What Are The Most Effective Treatments For Toenail Fungus
The experts at Easton Dermatology Associates offer treatment customized to your exact situation, whether youve just noticed an irregularity with your toenail or youve been battling fungus for a while. Treatment options include:
- Prescription oral antifungal medications
- Topical nail cream
- Special antifungal nail polish that allows your nails to breathe
No matter what treatment you adopt, patience is key. It can take several months to clear up toenail fungus because even nails that grow at an average rate dont grow rapidly. We treat your fungus until its a thing of the past, and we also advise you on how to prevent a recurrence.
Its much easier to solve the problem when youre in the early stages of infection, before it becomes too advanced.
Do at either of our locations in Easton or Salisbury, Maryland, so we can start helping you eliminate embarrassing and persistent nail fungus problems ASAP. When next summer rolls around, you can be back in those oh-so-chic sandals!
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How Should I Use Lotrimin Af Cream
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Do not take by mouth. Lotrimin AF Cream is for use only on the skin.
Wash your hands before and after using Lotrimin AF Cream, unless you are using it to treat a hand infection.
Clean and dry the affected area. Apply a small amount of the cream for 2 to 4 weeks.
Do not cover the treated skin area unless your doctor tells you to. Avoid using bandages or dressings that do not allow air circulation. A light cotton-gauze dressing may be used to protect clothing.
Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antifungal medicine.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Can Otc Products Like Antifungal Nail Polish Cure An Infection
Substances like tea tree oil, coniferous resin lacquer, snake root extract, or ozonized sunflower oil have shown antifungal activities in invitro studies, but their action is minimal and not recommended, says James McGuire, D.P.M., associate professor at Temple Universitys School of Podiatric Medicine. In general, you are probably wasting your money and would do better to consult your podiatrist when you first notice a problem arise.
Unfortunately, antifungal nail polish is almost a definite no-no. If you have a fungal infection you want treatment, and nail polish is not treatment, says Dr. Andersen. It can even block light and air, which helps fight the infection, and it can make it harder for any topical treatment you are using to penetrate and do its job.
The one time its OK to paint one on: For a night out. This is when you could use an antifungal polish product, says Dr. Andersen. They provide a better environment than general nail polish, but dont use them for treatment and remove as soon as you get home. For special events, try Dr.s Remedy polish.
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Toe Fungus Journeys Verdict
Honestly, there is a lot of products out there they have some bold claims of being able to cure ailments fast. When I see these types of things I normally stay away especially when they make claims of curing something within a week.
But in the case of Lotrimin Ultra, its the real deal and it works. If you have athletes foot or some other fungal infection that can be cured by Lotrimin Ultra then I recommend picking it up and giving it a try.
After seeing my personal results and being able to be comfortable to walk around barefoot again, I cant recommend it enough. Remember, fungal infections or anything for that matter never tends to get better on their own. So take control of your life and get started today.
How Should This Medicine Be Used
Topical clotrimazole comes as a cream and liquid to apply to the skin. It is usually applied twice a day . Follow the directions on the package label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use clotrimazole exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than directed on the package or as directed by your doctor.
Topical clotrimazole is only for use on the skin. Do not let clotrimazole get into your eyes and do not swallow the medication. Clotrimazole does not work on the scalp or nails.
If you are using clotrimazole to treat jock itch, your symptoms should improve over 2 weeks of treatment. If you are using clotrimazole to treat athlete’s foot or ringworm, your symptoms should improve over 4 weeks of treatment. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve during this time or if your symptoms get worse at any time during your treatment.
To use topical clotrimazole, wash the affected area and dry thoroughly. Then apply a small amount of cream or liquid to cover the affected area of skin with a thin layer.
If you are treating athlete’s foot, pay special attention to the spaces between the toes when applying clotrimazole. Also, be sure to wear well-fitting shoes that allow for air circulation, and change shoes and socks at least once a day.
If you are using the liquid, do not apply it to any severely cracked or irritated areas.
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The One Thing I Disliked About Lotrimin Ultra
So, the product works amazing. It literally does what it says it does on the label which is clear up your athletes foot within a week. But my only problem with it is that it comes in some sort of tin-like/metal container which makes it kind of difficult to get the cream out when you get towards the end.
Im a person that likes to get every drop out and with this packaging, it is very difficult. Its not much of an issue but just a little challenging. I prefer when the tubes are plastic and are easy to get every last drop. But its not like that remaining .05% of the ointment left in the tube is a big deal.
Staying One Step Ahead Of Toenail Fungus
An established fungal infection is hard to eradicate, but you can stop its spread and improve your toenail’s appearance.
Toenail fungus isn’t a pressing health problem. Yet a fungal infection can ruin the appearance of your nails and cause pain as it lifts the nail away from the nail bed. And fungal infections are notoriously difficult to get rid of. “You may want to consider fungal toenail a condition to be managed rather than cured,” says Dr. James P. Ioli, chief of the podiatry service at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
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What Should I Know About Storage And Disposal Of This Medication
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture .
It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location â one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach.
Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.
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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There are multiple treatments for toenail fungus, though some are faster than others. The fastest way to eliminate the infection is through toenail laser treatment. Laser nail therapy specifically targets the microorganisms under your nail while leaving the keratin intact. In just a few treatments, the infection can be entirely eliminated. This allows your toenail to regrow healthy, clear keratin that then pushes out the old, discolored, damaged areas.
Traditional fungal nail treatments take a little longer to work. Topical medications have to be applied every day to the infected nails for as long as it takes to destroy the infectionwhich can be months. Oral medication is more efficient, since it travels through the blood stream to combat the fungus. Depending on your situation, you may have to take pills for a few weeks to a few months.
Few Vetted Treatment Options
For years, its been slim pickings in terms of pharmaceuticals. There is a topical called Penlac that seems to work sometimes for very mild cases. Laser treatments sometimes make the nails look a bit better but have not been proven to kill the fungus. Then there are pills that people have to take for several months. The oral medications such as Lamisil or Nizoral are effective, but many people are afraid of them because of potential side effects, including a negative impact on kidney and liver function. Vlahovic admits the search for a cure has been a bit sluggish.
Its not something that people are jumping at doing research on, because you dont have the instant gratification as you would if you would do a clinical trial for athletes foot that only lasts for six weeks, Vlahovic said. Toenail treatment trials have to last for at least a year and that makes them costly.
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Are Lamisil And Lotrimin Safe To Use While Pregnant Or Breastfeeding
Lamisil
There are no adequate studies in pregnant women. Since nail fungus treatment can be delayed until after pregnancy there is no reason to use oral terbinafine during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding mothers should not use oral terbinafine because terbinafine passes into breast milk.
Lotrimin
Clotrimazole is very poorly absorbed into the blood and the body after application to the skin or the vagina. Studies in women in their second or third trimesters of pregnancy have demonstrated no ill effects. No data is available in pregnant women during their first trimester. Rats given large amounts of clotrimazole via the vagina have demonstrated no ill effects. The oral troche has not been adequately evaluated in pregnant women.
It is not known if clotrimazole is secreted in breast milk.
Other Oral Medications That Are Available To Treat Toenail Fungus
Oral fluconazole for toenail fungus treatment
Oral fluconazole is another pill sometimes used to treat toenail fungus. But its not a great alternative to terbinafine and itraconazole. Its not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for this use, and it doesnt work as well in head-to-head comparisons. Not only that, it needs to be taken once a week for at least 3 to 6 months.
Noxafil for toenail fungus treatment
A new medication used in the treatment of toenail fungus is posaconazole , a liquid taken by mouth. Noxafil appears to be an effective option, but the cost makes it difficult for anyone to afford.
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Tips To Avoid Toenail Fungus: Easy To Catch Hard To Kill
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If toenail fungus gets into the nail bed, the fungus eats and digests the keratin in the nail, and that causes discoloration and thickening of the nail.
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Allure Nail Salon in Center City lines their pedicure tubs with plastic to keep clean.
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Allure Nail Salon in Center City is known for its cleanliness.
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Allure Nail Salon in Center City cleans their instruments with disinfectant before placing them into a UV sterilizing machine.
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Every customer at Allure Nail Salon in Center City gets to take their file and buffer home.
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Allure Nail Salon in Center City lines their pedicure tubs with plastic to keep clean.
Its sandal weather, the pool and beach beckon and that means naked, exposed toes. That thought fills millions of Americans with dread, because they are host to an organism thats ruining the appearance of their nails.
They are keratin-loving species, explained Temple University podiatrist Tracey Vlahovic. Her sub-specialty within that field is dermatology, so, pretty much anything that makes the rest of us go yuck. I dont think its yuck. I think its fantastic. I love treating fungus and warts, said Vlahovic with a chuckle.
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.
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Lotrimin Ultra For Pets
Lotrimin Ultra has clotrimazole cream as the active ingredient can be used on both dogs and cats. This product is used to treat ringworm and other fungal infections. This ointment is also effective for Malassezia pachydermatitis and Microsporum canis.
Do not use clotrimazole cream in your pets eyes, ears, or nose and do not use it longer than 14 days unless stated otherwise by your veterinarian.
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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.