Sophia Delgado
Toenail fungus is a common fungal infection that causes the nail to become thick, discoloured, and brittle. While there is no instant cure, there are a variety of treatments available to help get rid of the fungus and restore the nail. These include over-the-counter antifungal creams, gels, sprays, and patches, as well as prescription medications such as oral antifungals and nail lacquers. Laser therapy is also an effective way to target fungal nail infections, using concentrated light to penetrate the nail and kill the fungus. For more severe cases, surgical treatment may be recommended, which involves removing the nail from the toe.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Symptoms | Thick, discoloured, white, brown, yellow, brittle, cracked, foul-smelling toenails |
| Causes | Exposure to damp environments (e.g. locker rooms, public pools), weakened immune system |
| Diagnosis | Dermatologist or podiatrist will examine the nail, take a nail sample for testing, and determine the best treatment |
| Treatment Options | Laser therapy, prescription medications (oral antifungals, nail lacquer), medicated topical solutions (creams, gels, sprays, patches), surgical nail removal, natural remedies (tea tree oil, oregano oil, Vicks VapoRub) |
| Treatment Duration | Results may take weeks or months; early and aggressive treatment is recommended |
| Side Effects | Oral antifungals may cause upset stomach, dizziness, skin problems, jaundice, nausea, vomiting, headaches, liver issues |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Laser therapy
Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a fungal infection that thrives in damp, dark places and feeds on keratin—the material that makes up nails, hair, and eyelashes. It causes the nail to thicken, discolour, and become distorted, and can spread to other nails and people.
The American Academy of Dermatology notes that the data on laser treatment is mixed, and more research is needed to know whether it is safe and effective. However, some studies suggest that laser therapy is a promising treatment option, with comparable efficacy to traditional methods such as terbinafine and fewer adverse effects. Laser therapy may be particularly beneficial for patients experiencing adverse events with systemic antifungals, and for those with diabetes, liver or kidney problems, or drug intolerance.
It is important to note that laser therapy for toenail fungus is not typically covered by insurance and should only be performed in a medical setting by a trained professional.
How to Dispose of Non-Acetone Nail Polish Remover
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Prescription medication
Toenail fungus can be a frustrating condition to deal with, but there are prescription medications available that can help speed up the treatment process. Prescription medications for toenail fungus typically come in the form of pills or topical solutions, and they tend to be more effective than over-the-counter (OTC) treatments. Here is some information about prescription medication options:
Antifungal Pills
Antifungal pills are often the most effective treatment option for toenail fungus. These pills work better than creams and gels because they target the fungus from within. Common antifungal pills prescribed include terbinafine (Lamisil) and itraconazole (Sporanox). Terbinafine is typically taken once daily for 6 to 12 weeks, while itraconazole is taken for a similar duration. However, it's important to note that these medications can have side effects such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, skin rash, and potential liver issues, so medical supervision is necessary during treatment.
Topical Prescription Medications
Topical prescription medications are also available for toenail fungus. One example is JUBLIA® (efinaconazole), a topical solution applied directly to the affected toenails and the surrounding skin. It is important to note that this medication is flammable, and side effects may include redness, itching, swelling, and pain. Therefore, it should be used exactly as instructed by a doctor, and any bothersome side effects should be reported. Prescription nail polishes containing antifungal drugs like ciclopirox are another option, but they may not be as effective as pills for severe cases since they don't penetrate the nail as well.
Surgical Treatment
In rare cases, surgical treatment may be considered for severe and deep fungal infections. This involves numbing the area with local anaesthesia and removing the infected nail. A new nail usually grows back within a year, and your doctor will provide creams or other treatments to prevent the recurrence of the fungus during this time.
It is important to consult with a medical professional, such as a podiatrist or a dermatologist, to determine the most suitable prescription medication for your specific condition. They may perform tests to identify the type of fungus and ensure that your chosen treatment does not interfere with your overall health.
Removing Lone Star Tick Nail Polish: A Simple Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Natural remedies
While natural remedies for toenail fungus abound, they may not be effective in preventing infections or treating them. Medical treatments may be necessary, especially for those with diabetes or weakened immune systems.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is distilled from the leaves of the tea tree, a plant native to Australia. It has been traditionally used as an antiseptic and researched for use on skin conditions like acne. Apply it to the affected nail twice a day for 6 months. One study found that tea tree oil was just as effective as the antifungal cream clotrimazole in treating toenail fungus, although another study showed no improvement over 8 weeks. Tea tree oil is more of an antibacterial than an antifungal, so it may not be the best option for fungal infections.
Vicks VapoRub
Vicks VapoRub is a topical ointment designed to suppress coughs. Its active ingredients, camphor and eucalyptus oil, may help treat toenail fungus. Apply a small amount to the affected area at least once a day. An older 2011 study found that Vicks VapoRub had a "positive clinical effect" in treating toenail fungus.
Baking soda
Baking soda can help absorb moisture that may cause toenail fungus. It may also possess fungistatic properties, meaning it can prevent fungi from growing but not kill them. Make a foot soak or a paste to apply to the toe, or simply sprinkle baking soda 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. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support baking soda as a remedy for toenail fungus.
Listerine mouthwash
Listerine mouthwash contains menthol, thymol, and eucalyptus, which have antibacterial and antifungal properties. Soak your feet in a basin of amber-coloured Listerine for 15 to 30 minutes, two or three times a week. While it may not be particularly effective, some people prefer to try a less aggressive treatment option.
Sunflower oil
Sunflower oil can fight germs, and one study found that it worked against yeasts that cause foot fungus. Researchers have not observed any side effects so far, but more work needs to be done.
Garlic and essential oils
A 2012 review in The Pharma Innovation Journal recommends placing chopped cloves in your socks at night or crushing fresh cloves and applying them to the infected toenail for 30 minutes. You can also create a cream by combining one tablespoon of fresh chopped garlic cloves, three tablespoons of coconut oil, and one tablespoon of olive oil. Rub it on your toes daily and store it in the fridge.
UV Light: The Secret to Quick Gel Manicures
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Surgical treatment
During the surgery, the doctor will use special tools to loosen the skin around the nail and separate it from the skin. If only part of the nail is infected, only the diseased portion will be removed. However, if the infection is severe or recurring, the doctor may need to destroy the nail matrix to prevent the nail from growing back. This is done by applying a chemical to the cuticle area after removing the nail plate.
After the procedure, an ointment will be applied to the wound, which will then be covered with gauze and tape. You will need to change your bandages regularly during the healing process, which typically takes a few weeks. Your doctor may also prescribe an antifungal medicine to apply to the nail bed to prevent any remaining fungus from growing back.
It is important to note that toenails grow back slowly and may take up to 18 months to fully regrow. The new nail may also be odd in shape and appearance. Therefore, surgery for toenail fungus is usually recommended only when a large portion of the nail is diseased, damaged, or very painful.
Buffing Nails Smoothly: Gel Powder Application Techniques
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Pharmacist recommendations
Toenail fungus is a common condition, but it can be challenging to treat. While there are over-the-counter (OTC) treatments available, these are not always effective for moderate to severe cases. For these instances, prescription drugs or other procedures may be required.
If you are experiencing toenail fungus, the first step is to visit a pharmacist. They can recommend suitable over-the-counter treatments, which may include the following:
- Antifungal creams, gels, sprays, or patches, such as clotrimazole (Lotrimin) or terbinafine cream (Lamisil).
- Tolnaftate, which is often used to treat athlete's foot, ringworm, and jock itch. It is available as a cream, powder, spray, or liquid.
- Oral antifungal pills, such as itraconazole (Sporanox) or terbinafine (Lamisil), are more effective than creams and gels but require a prescription and can have side effects.
Pharmacists may also suggest home remedies, although there is less certainty about their effectiveness. Some options to discuss with your pharmacist include:
- Oregano oil, which can be applied to the affected nail twice daily with a cotton swab.
- Tea tree oil, which can be used alongside oregano oil, but caution should be taken as both are potent and may cause irritation or allergic reactions.
- Ozonized oils like olive oil or sunflower oil "injected" with ozone gas.
- Listerine mouthwash, which contains menthol, thymol, and eucalyptus with antifungal properties. Soak your affected foot in a basin of Listerine for 30 minutes daily.
- Vapor rub, which has shown positive results in small studies.
If over-the-counter treatments or home remedies do not work, it is important to consult a doctor or podiatrist for further evaluation and potential prescription-strength treatments. They may recommend prescription-strength topical medication or oral antifungal pills. In some cases, laser treatment or surgical removal of the nail may be considered, although these procedures are less common.
Is Acetone Nail Polish Remover Safe for Babies?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Fast home remedies for toenail fungus include Vicks VapoRub, oregano oil, tea tree oil, and snakeroot extract. While these remedies may not kill toenail fungus instantly, they can help slow fungal growth.
Over-the-counter treatments for toenail fungus include antifungal creams and sprays, Listerine Original Antiseptic Mouthwash, and Kerasal. These treatments can start killing the fungus on contact, but full results may still take time.
You should see a doctor about toenail fungus if you notice your toenail thickening, yellowing, or becoming brittle, especially if over-the-counter treatments are not working after a few weeks. Doctors can prescribe oral antifungals or topical medications to treat toenail fungus.
