Sophia Delgado
Fingernail fungus is a common infection caused by various microorganisms, resulting in discolouration and thickening of the nail. While it is more prevalent in toenails, fingernail fungus can be treated and prevented through several methods, including prescription medications, laser therapy, and topical antifungals. In this article, we will explore the different types of fingernail fungus, their causes, symptoms, and effective treatments to help you maintain healthy and fungus-free nails.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Treatment | Prescription medications, antifungal pills, oral antifungal medications, laser therapy, nail removal, nail scraping, topical antifungals |
| Symptoms | Nail discolouration, nail thickening, swelling, inflammation, crumbling, brittleness, curling, loosening from the nail bed |
| Causes | Toenail fungus, fingernail fungus, yeast, injury, ill-fitting shoes, exposure to moisture, certain medical conditions (weakened immune system, cancer, diabetes, athlete's foot, psoriasis, poor circulation), nail polish, nail salons, acrylic nails |
| Prevention | Keeping nails short and trimmed, washing hands and feet with soap, accurate diagnosis, advanced treatments, customized follow-up, general nail care advice |
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What You'll Learn
Prescription medications
Fingernail fungus is a common type of infection caused by fungi entering and spreading in the nails. While most cases affect toenails, it can also develop in the fingernails. Prescription medications are the only treatments that can effectively cure fingernail fungus.
Oral Antifungal Medications
Oral antifungal medications are a type of prescription medication that can be used to treat fingernail fungus. These medications are taken orally, meaning that you swallow a pill or liquid formulation. They are effective at treating fingernail fungus because they work by stopping the growth of fungi and preventing them from reproducing. While they can be very effective, oral antifungal medications may also cause side effects in some people. These side effects can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and liver damage. It is important to speak with a doctor or dermatologist before starting oral antifungal medication to ensure it is safe and appropriate for you.
Topical Antifungal Medications
Topical antifungal medications are another type of prescription medication that can be used to treat fingernail fungus. These medications are applied directly to the affected fingernail(s). They may come in the form of a cream, ointment, or nail polish. While generally considered safe, some people may experience mild side effects such as redness, swelling, or stinging at the application site. Topical antifungals are typically recommended for mild infections, as they may not be able to penetrate deep enough into the nail to treat more severe or advanced cases of fingernail fungus.
Combination Therapy
In some cases, a combination of oral and topical antifungal medications may be prescribed to treat fingernail fungus. This approach can be more effective than using either treatment alone, as it attacks the fungus both from the inside and outside. Combination therapy may also help reduce the risk of side effects associated with oral antifungal medications.
Nail Removal
For severe or stubborn cases of fingernail fungus, your doctor or dermatologist may recommend nail removal as a last resort. This can be done surgically or non-surgically with chemicals. After removing the infected nail, a new, healthy nail will grow back in its place over time. However, it is important to note that nail removal is an invasive procedure and may not always be successful in eliminating the fungus.
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Home remedies
While medical treatments are the only known methods to effectively treat nail fungus, there are some home remedies that may help clear up symptoms. It is important to note that there is currently no evidence that any home remedy can fully clear up a fungal nail infection.
One home remedy is nail scraping, which involves using an over-the-counter (OTC) kit with urea paste to help soften the nail, as well as a scraping device. First, you wash the affected nail and dry it. Then, you apply the paste and cover it with a bandage for 24 hours before scraping the nail. While nail scraping may help remove an active infection, it doesn’t remove all of the fungus.
Another potential remedy is Vicks VapoRub, a topical ointment typically used for cough suppression. Its active ingredients, camphor and eucalyptus oil, may help treat toenail fungus. To use this method, apply a small amount of Vicks VapoRub to the affected area at least once a day.
Snakeroot (Ageratina pichinchensis) extract is an antifungal made from plants in the sunflower family. A 2008 study showed that the remedy is effective against toenail fungus, similar to ciclopirox, a prescription antifungal treatment.
Oregano oil is another option, as it contains thymol, which is said to have antifungal properties. Oregano oil is sometimes combined with tea tree oil in treatments, but combining them can increase the possibility of an allergic reaction or irritation.
Ozonized oils, such as olive oil and sunflower oil, are examples of oils that have been infused with the same gases present in the ozone layer.
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Oral antifungal medications
Griseofulvin disrupts the cell microtubule function, impairing the fungus's ability to grow and spread. The azoles, such as itraconazole, fluconazole, and ketoconazole, work by impairing the synthesis of ergosterol in fungal cell membranes, which is crucial for the fungus to survive. Terbinafine is a fungicidal agent that interacts with ergosterol synthesis, causing cell death. It is important to note that terbinafine and itraconazole carry a small risk of liver damage, so people with liver disease are prescribed these medications only if absolutely necessary.
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Topical antifungals
Topical treatments come in the form of nail polishes and creams, which are available over the counter in pharmacies without a prescription. These treatments contain active ingredients such as amorolfine, ciclopirox, urea, and bifonazole, which have antifungal properties.
To use a topical nail polish treatment, the affected nail must first be cut and filed down as much as possible. The nail polish is then applied directly to the nail. This type of treatment can take up to a year to be effective, and even then, the cosmetic results may not be ideal, with only a small percentage of users reporting healthy-looking nails after treatment.
Topical cream treatments are also available and often come with a nail scraper (spatula) as part of a treatment kit. The first step is to soak the affected finger or toe in warm water for about ten minutes and then dry it thoroughly. A urea-based cream is then applied to the nail, which helps to soften it. The nail is then covered with a bandage for 24 hours. After this, the softened nail layer can be gently scraped off using the spatula. The process of soaking, drying, applying the cream, and bandaging is repeated, and the treatment is carried out over 14 days. Once the infected part of the nail has been removed, the underlying skin is treated with an antifungal cream, such as one containing bifonazole, for another four weeks.
While topical antifungals are a good option for those who want to avoid the side effects of oral medications, it's important to note that they may not be as effective as other treatment options, such as tablets, which are taken orally and have been shown to have better success rates. Additionally, home remedies, such as nail scraping, are not considered 100% effective in clearing up a fingernail infection, and there is limited evidence supporting their effectiveness.
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Laser therapy
Fingernail fungus is a common type of infection caused by fungi entering and spreading in the nails. While antifungal medications are effective, they can cause side effects and may not always work. This is where laser therapy comes in as a promising treatment option.
Types of laser therapy
There are several types of laser treatments available, including CO2 lasers, Nd:YAG lasers, and diode lasers. CO2 lasers ablate the nail plate, potentially disrupting the growth of the fungus. Nd:YAG lasers have been found to have a highly successful cure rate and a good safety profile. Diode lasers are another option for treating onychomycosis.
Effectiveness of laser therapy
While laser therapy is a newer treatment option, studies have shown promise in its effectiveness and safety, especially for at-risk populations such as those with kidney or liver disease or pregnant people. A 2019 meta-analysis found that laser therapy can be effective and safe, with an overall success rate of about 63%. Another study found that 50% of patients treated with CO2 lasers achieved a "complete cure".
Advantages of laser therapy
One of the main advantages of laser therapy is the reduction in risks compared to oral medications, which can cause liver damage or gastrointestinal reactions. Laser therapy may be safer for children, pregnant people, and those with underlying conditions. It also has greater tissue penetration than antifungal medication, making it potentially more effective at treating infections embedded within the nail.
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Frequently asked questions
Nail fungus is an infection that occurs when fungi attack a fingernail, toenail, or the skin under the nail, known as the nail bed.
Symptoms include discolouration, usually white or yellow spots under the nail that spread and can turn the whole nail white, yellow, green, or black. The nail may thicken, become difficult to trim, curl up or down, or loosen from the nail bed.
Many different types of fungi can cause nail infections. Fungi can live on your skin without causing any issues, but if you have a lot in one area, you may get infected. Nail fungus can also be caused by ill-fitting shoes, nail injury, exposure to damp and humid environments, and chronic medical conditions such as a weakened immune system, cancer, diabetes, athlete's foot, psoriasis, and poor circulation.
Treatment for nail fungus usually begins with trimming the infected nail(s) and may include scraping away debris under the nail. Topical antifungal treatments can be applied to the nail, and in more severe cases, antifungal pills may be prescribed. In very severe cases, a doctor may recommend removing the nail(s) to get rid of the infection.
Yes, you can reduce your risk of nail fungus by washing your hands and feet often with soap, keeping your nails short and trimmed straight across, and avoiding walking barefoot in warm, humid public spaces such as swimming pools, gyms, and locker rooms.
