutralise odour and absorb excess moisture. To use baking soda for toenail fungus, you can make a foot soak, create a paste to apply to the affected area, or simply sprinkle it on your feet. One small study found that 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.
Menthol
Listerine mouthwash is a popular folk remedy for toenail fungus because it contains menthol, thymol, and eucalyptus, which have antibacterial and antifungal properties. To use Listerine mouthwash as a home remedy, soak your feet in a basin of amber-coloured Listerine for 30 minutes daily.
Foot care
Proper foot care and hygiene are crucial in treating and preventing toenail fungus. This includes keeping your feet dry, wearing breathable socks, and changing your socks frequently. You can also soak your feet in a basin of warm water and apple cider vinegar (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water) for at least 10 minutes, or up to 40 minutes. In addition, trimming and thinning your nails can help any topical treatments penetrate deeper into the nail.
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Over-the-counter antifungal treatments
Tolnaftate
Tolnaftate is a common ingredient in over-the-counter products designed to treat athlete's foot, ringworm, and jock itch. It is typically available as a cream, powder, spray, or liquid. It is recommended to use tolnaftate for at least two weeks after symptoms disappear to ensure effective treatment.
Lamisil
Lamisil is another popular over-the-counter option for treating foot nail fungus. It can be purchased as a cream, gel, spray, or powder. If you find that the over-the-counter treatment is not effective, you can consult your doctor about obtaining Lamisil in pill form, which may provide a more comprehensive treatment.
Urea (Kerasol)
Urea, or Kerasol, is a treatment option that helps soften and improve the appearance of brittle, yellow nails. While it does not directly treat the nail fungus, it can provide temporary relief and improve the cosmetic aspect of the affected nails.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil, also known as Melaleuca alternifolia, is a natural remedy that has shown some effectiveness in treating toenail fungus. It is easily accessible and can be applied topically to the affected area.
Vapor Rub
Although there is limited scientific evidence, vapor rub has gained popularity as a home remedy for toenail fungus. In a small study, over half of the participants reported improvement after using vapor rub.
It is important to note that while these over-the-counter treatments can be effective, severe cases of foot nail fungus may require prescription medications or other medical procedures. If the condition persists or worsens, it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment options.
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Prescription medication: antifungal pills, creams, gels, sprays, patches, etc
Oral medications are generally more effective than topical treatments for toenail fungus, especially for severe cases. However, they can have side effects and interact with other medications. For example, while taking this medication, you’ll need to not drink alcohol and stay out of the sun. Common side effects of antifungal pills include headaches, skin rashes, and vomiting.
Antifungal pills, such as terbinafine, are often prescribed to treat toenail fungus. Terbinafine is an oral antifungal medication that has been shown to be effective in resolving toenail fungus. The usual dosage for terbinafine is 250 milligrams (mg) once daily for 6 to 12 weeks for toenail infections. It is important to note that terbinafine passes into breast milk, so it should not be taken while breastfeeding.
Another option for treating toenail fungus is Noxafil, which is available as a pill or liquid suspension. Posaconazole is typically used to treat serious fungal infections but can be used off-label for toenail fungus treatment. While posaconazole is effective, there are other more affordable options available. The usual dosage for posaconazole is once daily for 3 to 6 months.
Oral tablet griseofulvin is another prescription medication for toenail fungus. The usual dosage for adults is 1,000 mg taken 1-4 times daily for 6 months. It is important to note that griseofulvin may cause more side effects than other treatments for nail fungus. Doctors do not recommend griseofulvin for individuals with hypersensitivity to the drug or any of its ingredients.
In addition to oral medications, there are also prescription topical treatments available for toenail fungus. These include antifungal nail polishes, which can be a good option for people with mild cases of toenail fungus or those who cannot take oral medications. However, it is important to note that topical treatments may not penetrate the nail as effectively as oral medications.
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Laser treatment
Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common fungal infection that causes nails to thicken, discolour, become distorted, and crumble away. It is caused by yeasts, non-dermatophyte moulds, and dermatophytes, and thrives in damp, dark places. It is estimated that onychomycosis accounts for more than half of all nail diseases, and it can cause pain and cosmetic disfigurement.
During the procedure, the laser radiation restricts the growth of the fungus by selective photothermolysis. The laser treatment itself was initiated by Apfelberg in 1984 and was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. Recent laser treatments include the use of long-pulsed 1064-nm neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) lasers, as well as short-pulsed 1064-nm Nd:CO2 lasers, and lasers with wavelengths of 870 nm, 930 nm, and 1320 nm. The use of these lasers has resulted in fewer adverse events such as bleeding and pain in the area around the infected nail.
In one study, patients with onychomycosis received three sessions of a CO2 laser at four-week intervals, with instructions to apply topical amorolfine cream to the feet daily. The authors found that 50% of the patients achieved a "complete cure", defined as negative fungal culture with total visible clearance of infection. Another study by Landsman and colleagues randomised 34 patients into a treatment group and a control group, with the treatment group receiving four exposures to an 870/930-nm laser at specific intervals. At 180 days, the treatment group showed significantly better results than the control group, with 65% of treated toenails attaining at least 3 mm of clear linear nail growth.
It is important to note that laser treatment for toenail fungus typically requires multiple sessions, and results may not be visible until at least two months after the treatment. Most patients require at least one year for their nails to fully regrow without blemishes. Additionally, individuals with diabetes, older individuals with drug intolerance, and patients with liver and kidney problems may find that laser treatment is a more suitable option.
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$30.23 $33.45
Surgical treatment
Before the procedure, your doctor will give you an injection in the toe to prevent pain. They will then use a tool to loosen the skin around the nail and separate it from the skin. If only part of the nail is diseased, only that section will be removed. If there is a risk of re-infection, the nail matrix can be destroyed by applying a chemical to the cuticle area. An ointment is then applied to the wound, which is covered with gauze and tape.
After the first 24 to 48 hours, you should wash around the wound with clean water twice a day. It is important to keep the area clean to reduce the risk of infection. You should also follow any specific aftercare instructions provided by your doctor.
It may take a year or more for a new nail to grow back, and it may be odd in shape and appearance. While the nail is growing back, your doctor may prescribe a cream or other treatment to keep the nail bed free of fungus.
It is important to note that antifungal pills, such as itraconazole and terbinafine, are often more effective than surgical treatment and have high success rates. However, these medications can have side effects and may interact with other medications, so they should be taken under medical supervision.
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Frequently asked questions
Some home remedies to treat foot nail fungus include using baking soda, menthol products, apple cider vinegar, and tea tree oil. However, home remedies may not be effective in preventing infections, and medical treatments may be necessary.
Over-the-counter antifungal treatments such as creams, gels, sprays, and patches can be used to treat mild toenail fungus. For more severe cases, a doctor may prescribe antifungal pills or suggest laser treatment.
Foot nail fungus is caused by constantly warm and damp feet. To prevent foot nail fungus, maintain good foot hygiene and keep your feet dry.
