Can You Use Nail Polish If You Have Toenail Fungus

Which Treatment Is Right For Me

Nail fungus is usually harmless. But many people find discolored or thickened nails unpleasant to look at and want to get rid of the fungus as soon as possible. Fungal nail infections can also spread, and may infect other people. Regardless of the treatment you choose, it will take a while until the nail looks normal again. Its especially important to be patient where toenails are concerned. It can take a year for a healthy big toenail to grow back. Nail fungus can sometimes be very persistent despite treatment. It can also come back after successful treatment.

Topical treatment isnt likely to get rid of a fungal nail infection. Treatment with tablets is considerably more effective and takes less time. But some people cant take tablets because of the very rare, yet serious risks. How you feel about the pros and cons of the different treatment options is a personal matter. You can also discuss the options with your doctor.

How To Trim Toenails With Fungus

This article was co-authored by and by wikiHow staff writer, Megaera Lorenz, PhD. Marta Nagorska is a Nail Technician and Nail Art Blogger based in London, UK. She runs the blog, Furious Filer, where she gives tutorials on nail care and advanced nail art. She has been practicing nail art for over 5 years and graduated from Northampton College with distinction with a Nail Technician and Manicurist degree in 2017. She has been awarded the top spot in the OPI Nail Art Competition.There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 54,603 times.

Fungal infections can thicken your toenails, making them difficult to trim. You might also be worried about spreading the infection to your other nails during trimming. Fortunately, you can make the trimming process safer and easier by choosing the right tools and softening your nails before you trim them. You can also protect your healthy nails by properly disinfecting your nail care tools after each use.

How Can I Tell If I Have Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus usually starts subtly, so you might not notice anything different with your nail immediately. After a while, though, you see some noticeable differences that indicate a fungal condition. Nails become:

• Thicker
• Discolored
• Tender

Because a nail infected with a fungus is compromised, it can also break or split easily. As the condition progresses, itchiness and pain can occur, and the nail becomes separated from the nail bed.

Also Check: What Is The Best Remedy For Toe Fungus

How Do Dermatologists Treat A Fungal Nail Infection

Treatment usually begins with your dermatologist trimming your infected nail, cutting back each infected nail to the place where it attaches to your finger or toe. Your dermatologist may also scrape away debris under the nail. This helps get rid of some fungus.

To completely get rid of the infection, most people also need one or more of the following treatments:

Medicine you apply to the nail: If you have a mild infection, a medicine that you apply to your nails may get rid of the infection. This treatment helps keep new fungus out while the nails grow. Fingernails typically grow out in four to six months. Toenails take longer, usually takes 12 to 18 months.

Probably the most difficult part of this treatment is remembering to use it as often as prescribed. Some treatments must be applied every day. Others you apply once a week. To get the best results, its essential that you apply these medicines exactly as directed.

The US Food and Drug Administration has approved the following medicines that you apply to the nail to treat nail fungus:

• Amorolfine

• Efinaconazole

• Tavaborole

Side effects from these medicines are generally mild. Possible side effects include redness and swelling, an ingrown toenail, and stinging or burning when you apply the medicine. In clinical trials, none of these side effects caused patients to stop using the treatment.

The FDA has approved the following systemic medicines to treat nail fungus:

• Fluconazole

• Itraconazole

• Terbinafine

Drs Remedy Enriched Nail Polish Best Antifungal Nail Polish

Dr.s Remedy Enriched Nail Polish is one of the most powerful antifungal nail polish on the market today. When it comes to hiding toenail fungus, Dr.s Remedy Enriched Nail Polish will give you a look you want with the treatment that you need. It is available in a variety of aesthetically pleasing colors, such as Playful Pink, Brave Berry, Amity Amethyst, Resilient Rose and more.

If you want to cover up your nails then we strongly recommend using Dr.s Remedy Enriched Nail Polish on Amazon. If your nail fungus is at an early stage, which would be discolored nails, you can apply one or two coats and have a very attractive nail in no time. This polish can also be worn on your toenails up to three weeks and up to a week on your fingernails.

Read Also: What Is A Good Home Remedy For Foot Fungus

How To Prevent A Nail Infection In The First Place

Trim your nails carefullyingrown nails can arise from cutting nails too short at the edges, since as they grow out they can catch skin. Cut nails straight across and get rid of any pointy corners. And never share clippers, as this can spread infection from person to person even consider bringing your own tools to a professional mani or pedi.

Its also important to wash your feet with soapy water, being sure to get in between your toes, to prevent fungus or bacteria from building up and be sure to dry them thoroughly, since fungus loves a moist environment. Wear breathable socks and use antifungal spray or powder if going sock-less.

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Final Thoughts On Covering Nail Fungus

If you are hoping to use fake toenails for covering fungus, you may want to wait until you have completed treatment and are fungus free.

Fake nails can be a great way to hide unattractive damage, but its best to check with your doctor so you can make sure your toenails heal and remain healthy.

Have you tried using fake nails to cover up toenail fungus?

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Practice Good Nail Hygiene

One of the best ways to leave your nails looking good without nail polish is to make sure they are always clean and trimmed.

Letting your toenails grow too long, though, can make it easier for fungal spores to accumulate underneath. Keeping your nails clipped straight across will make it harder for a fungus to grow.

Can You Use Nail Polish If You Have Nail Fungus

In Chicago, foot fungus is a common problem among people who frequently patronize nail salons. Fungal infections are easily spread from person to person via whirlpool footpaths and pedicure instruments, and once youve contracted the infection, its difficult to get rid of. The high risk of infections is why podiatrists often recommend the use of at-home pedicure kits instead. If you already have fungal toenails, you might be tempted to give your nails a quick swipe with nail polish to cover up the discoloration and deformed look.

Unfortunately, covering up toenail fungus with ordinary nail polish will only help the fungus thrive. Plus, no amount of nail polish can cover up the thickened, bumpy nails. Instead, see a podiatrist for professional foot fungus treatment. You could also use medicated, anti-fungal nail polish. Medicated nail polish shouldnt allow the fungus to grow worse, and it may even help fight the infection. However, anti-fungal nail polish isnt an effective substitute for proper medical care.

Recommended Reading: Can Tea Tree Oil Be Used For Toenail Fungus

Can Toenail Fungus Spread Through Nail Polish

The answer here isnt so clear cut. Its kind of a yes, but maybe not in quite the way you might expect.

In terms of direct spread of the fungus from nail to nail through a bottle of polish, the chances of this happening are fairly low. A bottle of polish isnt exactly the most conducive environment for fungal growth.

However, while the risk is low, it isnt exactly zero, either. We would still strongly recommend you not share nail polish with any other person, whether at home or at the salon.

The bigger concern is that simply wearing nail polish in the first place can make your toenails more susceptible to fungal infection. Even a clear coat of polish can make nails more brittle, crumbly, and less breathable, especially if you keep your toenails painted for more than a week at a time. This makes you more likely to contract toenail fungus, especially if you already have athletes foot or a fungal infection on a different toenail.

Our final verdict, then, is that you should only use nail polish in moderation , and you should avoid sharing your polish with anyone else. If you want to be extra safe, you can get separate bottles for your infected and non-infected toes.

Nail Fungus: Polish Cream Or Tablets

Nail fungus can be very persistent. Topical treatment with nail polish may take up to one year. Tablets for treating fungal nail infections usually have to be taken for several weeks or months. They are much more effective than topical treatments, but they have more side effects.

Brittle nails and a whitish-yellowish or brownish discoloration are typical signs of nail fungus. The nails may also become thicker and change shape. The affected part of the nail sometimes detaches from the nail bed. The treatment options for nail fungus include nail polishes and creams as well as tablets. Nail polishes and creams are available in pharmacies without a prescription.

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Different Types Of Fake Nails

Before you consider using fake nails to cover up issues due to fungus, you may want to double check with your doctor.

Sometimes it is simply best to wait until your nails have healed from the fungal infection before attempting to cover up the damage.

You may also want to consult and work with a nail technician, since they are well versed in how to apply nails in a clean and sanitary fashion.

But before you speak to the professionals, its worth knowing exactly what type of fake nails are on offer for toenail fungus sufferers.

Can Toenail Fungus Contaminate Nail Polish

If you use nail polish while you have toenail fungus, its more likely that it will contaminate the tools you use to apply it. It spreads quickly and easily. Each time you use the same nail brush, you could be spreading the condition to other toes. Perhaps you share your polishes with roommates?

The nail brush dipping back into the polish could cause the infection to contaminate things. But its more likely that the application of the polish with the same brush is the culprit, not the polish itself.

Also Check: How To Get Rid Of Fungus On Tomato Plants

Is There Any Hope

So is this story just a total bummer for toenail-fungus sufferers like poor Liz?

Im just so over it, she said with a deep sigh, admitting that she has toenail envy when she sees people who have pretty, freshly pedicured feet.

No, says Tracey Vlahovic. In fact, the FDA has just approved a new topical treatment for fungus, the brand name is Jublia. Canadian drugmaker Valeant Pharmaceuticals expects sales of $800 million in the U.S. And another product will come out shortly.

Its a class of antifungals were all familiar with, Vlahovic said. The data there is very nice, its beautiful, and I think that patients will really like the further topical options that are coming out.

The new topicals have higher cure rates than topical options currently on the market and they can be used under nail polish, something thats very important to many women who have nail fungus.

Vlahovic says there is currently a lot of movement in this field, which has been stagnant for a while but even with better treatments, patients have to accept one bitter truth: There is no quick fix for this.

Nothing is going to work within a week. Nothing is going to work within a month, you must give things time, Vlahovic said.

So, if any person or product promises you to cure this thing quickly just dont buy it.

How To Make Nails Look Better With Fungus

Anyone with nail fungus will do whatever it takes to make their nails look more attractive. The best way to make your nails look better with fungus is by treating them. Nail fungus needs to be treated properly before considering to just covering it up with something like a normal nail polish. its normal to want to cover up your nails or change the appearance somehow.

If you do want to cover them up i recommend using a antifungal nail polish, you can check Dr.s REMEDY Anniversary 3 Piece Boxed Set on Amazon. its a powerful treatment that helps to treat nail fungus while providing a beautiful cover-up solution. The polish can be worn on toenails for up to 3 weeks at a time and up to a week on fingernails.

Dr.s REMEDY Anniversary 3 Piece Boxed Set is one of the most popular antifungal nail polish on the market today. Its also the only polish with the American podiatric association seal of approval. As you can see the formula was developed by doctors. If you catch nail fungus in early stage you can use a few coats to get the desired effects. The polish is available in a variety of colors such as resilient rose, brave berry, playful pink, clarity coral and more. No one will know the difference between it and regular nail polish.

Read Also: Will Listerine Kill Toe Fungus

How Effective Are Tablets In Treating Nail Fungus

Tablets for the treatment of nail fungus have been tested in several studies. All participants had an infection on their toenails caused by a skin fungus. Overall, the study results showed that tablets are considerably more effective than nail polishes or creams.

One year after a three-month treatment with terbinafine:

• About 17 out of 100 people who didnt have this treatment no longer had a detectable fungal nail infection.
• About 76 out of 100 people who had this treatment no longer had a detectable fungal nail infection.

In other words, the treatment with terbinafine got rid of the fungal infection in about 59 out of 100 people.

Itraconazole also proved to be effective. After one year,

• 7 out of 100 people who didnt have this treatment no longer had a detectable fungal nail infection.
• About 43 out of 100 people who had this treatment no longer had a detectable fungal nail infection.

In other words, the treatment with itraconazole got rid of the fungal infection in about 36 out of 100 people.

Some studies directly compared itraconazole and terbinafine with each other. They confirm that terbinafine is somewhat more effective than itraconazole.

Treatment with breaks is thought to be about as effective as continuous treatment. But that has only been looked into in a few studies.

Toenail Fungus: Causes And Risk Factors

Toenail fungus is a fungal infection in the toenail. It happens when a fungus anything from mold to yeast to other types of fungus gets in the nail bed from a cut or break in the nail or repetitive trauma to the nail, and penetrates the nail itself, says Dr. Sundling. The nail then continues to grow with the fungus. Once a nail plate is infected with fungus, it will never not be infected, and you must wait to see how it grows out and whether the new nail growing behind it is healthy. The new nail rarely grows in healthy without treatment, says Sundling.

Toenail fungus is very common 14 percent of people have it in North America, according to an article published in the journal PLoS Pathogens and its more common the older you get, adds Sundling. Wearing shoes that are too small can damage the nail and make it more vulnerable to fungus, as can having a fungal infection on the skin of the foot and not treating it, which could expose the nail to fungus. You may be more at risk to toenail fungus if you have diabetes, or a weaker immune system.

Also Check: What To Use For Fungus On Toes

Best Medicated Nail Polish: Arishine Toenail Fungus Treatment

• Treats discoloration, brittleness, and cracked nails

• Easy, on-the-go treatment

• Only works on nail plates

• Treatment process can be slow

The Arishine Toenail Treatment has the design and convenience of a pencil. Perfect for storing in a bag or pocket while at work, the repair pencil allows you to use a paintable nail polish on your infected toenail three times a day with ease to treat a nail fungal issue.

The Arishine treatment uses two percent deacetylated chitin, three percent O-hydroxybenzoic acid, and Angelica dahurica as active ingredients to get rid of fungus and heal the damage. This solution can help treat discoloration, brittleness, split, rough, and cracked nails. Ultimately, this medicated nail polish can lead to stronger and healthier nails.

Arishine is made of natural ingredients and does not conduct animal testing. Treatment requires three applications a day and should be used for four to 12 weeks, although improvement may be visible in as few as two weeks. Arishine offers customers a satisfaction guarantee.

Active Ingredients: Deacetylated chitin , O-hydroxybenzoic acid , and Angelica dahurica | Dose: Applicator automatically delivers correct amount with two to three clicks. Apply around nail on cuticles and under nail bed. | Uses: Treats fungus infection on and around nails helps heal discolored, brittle nails