Noah Sinclair
Fungal nail infections, also known as onychomycosis or tinea unguium, are characterised by discoloured, thickened, brittle, and distorted nails that are easy to break. While the infection is more common in toenails, it can also occur in fingernails. It is caused by the overgrowth of fungi that are normally present in the nails. Treatment options range from home remedies such as baking soda soaks and foot soaks to medical treatments like antifungal pills, creams, gels, and prescription medications. In some cases, surgical or nonsurgical nail removal may be necessary. Preventative measures include keeping feet clean and dry, wearing shoes with airflow, and avoiding walking barefoot in public pools and showers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Symptoms | Thickened, discoloured, brittle, distorted, easy to break, nail crumbling |
| Causes | Yeasts, moulds, dermatophytes, moisture trapped under nails, wearing trainers for long periods |
| Prevention | Keep feet clean and dry, wear shoes with airflow, avoid walking barefoot in public pools and showers |
| Treatment | Antifungal medication (tablets, creams, gels, sprays, patches, nail polish), home remedies (baking soda, tea tree oil, mouthwash), laser therapy, nail removal |
| Treatment duration | A few months to 10 months or longer |
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What You'll Learn
Home remedies for toenail fungus
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has natural antifungal and antiseptic properties. In a study published in the Journal of Family Practice, 100% tea tree oil applied twice daily cleared nail fungus in 18% of participants after six months, with noticeable improvement in 56% of cases. To use this method, mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil. Apply the mixture directly to the affected nail using a cotton swab, and repeat this process twice daily for several weeks.
Vicks VapoRub
Vicks VapoRub is a topical ointment typically used for cough suppression. However, its active ingredients, camphor and eucalyptus oil, may help treat toenail fungus. An older study from 2011 found that Vicks VapoRub had a positive clinical effect in treating toenail fungus. Apply a small amount of Vicks VapoRub to the affected area at least once a day.
Snakeroot Extract
Snakeroot (Ageratina pichinchensis) extract is an antifungal derived from plants in the sunflower family. A 2008 study showed that snakeroot extract was effective against toenail fungus when applied to the affected area every third day for the first month, twice a week for the second month, and once a week for the third month.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is another natural remedy that may help treat mild toenail fungus. Soak your feet in a solution of apple cider vinegar and water, ensuring that your nails are fully submerged. Repeat this process regularly until you see an improvement.
Garlic
Garlic has natural antifungal properties and can be used as a home remedy for mild toenail fungus. Crush a few cloves of garlic and apply the paste directly to the affected nails. Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing it off. Repeat this process regularly for best results.
It is important to consult a doctor or a healthcare professional for medical advice and suitable treatment options.
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Prescription medication
If you have a fungal nail infection, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. The infection can worsen over time, and home remedies are often not strong enough to cure moderate or severe cases. Your doctor may prescribe antifungal medication in the form of pills, creams, gels, or nail polishes.
If you have a severe infection, your doctor may prescribe antifungal pills, such as itraconazole (Sporanox) or terbinafine (Lamisil). These medications are taken orally and work to help a new, healthy nail grow in to replace the infected one. It is important to note that these medications can have side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, and dizziness, and may interact with other medications. Liver damage is a rare but possible side effect of terbinafine, so it is important to get tested before and during treatment. Itraconazole is not suitable for those with liver disease, heart problems, or cardiac insufficiency, and should not be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Topical prescription medications, such as creams, gels, or nail polishes, are also available. These are typically recommended for mild infections and are applied directly to the nail. One example of a topical prescription medication is efinaconazole 10% solution, which has been approved by the FDA for patients aged six and older. Another possible treatment option is ciclopirox nail polish, which has been shown to be effective in treating fungal nail infections after one year of use.
In some cases, your doctor may recommend a combination of oral and topical treatments, especially if the infection is severe or if there are large collections of fungi beneath the nail. Additionally, your doctor may gently scrape under your nail to remove some of the fungi or send a sample to a lab to identify the specific type of fungus.
It is important to follow your doctor's instructions and take the medication as directed. Treatment for fungal nail infections can take a long time, and you may not see results for several weeks or months.
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Preventing toenail infections
Toenail fungal infections are not only unsightly but also stubborn and difficult to eliminate. The infection causes the nail to become discoloured, thickened, brittle, distorted, and easy to break. The good news is that there are several measures you can take to prevent toenail fungal infections. Here are some tips to help you keep your toenails healthy and infection-free:
Keep Your Feet Clean and Dry:
Fungal infections thrive in warm and moist environments. Therefore, it is essential to practice good foot hygiene. Wash your feet regularly and dry them thoroughly, especially after swimming, exercising, or spending time in damp places like locker rooms or public pools. Keep your feet as dry as possible throughout the day.
Trim Your Toenails Properly:
Toenails that are too long can increase the risk of fungal infections. Trim your toenails straight across, avoiding rounded edges. Keep your toenails shorter than the end of your toes. Avoid ripping or tearing your nails, as this can create entry points for fungi.
Protect Your Feet in Public Places:
When using public facilities like swimming pools, locker rooms, or gyms, wear shower shoes or flip-flops. This prevents direct contact between your feet and potentially contaminated surfaces. Additionally, avoid walking barefoot in communal areas to reduce the chances of contracting or spreading fungal infections.
Choose Footwear Wisely:
Avoid wearing tight-fitting shoes or trainers for extended periods, as they can make your feet hot and sweaty, creating an ideal environment for fungi. Opt for breathable footwear that allows adequate air circulation and helps keep your feet cool and dry.
Practice Good Nail Hygiene:
Maintain healthy and clean nails. Avoid sharing nail tools and ensure you disinfect your nail clippers and files regularly. If you get manicures or pedicures, choose reputable salons that practice proper sanitation protocols to minimize the risk of infection.
By following these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the chances of developing toenail fungal infections. Remember that early detection and treatment are crucial, so if you notice any changes in your toenails, seek appropriate medical advice or consult a podiatrist.
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Surgical and non-surgical nail removal
Fungal nail infections cause the nail to become discoloured, thickened, distorted, and brittle. While it is not a serious infection, it can take a long time to treat.
Non-surgical nail removal
For non-surgical nail removal, a doctor will apply urea ointment to the infected nail surface and wrap the nail in plastic and tape. The ointment softens the nail bed, making it easier to remove the infected nail after about 10 days. Alternatively, the doctor may simply cut away the diseased part of the nail.
Surgical nail removal
Surgical nail removal is rarely performed. Before the procedure, the doctor will give you a shot to numb the pain. They will then loosen the skin around the nail with a special tool and remove the nail from the toe. A new nail usually grows back within a year, and your doctor will likely prescribe a cream or other treatment to prevent a fungal infection during this time.
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Antifungal treatments
A pharmacist may suggest an antifungal nail medicine that you brush onto the nail. This medicine usually needs to be applied regularly for a few months before improvement is seen, and it should be used until told to stop by a medical professional. Antifungal creams, gels, sprays, and patches are available at drugstores or online without a prescription. However, antifungal creams and ointments do not usually work well on toenail infections.
If treatments from a pharmacy do not work, a GP may prescribe antifungal tablets. Before prescribing these tablets, a doctor will take a sample of the nail to test what kind of infection is present, and a blood test may also be required. Antifungal pills such as itraconazole (Sporanox) and terbinafine (Lamisil) are more effective than creams and gels but may affect the liver and interact with other medications, so caution must be exercised.
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Frequently asked questions
You may have a fungal nail infection if your nail is brittle, discoloured, thicker than usual, or cracking.
You should speak to a pharmacist or doctor, who will be able to recommend the best treatment for you. You can also try home remedies, such as baking soda, but there is less certainty that these will work.
Treatments include antifungal pills, creams, gels, sprays, patches, and nail polishes. In some cases, the infected nail may need to be removed surgically or nonsurgically.
You can prevent nail fungal infections by keeping your feet clean and dry, wearing shoes with airflow, and avoiding walking barefoot in public pools and showers.
