A relatively frequent ailment is toenail fungus, or "onychomycosis" as it is known in medicine. It can be contracted by going through a damp locker room or pool deck, or by perspiring while wearing shoes all day. Warm, damp conditions are ideal for nail fungus. If you notice white, brown, or yellow patches on your toenail, you have toenail fungus. Your nail may become thicker and eventually begin to lift off your toe.
Fungus under nails doesn't go away on its own. Furthermore, it has the potential to worsen and cause walking discomfort if left untreated. It could also penetrate your body and other nails.
Fortunately, there are several approaches to handling it.
Prescription medications for toenail fungus
Creams, sprays, and gels such as Penlac's ciclopirox, Jublia's efinaconazole, and Kerydin's tavaborole are among them. The treatments work best for surface fungus since they don't get into your nail bed. If you use it every day, it can take a year to see the fungus disappear. To enable the substance to sink deeper into your nail, your podiatrist will probably clip and file away any dead layers from your nail. In order to confirm that the condition is indeed a fungus and to identify its kind, they could also remove a small portion of your nail and send it to a lab.
Antifungal tablets, such as terbinafine (Lamisil) and itraconazole (Sporanox), are more effective than lotions and gels. Although you take them for 12 weeks on average, the fungus could not go away entirely for up to 10 months. These tablets work really well, but your doctor has to keep an eye on you while you take them since terbinafine might harm your liver and itraconazole can interfere with other prescriptions. They also have adverse consequences include headaches, nausea, and vomiting.
Nail removal
If the infection is deep and has been present for some time, your doctor may recommend that you have all or part of your nail removed. Your nail might be removed surgically or non-surgically. For nonsurgical therapy, your doctor will apply urea ointment to the infected nail surface and wrap it in plastic and tape. The lotion softens the nail beds. After around ten days, the doctor can remove the infected nail from the nail bed or simply cut off the unhealthy portion of the nail.
For surgical treatment, your doctor will first administer an analgesic to keep you comfortable. Then they will use a specific instrument to loosen the skin surrounding your nail before removing it from the toe. This surgery is seldom performed.
A new nail generally grows back, although it might take a year or more. While it grows back, your doctor will most likely prescribe a lotion or other medication to apply to your nail bed to keep fungus at bay.
Over-the-counter toenail fungal remedise
Antifungal creams, gels, sprays, and patches can be purchased without a prescription at pharmacies or online. These include clotrimazole (Lotrimin) and terbinafine (Lamisil). (Terbinafine cream is available over the counter, but tablets require a prescription.
OTC medications are best for moderate toenail fungus and might take months to work. While you're using them, file or trim away any white marks on your nails. Soak your nails with water and dry them before applying the medicinal ointment.
It's worth noting that most over-the-counter medications are insufficient to treat moderate or severe toenail fungus. You will need prescription medicines for this.
Laser therapy for toenail fungus
Because of the potential negative effects of medicines, some patients seek laser therapy. There are several forms of laser treatments, but in general, the laser burns the nail layers containing the fungus and attempts to destroy its genetic material. Treatments last around 30 minutes and are not covered by insurance. You normally require at least two treatments, 5-6 weeks apart, and the results will take roughly two months after the first treatment.
The effectiveness of laser therapy has been studied, and the results are equivocal. The American Academy of Dermatology states that, while laser therapy appears "promising," further study is needed to determine whether it is safe and effective.
Antifungal nail polish.
Your doctor may prescribe an antifungal medication that you apply to your nails. This will resemble a colorless nail varnish and will include a medicine such as ciclopirox. You'll be given instructions on how often to use it, but typically, you apply it to the afflicted toenail once a day, every day. Allow it to dry for 30 seconds before putting on socks or shoes. Once a week, use rubbing alcohol to remove the polish and as much of the infected nail as possible, then trim or cut it.
It may take 6 months or longer for your nails to improve. According to studies, antifungal nail polish is far less effective than medications, therefore your doctor may recommend combining the two medicines to improve your results.
How to tell whether the toenail fungus is dying.
Your nails may still look bad until the fungus clears up, but one indicator that the toenail fungus is dying is the appearance of a healthy nail growing back at the base of your toe, distinct from the unhealthy nail. The healthy nail shall be natural in color and not thick. Keep in mind that a toenail might take 12 to 18 months to grow out.
Make sure you complete any medicine that you doctor has prescribed for you. If you stop taking it when your toenail starts to appear healthier, you risk enabling some latent fungus to come back. If you suspect your fungus has reappeared (changes in nail color or texture, swelling or irritation), consult your doctor.
Tea Tree Oil for Nail Fungus
This is derived from the distillation of tea tree leaves, an Australian shrub. It has traditionally been used as an antiseptic (to kill germs) and has been studied for the treatment of various skin diseases such as acne.
In one trial, tea tree oil was administered to the afflicted nail twice daily for six months. The cure rate for toenail fungus was found to be comparable to using the cream clotrimazole. Another research found no benefit after taking tea tree oil, although it only lasted 8 weeks, so possibly more time was required.
Vicks VapoRub for Nail Fungus.
Almost everyone has a jar of this at home to treat coughs, but some people believe it can also assist with toenail fungus. The rub includes camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol, all of which have antifungal qualities. Using a cotton swab, apply it to the afflicted toe once a day. In a tiny trial of 18 participants, 28% were entirely healed of toenail fungus after 48 weeks (almost a year), whereas 56% were only partially treated.
Apple cider vinegar to treat toenail fungus
Vinegar fights fungus, however no research have been conducted to determine if it may cure toenail fungus. If you want to try it, combine one part apple cider vinegar and three parts warm water. Soak your feet for at least 10 minutes, preferably longer (up to 40 minutes).
Baking soda for toenail fungus.
A small research discovered that treating damaged nail samples with baking soda prevented fungal development in 79% of cases and decreased it in 17% of cases when compared to samples that were not treated with baking soda. This was after seven days of therapy. This implies baking soda is more likely to prevent fungus than to destroy them. Some individuals recommend soaking your feet in baking soda, while others form a paste to apply to your toes. You may also apply baking soda on your feet to absorb moisture.
Alternative home cures for toenail fungus
Other cures you may encounter on the internet include Listerine mouthwash and snakeroot extract, which is derived from a sunflower plant. One research indicated that snakeroot extract was just as effective as the medication ciclopirox. The extract was administered in the form of nail polish over a 6-month period.
The advantage of utilizing home remedies is that the components have no adverse effects, so it is not a bad idea to try them. However, many of these simply treat the symptoms, not the illness itself. If you suspect you have toenail fungus, see your doctor before depending solely on home remedies.
To alleviate the strain and agony associated with toenail fungus treatment, keep your nails clipped. You may also file your nail bed to make it thinner.
Toe Fungus Treatment Side Effects
The primary antifungal medications have adverse effects. Terbinafine may cause:
- An itching rash.
- Headaches
- Diarrhea
- Nausea or stomachache.
In certain situations, it can harm your liver, therefore your doctor will frequently perform a blood test to ensure this does not happen.
Itraconazole causes the following adverse effects:
- Diarrhea and constipation
- Gas or bloating.
- Headache
- Stomachache
Certain medicines, such as Pepcid AC and Prilosec, might interact poorly with itraconazole, so tell your doctor what else you're taking before starting itraconazole. It can also occasionally cause liver issues.
The primary adverse effect of ciclopirox is redness in the area where it is applied. In rare situations, you may experience discomfort, itching, burning, or leaking where you apply it.
How To Prevent Toenail Fungus
Even if you treat the infection, it is possible that it may return. So, take these easy actions to help avoid that:
- Keep your feet clean and dry.
- Wear shower shoes on wet pool decks, public restrooms, and locker rooms. Many people pick up fungus when wandering barefoot in public settings.
- If a family member has toenail fungus, use flip-flops or shower shoes in the shower to avoid getting it from them. Use a different shower if feasible.
- Replace your shoes and socks every day. Wear ones that breathe and aren't overly tight. Acrylic socks are actually more effective at removing perspiration than cotton socks.
- Make sure your nail shop sanitizes its instruments.Soak your nails in warm water before cutting them, or cut them immediately after a shower.
- Trim your nails short and straight across. Do not round the edges. To avoid fungus, keep your toenails shorter than the ends of your toes.
- Do not tear your nails on purpose. Fungus can infiltrate through torn nails.
- Consult your doctor if you believe your toenail fungus has reappeared.
Takeaways
Toenail fungus is a common ailment that can take a long time to resolve. Be patient and use the medication or cream that your doctor has prescribed for as long as required. Wearing shower shoes or flip-flops in public settings such as locker rooms or swimming pool decks can help prevent toenail fungus. Home remedies work best when combined with prescribed medicine for quicker results.
Toenail Fungus Treatment FAQs
What destroys toenail fungus instantly?
Nothing eliminates toenail fungus immediately away. It might take anywhere from 6 to 18 months for your nails to return to normal.
What is the fastest way to kill toenail fungus?
A prescription medicine, such as terbinafine, will work faster than a home treatment, but it must be used for at least 12 weeks.
How can I cure toenail fungus myself?
You may use over-the-counter antifungal lotions, gels, and nail paints, as well as homemade therapies such as Vicks VapoRub or tea tree oil. Make careful to cut and thin your nails while doing this. Give it a few months to improve. Depending on the severity of your fungus, you may still need to consult a doctor.
What happens if you don't cure toenail fungus?
It can spread to other toes or regions of the body, resulting in athlete's foot or jock itch. Diabetes increases your chances of developing chronic sores. Diabetes increases your chances of developing complications beyond basic foot problems.