Sophia Delgado
Fungal nail infections are common and can cause nails to become thick, discoloured, and brittle. While most infections are not serious and can be treated at home, some severe cases may require prescription medication or even minor procedures. To prevent the spread of infection and minimise damage, it is important to address nail fungus early and explore various treatment options, ranging from natural remedies to medical interventions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Fungi thrive in moist environments and may start to grow around trapped water. |
| Symptoms | Discoloration, thickening, crumbling, and breakage of the nail. |
| Diagnosis | A dermatologist can examine the nail under a microscope and recommend treatment. |
| Treatment Options | Prescription antifungal medications, home remedies (e.g., vinegar soaks, Vicks VapoRub, tea tree oil, oregano oil, Listerine mouthwash), or medical procedures (nail trimming, nail debridement, microdrilling). |
| Prevention | Keep nails dry, clean, and well-trimmed. Avoid sharing nail polish or using contaminated equipment at salons. |
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What You'll Learn
Home remedies for mould on nails
While medical treatments are the only known methods to effectively treat nail fungus, some home remedies may help alleviate symptoms. It's important to note that there is currently no evidence that any home remedy can completely cure a fungal nail infection. If you observe signs of a fingernail fungal infection, it is advised to consult a medical professional for appropriate treatment.
Vinegar
Vinegar contains acid that can inhibit the growth of fungi and bacteria. Try soaking your finger in a 2:1 ratio of warm water to vinegar.
Vicks VapoRub
A 2011 study found that Vicks VapoRub had a positive clinical effect in treating toenail fungi due to its active ingredients, camphor and eucalyptus oil. Apply a small amount to the affected area at least once a day.
Tea Tree Oil
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, a small study found evidence that tea tree oil may help treat nail fungus. However, more research is needed. Try applying the oil to your nail twice a day.
Oregano Oil
The chemical thymol found in oregano oil is believed to have antifungal properties. Apply oregano oil to your nail twice a day using a cotton swab.
Listerine Mouthwash
Listerine contains ingredients with antifungal properties. Some people claim that soaking your finger in original Listerine for 30 minutes daily may help clear the infection.
It is important to remember that while these home remedies may provide temporary relief, they may not cure the infection completely. For severe or persistent infections, it is always best to seek medical advice and follow the treatment plan prescribed by a healthcare professional.
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Medical treatments for mould on nails
If you suspect you have a fungal nail infection, it is important to seek medical advice. A dermatologist will be able to diagnose the condition and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. To diagnose the infection, a dermatologist will take a sample from the nail, which will be analysed under a microscope.
There are several medical treatments available for mould on nails, which is typically caused by a type of mould called a dermatophyte. The specific treatment will depend on the severity of the infection and the patient's symptoms and situation. In most cases, a doctor will prescribe an antifungal medication, which may be applied topically or taken orally. Topical antifungal treatments include creams, gels, sprays, patches, and medicated nail lacquers. Oral antifungal medications include antifungal pills such as itraconazole (Sporanox) and terbinafine (Lamisil), which are typically taken for 12 weeks. These pills have high success rates but can have side effects, so it is important for a doctor to monitor the patient during treatment.
In some cases, a doctor may recommend a nonsurgical or surgical procedure to remove all or part of the infected nail. Nonsurgical treatments involve applying urea ointment to the infected nail surface and then removing the nail from the nail bed after about 10 days. Surgical procedures may involve using a drill that looks like a pen to make holes in the nail or trimming away the infected nail.
Laser treatment is another option for treating mould on nails. This involves directing a high-tech laser beam at the infected nail to heat up the layers where the fungus is located and destroy its genetic material. However, it is important to note that laser treatment is not typically used as a first-line treatment, and more research is needed to determine its effectiveness and safety.
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Preventing mould on nails
- Keep your nails short and straight across. Avoid rounding the edges.
- Disinfect your nail clippers and other nail tools after each use.
- If you get acrylic nails, go to a reputable salon that follows good hygiene practices.
- Dry your nails thoroughly after bathing or swimming.
- Keep your hands and feet dry as much as possible.
- Wear moisture-wicking socks and breathable shoes, such as those made of leather, canvas, or mesh.
- Change your socks daily and give your shoes 24 hours to dry before wearing them again.
- Put antifungal powder or spray on your socks and in your shoes, especially before a workout or in hot weather.
- Avoid walking barefoot in public places like locker rooms, gyms, spas, and pool decks. Wear shower shoes or flip-flops in these areas.
- Never share personal items like nail clippers, towels, or shoes with others.
- If you live with someone who has nail fungus or athlete's foot, make sure they get treatment to prevent the spread of the fungus.
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Trimming nails with mould
If you have a fungal nail infection, it is important to take the necessary steps to treat it and prevent it from spreading. While home remedies can be effective, it is always best to consult a doctor or dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment. Here is a step-by-step guide to trimming nails with mould:
Identifying Nail Fungus: Before trimming your nails, it is important to confirm the presence of a fungal infection. Common signs of nail fungus include thickening of the nail, discolouration (white, brown, or yellow), and brittleness. If you notice these symptoms, it is advisable to seek professional advice from a dermatologist or a doctor.
Consulting a Dermatologist: A dermatologist is a specialist in treating skin, hair, and nail conditions. They can accurately diagnose the type of fungal infection and determine the best course of treatment. In some cases, your dermatologist may perform nail trimming or other procedures, such as nail debridement, to reduce nail thickness and facilitate effective treatment.
Frequency of Trimming: Depending on the severity of the infection and the rate of nail growth, you may need to return to your dermatologist monthly to continue trimming any unattached, infected nail portions. Regular trimming helps reduce the fungal load and facilitates the effectiveness of other treatments.
Home Care and Prevention: After trimming your nails, it is crucial to maintain proper nail care and hygiene. Keep your nails dry, clean, and well-trimmed to prevent the recurrence of mould. Avoid sharing nail tools and polish, as contaminated equipment can spread fungal infections. Additionally, wash your hands regularly and avoid picking or biting your nails.
While trimming nails with mould is an important step in treating fungal nail infections, it is usually done in conjunction with other treatments, such as topical medications, oral antifungals, or home remedies. Always follow the advice of your healthcare provider for a comprehensive treatment plan.
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Removing acrylic nails with mould
While mould on acrylic nails is not explicitly mentioned in the sources, it is likely that mould can grow on acrylic nails in the same way that fungal infections can. Fungi thrive in moist environments, and acrylic nails are attached to the real nail with an adhesive, meaning moisture can get trapped underneath.
If you suspect mould on your acrylic nails, the first step is to remove the acrylics. This can be done at home, but it is not recommended by manicurists due to the risk of damaging the natural nail. The process is time-consuming and tedious, requiring lots of patience. If done incorrectly, it can also be painful.
To remove acrylic nails at home, start by clipping them as short as possible. Then, file and buff the tops of your nails to remove any nail polish that was applied on top of the acrylics. You can then soak your nails in acetone for around 20 minutes to soften the acrylics. Wrapping your nails in aluminium foil after applying acetone-soaked cotton balls is another way to do this. Once the acrylics are soft, gently flake them off using a scraping tool or tweezers. Be very gentle during this process to avoid damaging your natural nails.
After removing the acrylic nails, you can address the mould. While medical treatment is usually unnecessary for nail fungal infections, you should consult a dermatologist if the infection is severe or persistent. They may prescribe oral antifungal medication or perform a procedure such as nail trimming or debridement to treat the infection. There are also several home remedies that anecdotally claim to treat nail fungus, including vinegar, Vicks VapoRub, tea tree oil, oregano oil, and Listerine mouthwash.
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Frequently asked questions
A fungal nail infection usually starts at the edge of the nail and can cause the nail to become white, yellow, or brown. The nail may also thicken, crumble, or break easily.
If you think you have a fungal nail infection, you should speak to a pharmacist or your GP. They will be able to recommend the best treatment for you.
There are several home remedies that may help treat fungal nail infections, including:
- Soaking the affected area in a 2:1 ratio of warm water to vinegar
- Applying Vicks VapoRub to the affected area once a day
- Applying tea tree oil or oregano oil to the affected area twice a day
- Soaking the affected area in Listerine mouthwash for 30 minutes daily
Yes, if home remedies are ineffective or cause side effects, you should consult your doctor. Medical treatments for fungal nail infections include prescription antifungal medications, such as oral antifungals like terbinafine or fluconazole, or topical lacquers. In some cases, infected nails may need to be removed.
To prevent fungal nail infections, it is important to keep your nails dry, clean, and well-trimmed. Avoid sharing nail polish or using contaminated equipment, as fungi may be able to live and multiply in some nail polishes.
