Isla Bennett
Fingernail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common condition that affects the fingernails or toenails. It is caused by a fungal infection that can turn the nails white, brown, or black, and make them thick, fragile, and brittle. The fungus can live on the dead tissues of hair, nails, and outer skin layers. It can be treated with antifungal medication, either oral or topical, and sometimes with laser treatment. But will it go away on its own?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Will it go away on its own? | No, fungal nail infections will not go away on their own and require treatment. |
| Treatment | Oral medications, topical treatments, laser treatments, and natural remedies are all used to treat fungal nail infections. |
| Oral medications | Griseofulvin, terbinafine, itraconazole, and ketoconazole are commonly used oral medications. |
| Topical treatments | Medicated nail lacquers, such as ciclopirox, are applied directly to the nail. |
| Laser treatments | Laser treatments can be used in conjunction with topical treatments to help the medication penetrate the nail bed. |
| Natural remedies | Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic, antiviral, and antifungal that can be used to prevent the spread of fungal infections. |
| Prevention | Keeping nails open to air and in a dry environment can help prevent fungal nail infections. |
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What You'll Learn
Fingernail fungus treatment: oral medication
Fingernail fungus, or mycotic nails, is a fungal infection that affects your fingernails or toenails. It is caused by fungi living on the dead tissues of hair, nails, and outer skin layers. The infection starts in these layers and then goes deeper, causing the nail to separate from the nail bed and become thick and fragile. It may also change colour. Without treatment, the infection will not go away on its own and will continue to get worse. In the late stages, nails could crack and completely separate from the nail bed, which can be painful.
Healthcare providers recommend oral antifungal medication to treat fingernail fungus. Topical treatments are usually ineffective due to the nail's physical properties. Oral treatments have shorter treatment times and better cure rates. The most common oral antifungal medications include griseofulvin (Fulvicin), terbinafine (Lamisil), and itraconazole (Sporanox). Treatment for fingernails usually takes around six weeks, while toenails may take up to 12 weeks.
It is important to note that oral antifungal medications can have side effects. The most common side effects include headaches, gastrointestinal issues, and rashes. Severe adverse reactions, including fatal hepatotoxicity, are rare but can occur. Drug interactions can also cause serious problems during oral treatment therapy, and some medications may be unsafe for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider before starting any medication.
When treating fingernail fungus, it is recommended to see a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. They may take nail scrapings for examination under a microscope or send samples to a lab for a fungal culture to identify the specific type of fungus. This information can help determine the best course of treatment.
To prevent fingernail fungus from returning, it is essential to reduce the risk of fungal infection. This can include practising good hygiene, keeping your nails clean and dry, and avoiding exposure to environments that may harbour fungi, such as damp or humid areas. Additionally, maintaining a healthy immune system can help lower the chances of developing fungal infections.
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Topical treatments for fingernail fungus
Fingernail fungus won't go away without treatment and will continue to get worse. With treatment, fingernails typically heal within six weeks.
In addition to oral and topical antifungal medications, there are other potential treatments for fingernail fungus that are being researched. These include patches, nail lacquers, and gels. Laser and light treatments are also being explored as potential therapies, but more research is needed to determine their safety and effectiveness.
It is important to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. They can help identify the specific type of nail fungus and recommend the most appropriate treatment option.
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Natural remedies for fingernail fungus
Fingernail fungus is a common condition, affecting about 10% of the adult population. It occurs when fungi that are normally present in the nails overgrow. While medical treatments are the only known methods to effectively treat nail fungus, there are some natural remedies that may help relieve your symptoms. Here are some natural remedies for fingernail fungus that you can try:
Vicks VapoRub
Vicks VapoRub is a topical ointment that is typically used for cough suppression. However, studies have shown that its active ingredients, camphor and eucalyptus oil, may also help treat toenail fungus. To use Vicks VapoRub for nail fungus, apply a small amount to the affected area at least once a day.
Snakeroot (Ageratina pichinchensis) extract
Snakeroot extract is a natural antifungal made from plants in the sunflower family. A 2008 study found that snakeroot extract was effective in treating toenail fungus, comparable to prescription antifungal treatments.
Oregano oil
Oregano oil contains thymol, which is said to have antifungal properties. It can be used alone or combined with tea tree oil for a potential increased effect. However, it's important to note that combining these oils can also increase the risk of allergic reactions or irritation.
Ozonized oils
Oils such as olive oil and sunflower oil that have been infused with ozone gases have been shown in studies to be effective in treating nail fungus.
Listerine mouthwash
Listerine mouthwash contains menthol, thymol, and eucalyptus, which have antibacterial and antifungal properties. Soaking the affected foot in a basin of Listerine for 30 minutes daily may help treat toenail fungus.
Garlic
A 2019 study suggested that garlic extract could have antifungal properties, although more research is needed. You can try placing chopped or crushed garlic cloves on the affected area for 30 minutes daily, or take garlic capsules as directed by the manufacturer to treat the infection from the inside out.
While these natural remedies may provide some relief, it's important to note that there is currently no evidence that any home remedy can fully cure a fungal nail infection. If you are experiencing fingernail fungus, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Fingernail fungus diagnosis
Fingernail fungus, or mycotic nails, is a fungal infection that affects your fingernails or toenails. It is important to get a proper diagnosis and treatment as the infection will not go away on its own and can get worse over time.
Diagnosis
To diagnose a nail fungus, a dermatologist will first examine your nails and the nearby skin. This is because it is important to check if the infection has spread beyond the nail. The dermatologist may ask you questions about your symptoms, when they started, and any other relevant information.
The next step is to collect samples to confirm the presence of a fungal infection. This can be done by taking debris from beneath the nail, trimming part of the infected nail, or scraping off a bit of skin. These samples are then sent to a lab for testing. The lab will perform a fungal culture to identify the specific type of fungus causing the infection.
Treatment
Once a diagnosis is confirmed, treatment can begin. Treatment for fingernail fungus typically involves taking antifungal medications, either topically or orally. Topical medications are applied directly to the nail, while antifungal pills work throughout the body to clear the infection. In some cases, a combination of both topical and oral treatments may be recommended for more effective results.
It is important to follow the treatment plan as directed by your healthcare provider. With proper treatment, fingernails should heal within about six weeks, while toenails may take up to 12 weeks or longer.
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Preventing fingernail fungus
Fingernail fungus, or mycotic nails, is a fungal infection that affects your fingernails or toenails. It is a contagious infection that causes the nail to become thick, yellow, and brittle and may even change colours. The infection can cause pain and discomfort, especially when using or placing pressure on the affected finger. To prevent fingernail fungus, it is important to take the following precautions:
- Keep your nails clean and dry: Wash your hands regularly and ensure they are completely dry, especially after washing. Fungi thrive in warm, dark, and moist environments, so keeping your nails dry can help prevent the growth of fungi.
- Wear protective footwear: When visiting warm, moist areas such as gyms, locker rooms, spas, public showers, or pools, wear flip-flops or shower sandals. These environments are breeding grounds for fungi, and wearing protective footwear can help prevent direct contact with potential sources of infection.
- Disinfect footwear: If you have previously had a fungal infection, consider disinfecting your shoes, boots, or skates using an ultraviolet (UV) shoe sanitizer or ozone cabinet. Fungi can live in footwear, and disinfecting them can help prevent reinfection or spreading the infection to others.
- Practice good nail hygiene: Avoid biting or picking at your nails, and do not share nail clippers, files, or other nail care tools with others. Maintain short and trimmed nails, and consider using antifungal nail paint to prevent infection, especially if you frequently engage in activities that expose your nails to moisture or potential contaminants.
- Seek early treatment: If you notice any signs of infection, such as discolouration, thickening, or brittleness, seek medical advice promptly. Early treatment can help prevent the infection from worsening or spreading to other nails.
It is important to note that mycotic nails will not go away without treatment and may continue to get worse. While you may wish for the infection to disappear on its own, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. With the right approach, you can effectively prevent and manage fingernail fungus.
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Frequently asked questions
No, mycotic nails or fungal nail infections will not go away without treatment. They will continue to get worse and can even cause your nails to crack and separate from the nail bed.
Fingernail fungus is treated with antifungal medication. Topical medications are applied directly to the nail but rarely help because nails are too hard for the medication to seep into. Oral antifungal medications are more likely to work and include griseofulvin, terbinafine, itraconazole, and ketoconazole.
Fingernails typically grow out in four to six months, and toenails take 12 to 18 months. Treatment for fingernail fungus usually takes six weeks, and toenail fungus treatment takes 12 weeks.
