Ava Monroe
Toenail fungus is a common condition characterised by thick, discoloured, and brittle nails that are easy to break. It is typically caused by the same fungus responsible for athlete's foot, which thrives in warm, dark, and moist environments. While fungal nail infections can take a long time to resolve and may require prescription medication, there are several ways to manage the condition and prevent its spread. This includes cutting away the diseased part of the nail, either surgically or non-surgically, and using antifungal treatments such as pills, creams, gels, sprays, and patches.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is a fungal nail infection? | A fungal nail infection is when the nail becomes thick, discoloured and easy to break. |
| How do you get a fungal nail infection? | Fungal nail infections are usually caused by a fungus that causes athlete's foot. This fungus can multiply in warm, dark and moist places like the feet. |
| How to prevent a fungal nail infection? | Wear flip-flops or shower shoes in the shower, especially in communal showers and gyms. Change your shoes and socks daily and opt for breathable options that don't fit too tight. Keep your toenails shorter than the end of your toes and trim them straight across. Sanitize nail tools and clean your nail clippers. |
| How to treat a fungal nail infection? | Soak your nails in warm water before cutting them. Use antifungal drugs, creams, gels, sprays, patches, or nail medicines. For severe infections, a doctor may recommend removing the nail(s) surgically or non-surgically. Antifungal pills are also an option but come with side effects and require monitoring by a doctor. |
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What You'll Learn
Antifungal treatments: pills, creams, gels, sprays, patches, and tablets
Antifungal treatments are available in various forms, including pills, creams, gels, sprays, patches, tablets, injections, and liquids. These treatments work by either killing the fungus or preventing its growth, allowing the body's immune system to break it down.
Pills and Tablets
Antifungal pills, such as itraconazole (Sporanox) and terbinafine (Lamisil), are often recommended for toenail fungus. They are usually taken for 12 weeks, but the fungus may take up to 10 months or longer to disappear completely. These pills have high success rates, but they can cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, and headaches. Additionally, terbinafine can affect the liver, and itraconazole may negatively interact with other medications, so medical supervision is necessary during treatment.
Creams, Gels, Sprays, and Patches
Topical antifungal treatments are available over the counter and include creams, gels, sprays, and patches. Common ingredients in these treatments are clotrimazole (Lotrimin) and terbinafine (Lamisil). While these treatments are effective for mild toenail fungus, they may not be strong enough for moderate to severe cases. It is important to follow the instructions provided with these treatments, such as filing or cutting off any white markings on the nails and keeping them clean and dry before applying the medication.
Injections
In some cases of severe infection, a doctor may prescribe antifungal injections. These are typically reserved for more serious fungal infections or when other treatments have proven ineffective.
Liquids
Antifungal liquids are another option for treating fungal infections. These are usually prescribed by a healthcare provider and may be recommended for specific types of infections or for individuals who have difficulty taking pills or tablets.
It is important to consult a healthcare professional before starting any antifungal treatment to ensure the most suitable option is chosen, and to be aware of any potential side effects or interactions with other medications.
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Laser treatment
It is generally advised not to cut away nail fungus at home. Instead, you should visit a doctor or a pharmacist, who can recommend the best treatment for you.
A laser light device can be purchased for home use. This device is placed on the infected nail and turns off automatically after 7 minutes. It is recommended to use the device twice a day for three months.
It is important to note that statements regarding dietary supplements associated with laser treatment devices have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. You should always consult a licensed healthcare professional before using any new device or treatment.
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Non-surgical nail removal
It is not advisable to cut away nail fungus as it may lead to further complications. Fungal nail infections are characterized by thick, discolored, and brittle nails that are easy to break. These infections are often caused by the same fungi that cause athlete's foot and thrive in warm, dark, and moist environments.
Additionally, there are over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal treatments available without a prescription, such as creams, gels, sprays, and patches. These treatments are most effective for mild toenail fungus and may require several months to show results. It is important to follow the recommended instructions, which often include soaking and drying the nails before applying the medication. While using these treatments, it is crucial to regularly file or cut off any white markings on the nails to prevent the further spread of the fungus.
For more severe infections, prescription antifungal pills may be necessary. These pills, such as itraconazole (Sporanox) and terbinafine (Lamisil), have higher success rates than creams and gels. However, they usually need to be taken for 12 weeks, and the fungus may take up to 10 months or longer to completely disappear. It is important to be aware of potential side effects and interactions with other medications, so medical supervision is recommended during this course of treatment.
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Surgical nail removal
The entire nail can be removed, or just the diseased part, depending on the extent of the infection. If required, the nail matrix can be destroyed to prevent future infections and the regrowth of the nail. This is done by applying a chemical to the cuticle area once the nail plate has been removed.
After the procedure, an ointment is applied to the wound, and it is covered with gauze and tape. It is important to keep the area clean to reduce the risk of infection. You should follow your doctor's aftercare instructions, but if none were provided, it is generally advised to wash around the wound with clean water twice a day for the first 48 hours.
A new nail will usually grow back, but this can take up to a year, and the nail may be odd in shape and appearance. During this time, your doctor will likely recommend a cream or treatment to keep the fungus at bay.
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Preventing nail fungus
Firstly, it is important to keep your nails short and trimmed. Cut your toenails so that they are shorter than the end of your toes, and trim your fingernails short too. Nails should be cut straight across, without rounding the edges. This helps prevent fungi and other germs from getting under your nails.
Keep your nail clippers sanitised by washing them with soap and water, then wiping them with rubbing alcohol. If you go to a salon, ask how often they sanitise their equipment. It should be after every client, to prevent the spread of infection. Never share nail clippers, or other personal items like shoes, skates and towels.
If you have nail fungus, it is recommended to wear flip-flops or shower shoes in communal areas like gyms, locker rooms, spas, public showers and pools. This will help to prevent the spread of the infection to others, and to prevent you from catching it on other toes. If you have family members with nail fungus, you can use different showers or wear shoes in the shower to avoid catching it.
Disinfect shoes with an ultraviolet (UV) shoe sanitizer or ozone cabinet. You can also sprinkle antifungal powder in your shoes to prevent fungus from growing. Change your shoes and socks daily, and opt for breathable shoes that aren't too tight. Sanitized, acrylic socks are better than cotton for taking sweat away.
If you notice any signs of infection, see your doctor or dermatologist. They may recommend antifungal treatments, such as creams, gels, sprays, patches or pills.
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Frequently asked questions
If you have nail fungus, it is important to seek treatment. While cutting away the nail fungus can help improve the appearance of your nails, it will not cure the infection. You should speak to a pharmacist or doctor, who can recommend or prescribe treatments such as antifungal creams, pills, or gels.
Nail fungus usually starts at the edge of the nail, spreading to the whole nail, which may thicken, discolour (turning white or yellow), and become brittle and crumbly. The nail may also lift off, causing the surrounding skin to become swollen and painful.
If you have nail fungus, you should use nail nippers meant for cutting toenails, as regular clippers may not be strong enough to cut through thicker nails. You should also soak your nails in warm water before cutting them, or cut them right after a shower, as this will help soften the nails.
To prevent nail fungus from spreading, you should keep your nails short and straight across, refraining from rounding the edges. You should also avoid ripping your nails and keep your toenails shorter than the end of your toes. Additionally, sanitise your nail clippers and practice good foot hygiene, such as wearing flip-flops in communal showers and changing your shoes and socks daily.
