Ava Monroe
Fingernail and toenail fungus is a common infection that can be unsightly and challenging to treat. It is characterised by discolouration, thickening, and distortion of the nail, and can cause pain or discomfort. While there are home remedies and over-the-counter treatments available, they are not always effective in eliminating the fungus, and medical treatments are often necessary for severe or persistent cases. Prescription medications, such as antifungal creams, gels, pills, and nail polishes, are typically required to cure moderate to severe nail fungus. In some cases, laser therapy or nail removal may be recommended as alternative treatment options.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Medical term | Onychomycosis |
| Cause | Walking around barefoot in wet areas, or from sweating in shoes all day |
| Symptoms | White, brown, or yellow spots on the nail; nail thickening; foul odour; crumbling edges; nail lifting from toe; swollen skin around the nail; pain in toes or fingertips; skin lesions |
| Diagnosis | Examination of debris under the nail; blood test |
| Treatment | Antifungal pills (e.g. itraconazole, terbinafine); creams, gels, sprays, and patches (e.g. ciclopirox, efinaconazole, clotrimazole); laser treatment; nail removal; home remedies (Vicks VapoRub, oregano oil, ozonized oils) |
| Treatment duration | 2-3 months for antifungal pills; 4-6 months for fingernails to grow out; 12-18 months for toenails to grow out |
| Prevention | Keep nails short and clean; avoid walking barefoot in wet areas; avoid wearing shoes that cause excessive sweating |
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What You'll Learn
Oral antifungals
In addition to oral antifungals, your doctor may recommend removing the nail to get rid of the infection. This is a minor procedure done under local anaesthetic, after which a new nail should grow back within a year.
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Topical antifungals
When using topical antifungals, it is recommended to file or cut off any white markings on the nails. Soaking the nails in water and drying them before applying the medicated cream can also help. It is important to follow the directions provided with the medication and apply the treatment as often as prescribed.
In addition to prescription topical antifungals, there are also home remedies that have been shown to have potential benefits for nail fungus. These include Vicks VapoRub, oregano oil, tea tree oil, and ozonized oils such as olive oil and sunflower oil. However, it is important to note that combining certain oils, such as oregano oil and tea tree oil, can increase the risk of an allergic reaction or irritation.
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Surgery
Before the surgery, your doctor will give you a shot to numb the pain. They will then loosen the skin around your nail with a special tool and remove the nail from your toe or finger. The procedure can be performed in your doctor's office or clinic, and you won't need to stay in the hospital.
After the surgery, your doctor will likely give you a cream or other treatment to apply to your nail bed to prevent the fungus from returning. It is important to keep the area clean and dry. A new nail will eventually grow back in place of the removed nail, but it could take a year or more for the nail to grow back completely.
While surgery is an option for severe cases of nail fungus, it is important to consider the potential risks and side effects. Additionally, surgery may not be covered by insurance, so it is important to check with your insurance provider beforehand.
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Laser or photodynamic therapy
Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common condition that causes thickened, discolored, and separating nails. Nail fungus thrives in warm, moist environments and can spread to other nails or parts of the body if left untreated. While there are several treatment options available, including creams, gels, sprays, oral medications, and nail removal, some people opt for laser or photodynamic therapy due to its potential advantages.
Laser therapy is a newer treatment option for nail fungus that uses concentrated light to kill the fungus and prevent its growth. The laser radiation restricts the growth of the fungus by selective photothermolysis or by disrupting the fungal cell membrane. The treatment was first introduced in the 1980s, and since then, various types of lasers have been developed, including long-pulsed and short-pulsed neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) lasers, as well as lasers with different wavelengths.
One of the main advantages of laser therapy is the reduction of risks associated with oral medications, such as liver damage or gastrointestinal reactions. Laser therapy may, therefore, be a safer option for children, pregnant people, and those with underlying conditions, such as liver or kidney disease. Additionally, laser therapy can be particularly effective for individuals with diabetes, older individuals with drug intolerance, or those with liver and kidney problems.
While laser therapy shows promising results, it is important to note that it is not covered by insurance and can be expensive. The overall success rate of laser therapy is about 63%, which is slightly lower than medication treatments. More research is needed to establish the safety and effectiveness of this treatment option, especially compared to traditional methods.
Photodynamic therapy, on the other hand, involves the use of light-sensitive medications that are activated by specific wavelengths of light. This treatment approach aims to target and destroy the fungus while minimizing damage to the surrounding healthy tissue. While photodynamic therapy has been used for various medical conditions, its effectiveness and safety for treating nail fungus specifically may require further investigation.
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Home remedies
- Soaking your feet in a mixture of one part apple cider vinegar and three parts warm water for at least 10 minutes.
- Applying a paste of baking soda and water directly to the affected nail and letting it sit for at least 10 minutes before rinsing.
- Using Vicks VapoRub, a topical ointment that contains camphor and eucalyptus oil, which have antifungal properties.
- Applying tea tree oil directly to the affected nail twice daily with a cotton swab.
- Oregano oil, which contains thymol, which has antifungal and antibacterial properties.
- Ozonized oils, such as sunflower oil, which has been found to be effective in treating toenail fungus caused by yeast.
- Tea tree oil, applied directly to the affected nail twice daily with a cotton swab. However, more clinical research is needed to support this method, and it can cause skin irritation.
- Vicks VapoRub, a topical ointment that contains camphor and eucalyptus oil, which may have positive effects on nail fungus.
It is important to note that while home remedies are available, they may only treat the symptoms rather than the infection itself. Medical treatments are the only known methods to effectively treat nail fungus. If you think you have a nail fungus, it is recommended to consult a doctor or podiatrist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
You may have nail fungus if you notice white, brown, or yellow spots on your toenail. Over time, your nail might thicken and even start to lift from your toe.
If you have severe symptoms or are in pain, it is best to make an appointment with your primary care doctor or a podiatrist. They may trim and file your nail, send a sample to a lab, and prescribe medication.
Prescription treatments for nail fungus include antifungal pills, creams, gels, and laser treatment. Antifungal pills typically require two to three months of treatment, depending on whether it is a finger or toenail infection.
Yes, over-the-counter treatments include creams, ointments, sprays, and liquids. However, these may not be strong enough for moderate to severe cases.
Some home remedies for nail fungus include ozonized sunflower oil, baking soda, and Vicks VapoRub.
