Ava Monroe
Toenail fungus is a common condition that can take a long time to go away. It is caused by constantly warm and damp feet, often from wearing trainers for long periods. The nail becomes thick, discoloured, brittle, and crumbly, and may even break off, causing the skin around it to become swollen and painful. Treatment options include antifungal pills, creams, gels, and laser treatment. If the infection is deep, a doctor may remove all or part of the nail surgically or nonsurgically. Home remedies can also help treat the symptoms, but they don't address the underlying infection. So, if you suspect toenail fungus, consult a doctor or dermatologist for a tailored treatment plan.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Thick, discoloured, brittle, crumbly, white and yellow |
| Symptoms | Nails become easy to break, swollen and painful skin around the nail |
| Causes | Constantly warm and damp feet, wearing trainers for long periods, walking barefoot in communal areas |
| Treatment | Antifungal drugs, creams, gels, pills, laser treatment, blood tests, nail removal |
| Prevention | Wear flip-flops in the shower, use different nail tools, trim nails short and straight, wear breathable shoes |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Home remedies are side-effect-free but may not treat the infection
- OTC antifungal treatments can help, but severe cases may need prescription medication
- Prescription medication includes antifungal pills and creams
- Badly infected nails may need to be removed surgically or non-surgically
- Prevent nail fungus by keeping your nails short and clean
Home remedies are side-effect-free but may not treat the infection
Toenail fungus is a common condition characterised by white, brown, or yellow discolouration of the toenails, which may spread and cause the nails to thicken or crack. While home remedies for toenail fungus are generally side-effect-free, they may not effectively treat the infection.
Medical treatments are the only known methods to effectively treat nail fungus. Prescription oral antifungals, such as terbinafine or fluconazole, are traditionally used to treat toenail fungus and will usually resolve it faster and more effectively. However, these medications can also cause serious side effects, such as upset stomach, dizziness, severe skin problems, and jaundice. This may be why many people opt for home remedies instead.
Home remedies may be more effective than prescription medications in treating mild-to-moderate toenail fungus. While home remedies typically have fewer side effects, there is less scientific evidence that they work. Natural remedies may be able to relieve symptoms, but there is no certainty that they will work, and even if they do, it will likely take longer. For example, while nail scraping may help remove an active infection, it doesn't remove all of the fungus, and you may still need to follow up with antifungal medication.
Some home remedies that may help clear up symptoms include essential oils and other products with antimicrobial and antifungal properties, such as Vicks VapoRub. Tea tree oil is another example promoted as a natural nail fungus treatment when applied topically to the affected area. Additionally, keeping your nails trimmed can reduce the pressure and pain you feel, and you can also thin your nail bed by filing it down.
It is important to note that severe cases of toenail fungus may cause pain and irreversible toenail damage. If home remedies are ineffective or cause side effects, it is recommended to consult a doctor or pharmacist for advice on medical treatments.
Parakeet Nail Care: When and How to Trim
You may want to see also
Explore related products
OTC antifungal treatments can help, but severe cases may need prescription medication
Fungal nail infections are characterised by nails that are thick, discoloured, brittle, and crumbly, and which may break off entirely. They are more likely to occur when feet are constantly warm and damp, such as when wearing trainers for long periods. They can spread from other people, so it's important to wear shoes in communal showers and gyms.
If you suspect you have a fungal nail infection, you should speak to a pharmacist or doctor. They may suggest an over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal treatment, such as a nail medicine that you brush onto the nail. You will need to use this regularly for a few months, and continue treatment until advised to stop, otherwise the infection may return.
If OTC treatments are ineffective, your doctor may prescribe antifungal tablets. Before prescribing medication, your doctor will take a sample of your nail to test what kind of infection you have. They may also need to perform a blood test before and during your treatment to check that your liver is functioning properly. Antifungal pills such as itraconazole (Sporanox) and terbinafine (Lamisil) are more effective than creams and gels, but they can have side effects like nausea, vomiting, and headaches, and may negatively interact with other medications. They are also unsuitable for people with liver or kidney disease, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
In severe cases, your doctor may need to remove all or part of your nail. This can be done surgically or non-surgically. For non-surgical treatment, your doctor will apply urea ointment to the infected nail surface and wrap the nail in plastic and tape. After about 10 days, the infected nail can be removed from the nail bed.
Perfect Nail Care for Classical Guitarists
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Prescription medication includes antifungal pills and creams
Prescription medication is typically required for moderate to severe cases of toenail fungus. Over-the-counter treatments are often not strong enough to cure moderate to severe cases. For such cases, prescription antifungal pills and creams are available.
Antifungal Pills
Antifungal pills are typically prescribed for severe fungal nail infections. These pills inhibit the growth of fungi or kill them. They are more effective than topical treatments, but they also have more side effects. Pills are typically taken for 12 weeks, but the fungus may not be completely gone for 10 months or longer.
Examples of antifungal pills include:
- Terbinafine (Lamisil)
- Itraconazole (Sporanox)
- Efinaconazole
Terbinafine is typically prescribed if the nail fungus is caused by a skin fungus (dermatophyte), whereas itraconazole is used if the infection is caused by yeast or mould. Both medications can be taken continuously or with breaks between treatments. However, liver function tests are required before and during treatment with these medications, as they can affect the liver. Itraconazole can also interact with other medications, including statins, and should not be taken during pregnancy.
Antifungal Creams
Topical antifungal creams are typically prescribed for mild fungal nail infections. These creams are applied to the nail or nail bed and can help treat the infection. However, they may not penetrate the nail bed effectively, and the nail may need to be filed down to aid absorption.
Examples of antifungal creams include:
- Bifonazole
- Urea cream
- Ciclopirox (Penlac)
- Amorolfine
- Clotrimazole (Lotrimin)
Urea cream is used to soften thick nails, improving the absorption of other topical treatments. Bifonazole is an antifungal cream that is applied after the softened layer of the nail is scraped off. Ciclopirox and amorolfine are antifungal nail polishes that are painted onto the surface of the nail.
Trimming Your Conure's Nails: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Badly infected nails may need to be removed surgically or non-surgically
If you have a fungal nail infection, your nails may become thick, discoloured, brittle, crumbly, and easy to break. The infection usually starts at the edge of the nail and can spread to multiple nails. Toenails are more prone to fungal infections than fingernails, especially if your feet are constantly warm and damp, or if you wear trainers for long periods, causing your feet to become hot and sweaty.
Fungal nail infections are not serious, but they can take a long time to treat. Your first step should be to consult a pharmacist, who may suggest an antifungal nail medicine that you brush onto the nail. You should use this regularly for a few months and continue treatment until advised to stop. If pharmacy treatments are ineffective, your general practitioner (GP) may prescribe antifungal tablets. Before prescribing medication, your GP will take a sample of your nail to test what kind of infection you have, and may also perform a blood test to check that your liver is functioning properly. Antifungal tablets can have side effects and may not be suitable for people with certain conditions, such as liver or kidney disease, or for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
In some cases of severe nail fungus, surgical or non-surgical nail removal may be necessary. For non-surgical treatment, your doctor will apply urea ointment to the infected nail surface and wrap the nail in plastic and tape. After about 10 days, the infected nail can be easily removed from the nail bed, or your doctor may simply cut away the diseased part of the nail. Surgical nail removal is a small procedure performed under local anaesthetic.
It is important to note that home remedies for nail fungus may only treat the symptoms rather than the infection itself. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a medical professional, such as a dermatologist, who can tailor a treatment plan to your specific needs.
Nail Salon Cost-Cutting: Doctor's Office Style
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Prevent nail fungus by keeping your nails short and clean
Keeping your nails short and clean is an effective way to prevent nail fungus. Nail fungus usually starts at the edge of the nail and spreads to the rest of it, causing the nail to thicken, discolour, and break easily. It is important to trim your nails regularly, especially your toenails, as long nails can increase your chances of developing a fungal infection.
Toenail fungus is a common condition that can take a long time to go away. It is often caused by constantly warm and damp feet, which provide an ideal environment for fungi to thrive. Therefore, keeping your nails short and clean can help prevent this. When cutting your nails, ensure they are clean and dry, and always use sanitized nail clippers to reduce the risk of infection. Soaking your nails in warm water before trimming them can also help soften them and make the process easier.
It is recommended to cut your nails straight across and avoid rounding the edges. This helps prevent ingrown toenails and provides a neat and tidy appearance. Additionally, maintaining proper foot hygiene is crucial. Wash your feet regularly and wear clean socks, preferably ones that are breathable and not too tight. Sanitized, acrylic socks are recommended over cotton ones as they are more effective at wicking away sweat.
To further reduce the risk of nail fungus, it is advisable to wear flip-flops or shower shoes in communal areas like gym showers and pools. This prevents direct contact between your nails and potentially contaminated surfaces. Additionally, avoid walking barefoot in places like communal showers and changing rooms, as nail fungus can spread from person to person. By combining regular nail trimming with good nail and foot hygiene, you can effectively reduce your chances of developing nail fungus.
Trimming Stray Dog Nails: A Safe Guide
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
A fungal nail infection is when the nail becomes thick, discoloured, brittle and easy to break. It usually starts at the edge of the nail and can spread to the rest of the nail. It can affect both toenails and fingernails, but toenails are more susceptible.
You should speak to a pharmacist or a doctor. They will examine your nails and may take a sample of your nail to test what kind of infection you have. They will then recommend the best treatment for you.
Treatments include antifungal drugs, creams, gels, pills, laser treatment and prescription medications. In some cases, the nail may need to be removed surgically or non-surgically.
