Isla Bennett
Fungal nail infections are unsightly and can be painful. They are caused by fungi infecting the skin beneath the nail, and they can spread from person to person. The nail becomes thick, discoloured, brittle, and crumbly, and the skin around it may become swollen. Treatment can be time-consuming and costly, and the infection may return. While there are home remedies, such as vinegar and baking soda soaks, and over-the-counter treatments, such as antifungal nail medicine, a doctor may need to prescribe antifungal tablets or even remove the nail if the infection is severe.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Appearance of nail | Thick, discoloured, yellow, brittle, easy to break, white and yellow, crumbly |
| Treatment | Antifungal drugs, creams, gels, pills, laser treatment, oral medication, topical medication, home remedies, medication prescribed by a doctor, maintenance therapy |
| Treatment duration | 6 months or more, 12 weeks, 48 weeks, 10 months or longer |
| Treatment challenges | Long treatment time, side effects, medication may not penetrate the nail unit, risk of reoccurrence, medication interactions |
| Prevention | Wash feet with soap and water, dry thoroughly, wear shower shoes in public areas, wear breathable shoes, disinfect nail clippers and home pedicure tools, avoid applying polish to infected nails, treat athlete's foot |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Oral antifungal pills are more effective than topical medication but may have side effects
- Natural remedies such as vinegar, baking soda, and tea tree oil have shown mixed results
- Toenail fungus laser treatment can improve the nail's appearance but has a lower cure rate
- Removing the nail is a small procedure done under local anaesthetic for severe cases
- Preventative measures include wearing breathable shoes, washing feet, and disinfecting tools
Oral antifungal pills are more effective than topical medication but may have side effects
Fungal nail infections are characterised by nails that become thick, discoloured, and easy to break. While not a serious condition, it can take a long time to treat and is unlikely to get better without treatment. Topical treatments are usually recommended for children because most oral medications are unsuitable for them. Topical treatments are also more suitable for thinner nails that grow more quickly.
Topical treatments for fungal nail infections include creams, gels, and nail polishes that contain antifungal ingredients such as amorolfine or ciclopirox. These treatments are available in pharmacies without a prescription, but they can take up to a year to work. Oral treatments, on the other hand, usually need to be taken for only a few weeks or months.
In some cases, it may be necessary to combine oral and topical treatments for severe infections. For example, urea cream can be used to soften and remove the affected nail while taking tablets. Other treatments for fungal nail infections include laser treatment and photodynamic therapy, which uses certain forms of light to destroy the fungus without harming the surrounding tissue. In severe cases, it may be necessary to surgically remove part or all of the affected nail.
Gel Nails and Pregnancy: What's the Real Deal?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Natural remedies such as vinegar, baking soda, and tea tree oil have shown mixed results
Natural remedies for fungal nails are an appealing option for many people, especially given the lengthy treatment time of prescription medications, which can take up to 10 months or longer to completely clear the infection. However, natural remedies such as vinegar, baking soda, and tea tree oil have shown mixed results.
Vinegar, specifically apple cider vinegar, is often touted as a cure for toenail fungus. The recommended method is to mix one part vinegar with three parts warm water and soak the affected foot for at least 10 minutes, up to 40 minutes. While vinegar does fight fungus, there are no studies that prove it can cure toenail fungus.
Baking soda is another popular home remedy for fungal nails. It is believed to help absorb moisture that may cause toenail fungus and may possess fungistatic properties, preventing the growth of fungi without killing them. A small older 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 fungal nails, and no evidence that it can treat infections.
Tea tree oil is a common natural recommendation for fungal nails due to its antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. In one study, tea tree oil was applied to the affected nail twice a day for 6 months, resulting in a cure rate comparable to that of the cream clotrimazole. However, another study showed no improvement after 8 weeks of treatment with tea tree oil. While tea tree oil has shown some promise in laboratory studies, there is no real-world evidence that it is effective in treating fungal nails. On the contrary, it may cause discolouration, brittleness, and fragility of the nail, as well as allergic contact dermatitis in about 5% of users.
While natural remedies may provide temporary relief for mild infections, they are unlikely to effectively treat fungal nail infections. In severe cases, medical treatment or even surgery to remove the toenail may be necessary. It is always best to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a podiatrist or GP, to determine the most appropriate course of treatment.
Removing Acrygel Nails: An Easy DIY Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Toenail fungus laser treatment can improve the nail's appearance but has a lower cure rate
Toenail fungus is a common condition where a fungus invades the toenail and the soft tissue underneath it. It usually starts as a small white or yellow spot, but as the fungus grows, the spot becomes larger, eventually infecting the entire toenail. The nail becomes thick, discoloured, and brittle, and may crumble or break easily.
There are various treatment options available for toenail fungus, including antifungal drugs, creams, gels, and pills. Your doctor may prescribe an antifungal medicine that you paint onto your nails, or antifungal tablets for more severe cases. These treatments can take a long time, sometimes up to 6 months or more, and may cause side effects.
Laser treatment has emerged as a modern treatment option for toenail fungus. It uses heat and light to kill the underlying fungus infecting the toenail. The laser radiation restricts the growth of the fungus by selective photothermolysis. Laser treatment has several advantages, including no downtime, fewer adverse events such as bleeding and pain, and a higher success rate compared to other treatments. In clinical trials, laser toenail fungus treatment has boasted a success rate of up to 90%.
However, it's important to note that laser treatment for toenail fungus may not result in a complete cure. While it can significantly improve the nail's appearance, the cure rate is lower compared to other treatments. In one study, it was reported that laser treatment with wavelengths of 870 nm and 930 nm resulted in a complete mycological cure at 270 days in only 38% of treated individuals. Another study using a 1064-nm laser reported an 83.7% treatment success rate, but the follow-up period was shorter, and the nails were not completely symptom-free after 3 months.
While laser treatment for toenail fungus can be effective, it may not be suitable for everyone. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best treatment option for your specific condition.
Removing Cured Nail Glue: Effective Methods to Try
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Removing the nail is a small procedure done under local anaesthetic for severe cases
Fungal nail infections are caused by fungi called dermatophytes that infect the skin beneath the nail; yeast is another common cause. The infection usually starts at the edge of the nail, causing it to thicken, discolour, and become brittle and crumbly. It can also lead to the nail lifting off, resulting in swollen and painful skin around it.
If home treatments and medication from a pharmacist do not work, a doctor may recommend removing the nail. This is a small procedure done under local anaesthetic for severe cases that do not respond to treatment. During the procedure, the infected nail is surgically removed to treat the nail bed, allowing a healthy nail to grow back.
Before performing the procedure, a doctor will take a sample of the nail to test for the type of infection. They may also conduct a blood test to check the patient's liver function, as some antifungal medications can affect the liver.
While nail removal is an effective treatment option, it is important to note that toenails can take 12 to 18 months to regrow. Additionally, fungal nail infections can recur, with a rate as high as 40%. Therefore, doctors may prescribe maintenance therapy, such as medication applied to the nails, to prevent reinfection.
Removing a Nail: When is the Right Time?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Preventative measures include wearing breathable shoes, washing feet, and disinfecting tools
Fungal nail infections are unsightly and can be difficult to get rid of. They are caused by fungi infecting the skin beneath the nail, and they can spread to other nails. The nail becomes thick, discoloured, and brittle, and in some cases, painful.
Preventing a fungal nail infection is better than having to treat one. Here are some measures to prevent fungal nail infections:
Firstly, wear breathable shoes. The fungus thrives in warm, dark, and moist environments, so closed shoes, especially if they are damp from perspiration, can contribute to an infection. Shoes that are too tight can also damage the nail bed, making the nail more susceptible to infection. Therefore, shoes made of breathable materials are recommended.
Secondly, washing your feet with soap and water is an important preventative measure. Be sure to dry your feet thoroughly, especially after swimming or showering. This will help keep your feet clean and reduce the risk of fungal growth.
Lastly, disinfecting tools is crucial. If you use nail clippers or home pedicure tools, be sure to disinfect them regularly. This will prevent the spread of any potential fungal spores. Similarly, if you get pedicures at a salon, ensure they follow proper disinfection procedures.
Other preventative measures include wearing shower shoes in locker rooms and public areas, and avoiding walking barefoot in communal areas. These simple measures can help reduce your risk of developing a fungal nail infection.
If, despite your best efforts, you develop a fungal nail infection, there are various treatment options available, including oral and topical medications, home remedies, and laser therapy. Your doctor may prescribe antifungal medicines, such as nail polish or pills, and in some cases, the nail may need to be removed. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions and complete the full course of treatment to ensure the infection does not return.
Gel Nail Polish: How Long Does It Really Last?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Signs of a fungal nail infection include thickening of the nail, discolouration, brittleness, and swelling or pain in the skin around the nail.
Treatment options include antifungal nail medicine, antifungal tablets, and surgery to remove the infected nail. Your doctor may also recommend laser treatment to improve the look of the nail after the infection has cleared.
There are some home remedies that you can try, such as soaking your feet in a mixture of apple cider vinegar and warm water, or using baking soda to make a foot soak or a paste to apply to the toe. However, if home treatments do not improve your symptoms, you should make an appointment with your doctor or a podiatrist.
