Liam Carter
Nail fungus is a common condition that causes the nail to become discoloured, thickened, distorted, and brittle. It is often challenging to treat and can recur even after successful treatment. Treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications, laser treatment, and surgical or chemical nail removal. While over-the-counter treatments are available, prescription medications are often necessary for effective results. In rare cases, permanent nail removal may be recommended to completely eradicate the fungus and prevent recurrence. So, will nail fungus remover repair a bad nail? The answer is, it depends. While there are a variety of treatment options available, the effectiveness of each treatment can vary from person to person, and some cases of nail fungus may be more challenging to treat than others.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Fungi called dermatophytes that infect the skin beneath the nail; yeast is another common culprit |
| Symptoms | Nails become thick, discoloured, distorted, and easy to break |
| Diagnosis | A dermatologist will examine the nail for colour change, buildup, and other signs of nail fungus. They may also take a sample from the nail to be examined under a microscope. |
| Treatment | Antifungal pills, creams, gels, sprays, patches, and oral antibiotics. In rare cases, surgical or non-surgical nail removal may be required. |
| Prevention | Wash feet with soap and water and dry thoroughly after swimming. Avoid walking barefoot in damp places like showers, swimming pools, and locker rooms. |
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What You'll Learn
Antifungal pills are more effective than creams and gels
Antifungal medications are used to treat fungal infections that affect the skin, nails, lungs, and other organs. They work by killing the fungus or stopping its growth. While antifungal creams, gels, and ointments are available over the counter and are effective for mild fungal infections, antifungal pills are more effective for treating nail fungus.
Antifungal pills, such as itraconazole (Sporanox) and terbinafine (Lamisil), have higher success rates than creams and gels. They are taken orally for about 12 weeks, and the fungus may take 10 months or longer to disappear completely. These pills require a prescription and medical supervision as they can have side effects and interact with other medications. For example, terbinafine can affect the liver, and itraconazole can cause nausea, vomiting, and headaches.
Topical antifungal treatments, such as creams and gels, are applied directly to the affected area. They are available over the counter and by prescription. While these treatments can be effective for mild toenail fungus, they may take months to work. Examples of antifungal creams include clotrimazole (Lotrimin) and terbinafine (Lamisil). It is important to follow the instructions provided with these treatments, which may include filing or cutting away any white markings on the nails and ensuring the nails are clean and dry before applying the medication.
In addition to pills and topical treatments, there are other options for treating nail fungus. Surgical treatment involves removing the nail, which is a rare procedure. A new nail typically grows back within a year, and a cream or other treatment may be prescribed to prevent further fungal growth. Another option is chemical avulsion, where a dermatologist applies a chemical called urea to the nail, causing the infected nail to soften and separate from the nail bed. This process also takes about 7 to 10 days, and the nail will regrow over time.
When creating a treatment plan, dermatologists consider the patient's health, existing medical conditions, medications, the extent of nail involvement, and the type of fungus. It is important to complete the full course of any prescribed medication to prevent the fungus from returning. Additionally, natural remedies for nail fungus exist, but their effectiveness varies.
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Surgical treatment is rarely done
Surgical treatment for nail fungus is rarely done. There are other methods to treat nail fungus, including antifungal drugs, creams, gels, sprays, patches, and laser treatment. Antifungal pills like itraconazole (Sporanox) and terbinafine (Lamisil) are often prescribed for 12 weeks, but the fungus may not be completely gone for 10 months or longer. These pills have high success rates, but they can have side effects and negative interactions with other medications, so a doctor's monitoring is necessary during treatment.
For mild toenail fungus, over-the-counter (OTC) products are available without a prescription. These include clotrimazole (Lotrimin) and terbinafine (Lamisil) cream. However, OTC products may take months to work and are not suitable for moderate to severe cases of toenail fungus.
Laser treatment is another option, but it is not covered by insurance. This treatment heats up the nail layers to destroy the fungus's genetic material. While it sounds promising, more research is needed to determine its safety and effectiveness.
In some cases, a doctor may recommend removing all or part of the infected nail to cure nail fungus and relieve pain. This can be done surgically or nonsurgically. During surgical nail avulsion, the doctor will first administer a shot to numb the area and then loosen the skin around the nail with a special tool before removing it. A new nail usually grows back within a year, and the doctor may prescribe a cream or other treatment to prevent fungus growth during this time.
Nonsurgical nail avulsion, also known as chemical avulsion, involves applying a urea ointment or cream to the diseased nail and covering it with a bandage for 7 to 10 days. After this period, the doctor removes the treated nail. Nails typically grow back over time, but proper care is necessary to prevent infection and control pain.
When creating a treatment plan, dermatologists consider the patient's health, existing medical conditions, medications, the extent of nail involvement, and the type of fungus. This comprehensive evaluation ensures the development of a safe and effective treatment plan tailored to the patient's needs.
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Laser treatment has a lower cure rate than oral medication
There are several treatments for nail fungus, including antifungal pills, creams, gels, sprays, and patches, and nail removal. While laser treatment is a newer option for nail fungus, it has a lower cure rate than oral medication. Oral medications, such as itraconazole and terbinafine, have high success rates, but they also come with potential side effects and risks. For example, terbinafine can affect the liver, and itraconazole can negatively interact with other medications. These medications usually need to be taken for 12 weeks, and the fungus may take up to 10 months or longer to disappear completely.
Laser treatment, on the other hand, uses concentrated light to kill the nail fungus and prevent its growth. While it may be effective in stopping fungal growth, the American Academy of Dermatology states that more research is needed to determine its safety and effectiveness. The overall success rate of laser treatment is about 63%, which is slightly lower than that of medication treatments. Additionally, laser therapy may have higher risks or hazards compared to oral medications.
However, it's important to note that oral medications also carry risks. For example, terbinafine has been associated with adverse effects in about 10.5% of receivers, with stomach problems being the most frequent. Therefore, while laser therapy may have a slightly lower cure rate, it could be a preferable option for those who want to avoid the potential side effects of oral medication.
When creating a treatment plan, dermatologists consider the patient's health, existing medical conditions, medications, the extent of nail involvement, and the type of fungus. They may recommend a combination of therapies, including both creams and oral medications, to effectively treat nail fungus.
In conclusion, while laser treatment has a lower cure rate than oral medication, it may still be a viable option for individuals concerned about the side effects of medication. It is important to consult with a dermatologist to determine the most suitable treatment plan based on individual needs and considerations.
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Natural remedies have shown mixed results
Another study from 2011 found that Vicks VapoRub had a "positive clinical effect" in treating toenail fungus. The active ingredients in Vicks VapoRub, such as camphor and eucalyptus oil, may help treat toenail fungus. Similarly, Listerine mouthwash, which contains menthol, thymol, and eucalyptus, has been used as a folk remedy for toenail fungus due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Other natural remedies include snakeroot extract, which has been found to be effective against toenail fungus in a 2008 study, and apple cider vinegar and garlic, which are low-cost solutions for mild infections. However, it's important to note that natural remedies may not work for everyone, and severe or persistent fungal infections may require medical attention.
In addition to natural remedies, there are several medical treatments available for nail fungus. These include antifungal pills, such as itraconazole (Sporanox) and terbinafine (Lamisil), which are taken orally and have high success rates. There are also antifungal creams, gels, sprays, and patches available over the counter or online without a prescription. Laser treatments are another option, but studies have shown mixed results, and more research is needed to determine their safety and effectiveness.
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Topical treatments are often recommended first
Urea cream or ointment is another topical treatment option. This treatment involves applying a prescribed ointment or cream containing 40% urea to the affected nails. Urea helps to soften thick nails, improving the results of the topical treatment. After applying the urea, the nail is typically covered with a bandage for 7 to 10 days, and then the treated nail is removed by a dermatologist. This method is known as chemical avulsion.
For more severe cases of nail fungus, prescription topical treatments may be recommended. One such treatment is JUBLIA® (efinaconazole) topical solution, 10%, which is a prescription medicine specifically for fungal infections of the toenails. It is important to note that this treatment may cause irritation at the application site, and users should be cautious of potential flammability.
In addition to these options, there are prescription nail polishes that can be used to treat toenail fungus. These polishes are painted onto the affected toenail like regular nail polish and typically contain antifungal drugs such as ciclopirox. While these treatments may take a long time to work and are less effective than pills for severe cases, they are a good option for those with mild toenail fungus or those who cannot take oral medications.
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Frequently asked questions
A nail fungus will cause the nail to become discoloured, thickened, distorted, and easy to break.
Treatment options include antifungal pills, creams, gels, sprays, patches, and oral antibiotics. In more severe cases, surgical removal of the nail may be recommended.
Nail fungus can be very difficult to cure completely. While there are a variety of treatment options available, some infections recur and may require permanent nail removal.
Some popular home remedies for nail fungus include ozonized sunflower oil, baking soda, Vicks VapoRub, and vinegar and hydrogen peroxide.
If treatments from a pharmacy don’t work, your GP or healthcare provider may prescribe antifungal tablets or other prescription treatments.
