Noah Sinclair
Fungal nail infections, also known as onychomycosis, can be unsightly and stubborn. While some mild infections can be treated at home with over-the-counter antifungal creams, solutions, or lacquers, more severe cases may require a trip to the doctor for prescription medication or even surgical nail removal. In addition to medical treatments, natural remedies such as mentholated salve, snakeroot extract, tea tree oil, and ozonated sunflower oil have been touted for their antifungal properties. However, it's important to note that these natural remedies may not be effective for everyone, and persistent or worsening infections should be assessed by a medical professional.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Surgical nail removal | Done in the doctor's office; the doctor will inject your finger or toe to prevent pain, loosen the skin around the nail, and separate the nail from the skin; only the diseased part of the nail may be removed |
| Healing time | The wound should heal within a few weeks; fingernails may take 6 months to grow back, while toenails may take 12-18 months |
| Non-surgical treatments | Antifungal creams, lotions, solutions, or lacquers; mentholated salve; snakeroot extract; laser treatment; thinning the nail with a file or urea lotion; topical drugs; antifungal pills |
| Home remedies | Soaking feet in Listerine; Vicks VapoRub; tea tree oil; ozonated sunflower oil |
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What You'll Learn
- Natural remedies: tea tree oil, ozonated sunflower oil, Listerine foot soaks, and mentholated salve
- Over-the-counter antifungal creams, lotions, and solutions
- Stronger prescription antifungals, such as itraconazole or terbinafine pills
- Laser treatment: high doses of light to destroy stubborn fungus
- Surgical nail removal: a doctor will loosen the skin, separate and remove the nail
Natural remedies: tea tree oil, ozonated sunflower oil, Listerine foot soaks, and mentholated salve
Tea tree oil is an essential oil with antifungal and antiseptic properties, making it a safe and effective remedy for treating nail fungus. It is important to note that pure tea tree oil should not be applied directly to the skin. Instead, dilute it with a carrier oil or purchase tea tree oil cream. Apply it to the infected toes two to three times a day.
Ozonated sunflower oil has been found to be an effective treatment for nail fungus. Exposure to ozone gives sunflower oil a thick consistency. To use it, simply apply it to the nail twice a day for up to three months.
Listerine foot soaks are another alternative home remedy for nail fungus. The ingredients in Listerine possess antifungal and antibacterial properties, although there is limited evidence to support its effectiveness in treating nail fungus. It is generally safe, but it may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with ingrown toenails or children, who should consult a doctor or paediatrician, respectively, before using this method.
Some research has shown that mentholated salve can be effective in treating fungal nail infections. A small amount should be swabbed onto the nail daily.
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Over-the-counter antifungal creams, lotions, and solutions
One common active ingredient in over-the-counter antifungal creams is urea, which helps to soften the nail and improve its appearance. Products containing urea include Kerasol. It is important to note that while urea improves nail aesthetics, it does not directly target the nail fungus. For a comprehensive treatment approach, combining urea with other antifungal agents may be beneficial.
Another over-the-counter option is bifonazole cream, which exerts a direct antifungal effect. To use this treatment effectively, follow these steps: first, soak the affected toe or finger in warm water for about 10 minutes and then dry it thoroughly. Next, apply the urea-based cream to the nail and cover it with an adhesive bandage for 24 hours. Remove the bandage and repeat the process of soaking the affected area in warm water. Scrape off the softened layer of the nail with a spatula, reapply the cream, and cover with a fresh bandage. Repeat this procedure daily for 14 days. Once the infected nail portion is completely removed, continue treating the underlying skin with bifonazole cream for an additional four weeks.
In addition to creams, over-the-counter nail polishes or lacquers containing antifungal agents are available. These products contain active ingredients such as amorolfine or ciclopirox, which inhibit fungal growth. Before applying this type of treatment, it is essential to cut and file down the affected nail as much as possible to maximize the penetration of the medication. It is important to note that treatment with nail polishes may take up to a year, and the cosmetic results may not always be satisfactory.
Lastly, mentholated salves and natural remedies can be purchased over the counter and have shown some promise in treating nail fungal infections. Mentholated salves can be applied directly to the nail, while natural antifungals like snakeroot extract from the sunflower family have been found to be as effective as prescription antifungal creams for some individuals. Additionally, sunflower oil has been shown to combat the germs and yeasts that cause foot fungus, offering another natural alternative.
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Stronger prescription antifungals, such as itraconazole or terbinafine pills
Terbinafine is particularly suitable if the nail fungus is caused by a skin fungus (dermatophyte), which is usually the case. However, itraconazole is also a recommended treatment and may be preferred in certain situations. Both drugs have similar side effects, although itraconazole can cause headaches, dizziness, stomach and bowel problems, and rashes. Importantly, both drugs carry a small risk of liver damage, so people with liver disease are only prescribed these medications if absolutely necessary. Furthermore, itraconazole interacts with certain other drugs, including cholesterol-reducing and blood-sugar-lowering medications, and some sleeping pills. It is unsuitable for people with heart failure, as well as pregnant or breastfeeding women.
When taking either of these medications, it is important to follow the advice of your doctor and let them know about any other medications you are taking. While oral antifungals are considered effective, they can also be costly, and treatment may take up to a year to fully succeed.
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Laser treatment: high doses of light to destroy stubborn fungus
Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common nail condition affecting 20% of the general population and 75% of the elderly. It is characterised by thickened, discoloured (white, yellow or brown) toenails that become brittle and distorted in shape, and may be accompanied by a foul smell. Onychomycosis is caused by a fungal infection that targets the nail bed, which is protected by the toenail, making it challenging to cure.
Laser treatment, or photobiomodulation, is a recently introduced approach to treating toenail fungus. It involves the use of specific wavelengths of light energy, delivered at high dosage levels, to create therapeutic effects. This method is safe and effective, offering higher dosage levels than traditional cold laser treatments without causing any pain or discomfort.
The laser therapy has two key functions. Firstly, it creates a reactive oxygen species known as singlet oxygen. Secondly, it generates a thermal response, heating and destroying the fungus surrounding the toenail, which leads to clean growth and the healthy restoration of the affected toenail.
To ensure successful outcomes and prevent re-infection, it is important to follow the foot and nail care protocol recommended by a specialist. Typically, laser treatment for toenail fungus requires three treatments, each spaced two months apart.
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Surgical nail removal: a doctor will loosen the skin, separate and remove the nail
Surgical nail removal is a procedure performed by a doctor in their office. It is usually carried out when a large portion of the nail is diseased and damaged or if the nails are very painful. Before the procedure begins, the doctor will numb the area around the nail with an injection. Once the area is numb, the doctor will use a tool to loosen the skin around the nail and carefully separate it from the skin. If only a part of the nail is infected, the doctor will remove only the diseased portion. However, if the entire nail is diseased, it will be removed.
After the nail removal, an ointment or petroleum jelly is applied to the wound, which is then covered with gauze and tape or a non-stick bandage. It is important to keep the wound clean and wash it with clean water twice a day for the first 24 to 48 hours. Avoid using hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, as these can slow down the healing process.
The wound typically heals within a few weeks, but the nail regrowth can take significantly longer. Fingernails may take up to 6 months to grow back, while toenails can take 12 to 18 months. During the healing process, it is essential to change bandages regularly and follow any specific instructions provided by your doctor.
In some cases, if you want to prevent future infections and the regrowth of the nail, the doctor can destroy the nail matrix by applying a chemical to the cuticle area after removing the nail plate. This is a decision that can be discussed with your doctor, who will advise on the best course of action based on your specific circumstances.
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Frequently asked questions
Some home remedies to remove nail fungus include:
- Soaking your feet in Listerine mouthwash for 15 minutes, two to four times a week.
- Applying mentholated salve to the nail every day.
- Applying Vicks VapoRub with a cotton swab and working it under the nail.
- Using over-the-counter antifungal creams and lotions.
- Applying topical tea tree oil or ozonated sunflower oil to the nail twice a day.
See a doctor if your nail has turned brown or black, if it suddenly hurts, or if it pulls away from the nail bed. If you have diabetes and notice any changes in the appearance of your toenails, see a doctor right away.
If home remedies are unsuccessful, a doctor may prescribe stronger antifungal medications, such as topical creams, nail lacquers, or oral pills. In severe cases, they may recommend nail removal surgery or laser treatment to destroy the fungus.
To prevent nail fungus from returning, it is important to keep your nails short, disinfect your surroundings, and avoid going barefoot in public places. Wear shoes with socks, and use shower shoes when in communal areas.
