Liam Carter
Toenail fungus is a common condition that affects 1 in 10 people. It causes the nail to become thick, discoloured, and brittle. If left untreated, it can lead to toenail detachment. Once the nail falls off, it is important to start using topical antifungal treatments to prevent the new nail from becoming infected as it grows back. This process can take anywhere from six months to two years, and during this time, the new growth is vulnerable to infection. Therefore, it is crucial to continue treatment until a doctor recommends stopping to avoid recurrence.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken for the nail to grow back | 6 months to 2 years |
| Preventative measures | Wear well-fitting shoes and socks, keep nails well-trimmed |
| Fungal nail infection characteristics | Thick, discoloured, easy to break, white and yellow, may crumble |
| Fungal nail infection causes | Walking barefoot in communal areas, athlete's foot, diabetes, age, skin or nail breaks |
| Treatment | Topical creams, oral antifungal medications, or a combination of both |
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What You'll Learn
Toenail fungus treatment
Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common fungal infection that often starts as a white or yellow spot under the nail bed. Over time, the nail may thicken, become brittle, or emit an unpleasant odour. Toenail fungus is caused by several factors, including a weakened immune system, exposure to damp environments, and skin or nail injuries. While several treatments are available, toenail fungus is notoriously challenging to eliminate and may require early and aggressive intervention to prevent the infection from worsening.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is one of the fastest ways to target fungal nail infections. This FDA-approved procedure uses concentrated light to penetrate the nail and kill the fungus without damaging the surrounding skin. Many patients see improvements after a few treatments, making it ideal for those seeking quick and lasting results. While not instantaneous, laser therapy typically offers faster results than traditional treatments.
Prescription Medications
Topical, oral, and prescription antifungal medications are commonly used to treat toenail fungus. Dermatologists may prescribe medications such as terbinafine (Lamisil) and itraconazole (Sporanox), which attack the fungus from within as the new nail grows. Oral antifungals are often recommended for severe cases, while topical solutions like efinaconazole 10% and tavaborole 5% are applied directly to the nail daily for up to 48 weeks. Ciclopirox nail lacquer is another prescription medication used to treat nail fungus, requiring the removal of any loose nail before application. It is important to note that prescription medications can have side effects and may require liver function testing.
Nail Procedures
In some cases, nail procedures may be included in the treatment plan. One such procedure is nail abrasion, which involves scraping or filing the nail's surface to expose the nail bed. This allows topical medications to penetrate more deeply and improve the treatment's effectiveness. Your dermatologist may recommend this approach, especially for white superficial onychomycosis, where fungi develop on top of the nail.
Preventative Measures
Preventing toenail fungus may be easier than treating the infection. Maintaining proper foot hygiene, wearing well-fitting shoes and socks, and keeping nails trimmed and filed can help prevent further injury and the spread of fungus. Additionally, avoiding damp environments, such as locker rooms and public pools, can reduce exposure to potential sources of infection.
Medical Consultation
It is important to consult a doctor or dermatologist if you experience toenail fungus, especially if you have underlying conditions such as diabetes or athlete's foot. They can provide personalized care and recommend the most suitable treatment options based on your individual needs.
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Preventing toenail fungus
- Keep your feet clean and dry. Wash them with soap and water every day, and dry them thoroughly, especially in between your toes.
- Wear clean socks every day. If your socks get sweaty, change them.
- Wear moisture-wicking socks. These pull moisture away from your feet, helping to prevent your feet from sweating.
- Give your shoes at least 24 hours to dry before wearing them again.
- Wear breathable shoes, such as those made of leather, canvas, or mesh. These materials allow for airflow and help prevent your feet from sweating.
- Avoid going barefoot in public places, such as pools, locker rooms, and showers. Wear shower shoes or flip-flops in these places.
- Keep your toenails short and trim them straight across. This helps prevent fungi and other germs from collecting under your nails.
- Disinfect your nail clippers and other grooming tools after each use. Wash them with warm water and soap, then use a disinfectant.
- Never share nail-grooming tools, unwashed towels, shoes, or other personal items. Fungi spread easily from person to person.
- If you develop athlete's foot, treat it immediately. Athlete's foot is a fungal skin infection that can spread to your toenails.
- If you have diabetes, be vigilant about monitoring your feet for any signs of infection. Poor circulation in the feet increases the risk of fungal infection, and reduced circulation can make the problem worse.
- If you notice any changes in nail colour or texture, see a doctor. This is your chance to catch a fungal infection in its early stages.
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Toenail regrowth timeline
Toenails play an important protective role, safeguarding the soft tissue beneath them. However, they are susceptible to fungal infections because fungi thrive in warm, wet environments, and shoes and socks provide the perfect conditions for their growth.
Toenail fungus can lead to discolouration, brittleness, and thickening of nails, and in some cases, the nail may fall off. The good news is that toenails do grow back, but it takes time—usually anywhere from 6 months to 2 years for the nail to completely regrow. The rate of regrowth depends on various factors, including the cause of nail loss, overall health, age, and climate.
If only a part of your toenail has fallen off, refrain from removing the rest of it. Instead, use nail clippers to carefully trim the detached part and a nail file to smooth any sharp edges. Clean your toe, removing any debris, and apply an antibiotic ointment.
During the regrowth period, it is important to practice proper foot care and maintain overall health to ensure your new nail grows back strong and healthy. Keep the area clean and dry, wear protective, well-fitting, and open-toed or roomy footwear to avoid pressure on the healing toe, and monitor for signs of infection.
While waiting for your toenail to grow back, you can explore temporary solutions such as Podiatric Nail Restoration Systems, which use a flexible, breathable resin to provide a natural-looking temporary nail while allowing your natural nail to grow underneath. However, it is crucial to consult a podiatrist for personalized advice and support throughout your toenail recovery journey.
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Toenail detachment causes
Toenail detachment, or onycholysis, can occur due to various causes. One common cause is injury or trauma to the toenail. This can happen through minor injuries, such as dropping something on your foot, or more severe incidents like car accidents or sports-related impacts. Toenails may also detach due to fungal infections, which can occur when fungi grow between the nail and the nail bed. Certain risk factors, such as diabetes, athlete's foot, or dry and cracked nails, can increase the likelihood of fungal infections.
Another cause of toenail detachment is nail psoriasis, an autoimmune condition that leads to the buildup of skin cells in the nail bed. This buildup can exert pressure on the underside of the toenail, causing it to loosen and eventually detach. Subungual exostosis, a bony growth that forms beneath the toenail, can also lead to toenail detachment by creating pressure on the nail bed. In some cases, medication side effects, illnesses, or the use of certain nail products can contribute to toenail detachment, although these causes are less common.
It's important to note that once a toenail detaches, it cannot reattach and continue growing. Instead, you'll need to wait for a new nail to grow back, which can take anywhere from a few months to two years, depending on the cause and size of the lost toenail. During this regrowth period, it's crucial to keep the nail bed clean and protected, trim any remaining nail to prevent catching, and smooth sharp edges to avoid further complications.
To prevent toenail detachment, it's recommended to wear well-fitting shoes and socks, keep toenails trimmed and smooth, and maintain proper foot hygiene. Additionally, addressing any underlying conditions, such as fungal infections or psoriasis, through appropriate medical treatment is crucial to reduce the risk of toenail detachment.
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Antifungal medication
There are several types of antifungal medication available, including creams, gels, sprays, patches, nail polish, and pills. Over-the-counter antifungal creams, gels, sprays, patches can be purchased at drug stores or online without a prescription. Examples include clotrimazole (Lotrimin) and terbinafine cream (Lamisil). However, over-the-counter products are best suited for mild toenail fungus and may take months to work. For more severe cases, prescription drugs are required.
Antifungal pills, such as itraconazole (Sporanox) and terbinafine (Lamisil), are highly effective in treating nail fungus. Terbinafine is available by prescription to treat adults with nail fungus on both fingernails and toenails. It is typically taken daily for 6 weeks to treat fingernails and 12 weeks for toenails. While the infection usually clears within 6 to 12 weeks, it may take a year or longer for the nail to completely grow out. Itraconazole is also a prescription antifungal medication approved by the FDA to treat nail fungus in adults. Liver function tests are necessary before taking these medications, as liver damage is a rare but possible side effect. Additionally, itraconazole can interact with other medications, so medical monitoring is essential during treatment.
Topical antifungal nail medicine, such as antifungal nail polish, can also be prescribed by a doctor. However, studies have shown that it is less effective than taking pills, so the two treatments may be combined for better results. It is important to note that antifungal medication should be taken as directed by a medical professional and for the full duration of the prescribed treatment period. Discontinuing medication prematurely, even if symptoms improve, may allow hidden fungus to grow back.
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Frequently asked questions
If your toenail falls off due to a fungal infection, you should start using topical antifungal treatments to prevent the new nail from becoming infected as it grows back. You should also clean your toe and apply an antibiotic ointment.
Depending on the cause and the size of the lost toenail, it can take anywhere from six months to two years for the toenail to grow back completely.
To prevent a fungal infection from recurring, it is important to continue using antifungal medication until your doctor recommends stopping. You should also wear well-fitting shoes and socks and keep your nails well-trimmed to prevent further injury.
