How To Get Rid Of Toenail Fungus
First, the bad news: Dr. Jenkins and Dr. Spielfogel both admit that toenail fungus is extremely hard to treat, especially at home.
“The most effective treatment is an oral systemic antifungal medication, such as Lamisil, once per day for 12 weeks,” says Dr. Jenkins. “It cures around 75% of patients, but 25% won’t be cured and will need repeat treatment or even a surgical treatment, like removing the toenail.”
For the most part, Dr. Jenkins says Lamisil is generally safe for use, though it canin rare casescause liver enzyme abnormalities. She adds that this side effect is almost never seen in children, and that your doctor will monitor these enzymes and perform frequent blood work during your course of treatment to ensure Lamisil is not negatively affecting your liver.
If you’re still concerned about Lamisil as a treatment option or you have an existing medical condition that prevents you from safely taking it, your doctor may prescribe a topical treatment instead…but those take a lot longer to work and only have a 25%-30% cure rate.
Finally, you can try a home remedy for toenail funguswhile most of them aren’t terribly effective, they don’t come with many side effects, either. If your toenail fungus is mild, you might be able to see results over time.
If you’re going to attempt an at-home remedy, it’s important to give your toenail some extra TLC, says Dr. Spielfogel: “Keeping the area clean and dry may help keep the infection under control.”
Scientifically Proven Ingredients And Dosages
The first and most important metric was the use of ingredients and dosages that were supported by scientific evidence. You want your toenail fungus supplement to start working as soon as possible. The more scientifically proven ingredients and dosages a formula contains the higher the formula’s rating.
Nail Fungus: Symptoms Causes And Treatment
Changes in nail color and appearance can signify a nail fungus infection, but does nail fungus hurt? This is a question that many people ask themselves as to whether their nails may be suffering from this condition, medically called onychomycosis. The truth is that at first, the fungal infection manifests itself with significant changes in the nail, which tends to thicken, acquire a yellowish tone or darken, be more fragile and opaque. However, when the infection progresses, the symptoms can worsen, and the nail can break, detach and thicken, causing pain, discomfort, and significant discomfort. In the following FastlyHealarticle, we detail the question: does nail fungus hurt? And we also show what the causes and treatment of this condition are.
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Changes In The Toenail
Mild toenail fungus symptoms include dull toenails that lack luster. Some yellowing might be present. The early beginnings of infection include a small white or yellow spot on the tip of the toenail. The nail may be dry and brittle. Eventually, the fungus will spread from the superficial area of the toenail into the nail bed.
- Mild toenail fungus symptoms include dull toenails that lack luster.
- The nail may be dry and brittle.
How Do I Know If I Have A Fungal Nail Infection
Because other infections can affect the nail and mimic symptoms of a fungal nail infection, the only way to confirm a diagnosis is to see a doctor. Theyll take a scraping of the nail and look under a microscope for signs of fungus.
In some cases, your doctor may send the sample to a lab for analysis and identification.
Over-the-counter products arent usually recommended to treat nail infections since they dont provide reliable results. Instead, your doctor may prescribe an oral antifungal medication, such as:
- terbinafine
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How Is Toenail Fungus Treated
Toenail fungus is notoriously tricky to treat. You may need to treat the condition for several months to get rid of the fungus. Still, toenail fungus often comes back.
A dermatologist or podiatrist can explain your treatment options. If you have a mild case that doesnt bother you, your provider may recommend no treatment.
Toenail fungus treatment options include:
- Oral antifungal medication: You take prescribed medication, such terbinafine , itraconazole and fluconazole , to treat the fungi. You will need to take this medication every day for several months . Your provider may use blood tests to check for potential medication side effects. These medications can affect the liver and interact with other medications, so oral antifungals are not for everyone.
- Topical medication: You regularly apply a medication right on the nail. The medication treats the fungi over time. Topical medications are most effective when paired with oral medications.
- Laser treatments: Your provider directs a high-tech laser beam and special lights at the toenail to treat the fungus. Lasers are FDA approved for temporary increase of clear nail in nail fungus but is not a cure. Cure rates for laser treatment are lower than oral and topical mediations so they are not typically used as first-line treatments for nail fungus.
How To Get Rid Of Toe Fungus
This article was co-authored by . Dr. Mark Co is a Podiatrist who runs his own private practice in San Francisco, California. Dr. Co specializes in treatments for bunions, ingrown toenails, toenail fungus, warts, plantar fasciitis and other causes of foot pain. He also offers custom orthotics for the treatment and prevention of foot and ankle issues. Dr. Co completed a Master of Business Administration at New York University and an MA in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Co also completed his DPM at the California School of Podiatric Medicine and a residency and internship at the Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Santa Clara, California. Dr. Co was awarded San Franciscos Top 3 Podiatrists in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Dr. Co is also a member of the CPMA .There are 15 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 96% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 1,477,639 times.
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Signs Of A Toenail Fungal Infection
- Discolored toenails. Nails can be brown, black, white, or yellow. Usually a small area changes color at first and it slowly spreads.
- Thickened toenails. Over time, the nail becomes thick, material builds up under the nail, and the nail can develop an irregular shape, grooves, or a crumbling appearance.
- Affects one or more toenails. The fungus may spread to other toenails. The big toe is most commonly affected. The fungus can also occur in fingernails.
- Starts at the end or side of the toenail. The infection gradually spreads toward the cuticle.
- Usually painless unless there are skin changes or injury to the nail bed or if shoes press on the thick nail.
- Athletes foot. Some people will also have skin fungus on their feet, which looks like red, peeling skin between the toes.
Dr. Rx
Patients may say that they are embarrassed to go to the pool or the beach, or they avoid wearing sandals. They describe their nails as thick, crumbling, and abnormally colored. One patient described their nails as looking like an animals horn, which is pretty accurate. But they are so thrilled when they see results from treatment! Dr. Anne Jacobsen
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What Is Toenail Pain
There are many habits and conditions that can make your toenails hurt. For example, wearing shoes that are too tight or cutting your toenails too short can make your toenails hurt for a few days.
Toenails may also hurt because of more serious conditions like infections. People who have diabetes or problems with decreased blood flow are more likely to develop foot infections that can cause toenail pain.
In many cases, toenail pain can be treated at home. But you should call your doctor if at-home treatments dont work, your toenail pain worsens, or you notice drainage or pus around the nail.
Rarely, infections of the toe can become more serious and cause symptoms such as fever and nausea. In this case, you should go to the ER immediately.
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What The Research Tells Us
Research shows a similar effect among three widely used oral antifungal medications terbinafine, griseofulvin, and azoles, although all produce side effects. Overall, terbinafine appears to have a slightly better cure rate than either the azoles and griseofulvin, and slightly fewer side effects which commonly include headaches, viral infections and nausea . Both terbinafine and the azoles have a similar ability to prevent the recurrence of infection . Griseofulvin has a similar cure rate to the azoles, but produces more side effects, including headaches, stomach disturbances, loss of taste, nausea, and allergic reactions .If you have a fungal nail infection there are oral antifungal medications available that may help cure the fungus and get you back to enjoying open toed shoes again!
How Fungi Infect The Nail
Onchomycosis, or toenail fungal infection, is an invasion by a microscopic organism that thrives in warm, damp environments. Fungal spores are in the air, and they will grow if they land on a receptive surface like your toenail. They feed off the nail tissues, burrowing into the skin under the nail. Over time the nail thickens and may lift off the nail bed as fungal debris accumulates. Once your nail is raised off the nail bed, it won’t reattach, and a new nail won’t grow from that part of the nail bed. However, your nail will continue to grow from the root at the base.
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Whos At Risk For Fungal Infections
There are many different causes of fungal nail infections. Each cause has a treatment of its own. Although many of the causes of a fungal nail infection are preventable, some risk factors increase the likelihood of developing one. Youre more likely to develop a fungal nail infection if you:
- wear closed-toe shoes, such as tennis shoes or boots
Nail infections occur more often in men than in women, and the infections are found in adults more often than in children. If you have family members who often get these types of fungal infections, youre more likely to get them as well.
Older adults have a high risk for getting fungal nail infections because they have poorer circulation. The nails also grow more slowly and thicken as we age.
A fungal infection of the nail may affect part of the nail, the entire nail, or several nails.
Common signs of a fungal nail infection include:
- a distorted nail that may lift off from the nail bed
- an odor coming from the infected nail
- a brittle or thickened nail
Symptoms Of Fungal Nail Infection
The first signs of a fungal nail infection are usually perceptible changes to the appearance of the infected nail. It is uncommon for an infected nail to cause severe pain or permanent disfigurement, but this does occur in some cases. If left untreated, fungal nail infections can cause difficulties with walking, exercising or manual tasks such as typing. The main symptoms of onychomycosis include the nail becoming:
- Brittle
- Lifted away from the nail bed
- Mildly painful
These symptoms could also indicate that an individual is suffering from nail psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune skin disease which can affect the skin under the nail. Nail psoriasis is more common in the fingernails than the toenails and can co-occur with fungal infections of the nail. If you think you may be experiencing the first signs of nail psoriasis or a fungal nail infection, get a free symptom assessment by downloading the Ada app.
Good to know:In people with diabetes, fungal toenail infections can increase the likelihood of developing ulceration and other complications, so medical attention should always be sought if a fungal nail infection is suspected.
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Fungal Buster Wellness Oil
It is made up of certified organic and vegan ingredients, and it is used to treat fungal infections in the body. It is available in a liquid tincture form. According to some sources, applying two to three pumps of wellness oil to the affected area can help fight a fungal infection.
Fungal Buster Wellness Oil produces the best results when used with a damp washcloth. Apply the oil to the affected area with a wet washcloth after adding two to three oil pumps. According to some sources, by repeating this treatment daily, you may reduce the time it takes for your fungal infection to clear up. Because of this, your skin and nails can begin to heal more quickly than they would with any other formulas on this page.
These benefits are achieved using organic jojoba oil, tea tree essential oil, and lavender essential oil in the Fungal Buster Wellness Oil formulation. It is one of the most affordable fungus supplements on our list, costing only $17 per bottle.
Conditions That May Look Like Toenail Fungus
Several health conditions can affect the appearance of your toenails and may be mistaken for toenail fungus.
PsoriasisPsoriasis can cause red, scaly patches on the skin. More than half of people with skin psoriasis also have it on their nails. Toenails and fingernails affected by psoriasis may be thick, discolored, crumbly, or loose. Some people will have nail changes with psoriasis, and if it affects the matrix , then these changes are permanent, says Sheth.
Skin Cancer A discolored spot underneath a toenail may be a sign of melanoma, a potentially fatal form of skin cancer. Melanoma under a toenail usually looks like a brown or black streak or may appear similar to a bruise. Although this isnt common, its also not rare, says Sheth. Her advice: Its always good to check it out.
Darier Disease This genetic disorder typically causes yellowish, wartlike blemishes on the body. However, some people with Darier disease also have fingernail or toenail irregularities, such as nails that are marked with red and white streaks, according to Genetics Home Reference. Sheth notes, however, that shes never had a biopsy come back with a diagnosis of Darier disease.
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Best Toenail Fungus Supplements Reviewed
- Get link
Toenail Fungus infection is a common fungal condition that often begins as an infection on the foot and spreads to the toenails. It is caused by the growth of fungus on the nail bed. At the start of the infection, it appears as white and yellow spots growing beneath the nail beds. Nevertheless, if left untreated, the fungus will progress to a severe stage, hardening the nails and spreading to the other toes.
The athlete’s foot appears between the toes or on the soles of the feet. At this stage, treating the fungal infection with over-the-counter medications is much more straightforward than it was previously. However, according to Shari Lipner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medicine, toenail fungus can be challenging to treat because of the slow growth of the nails. In addition, the thicker the nail and the greater the number of nails affected by toenail fungus make it much more difficult to treat even with effective therapies.
It is critical to diagnose the fungal infection for treatments to be effective as soon as possible. If the condition becomes too severe, Dr. Lipner recommends that you see a board-certified dermatologist for proper treatment.
What Is Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus is a widespread fungal infection that affects the toenails. Less commonly, nail fungus infects the fingernails. Nail fungus is also called onychomycosis.
Toenail fungus happens when fungi get between the toenail and the toenail bed . This usually happens through a crack or cut in your toe.
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Toe Infection Home Treatment
For an ingrown toenail, try soaking your foot in warm, soapy water or apple cider vinegar.
You can treat athletes foot with antifungal sprays or creams available at your pharmacy. You can also check with a pharmacist about getting special padded socks that reduce the amount of moisture on your feet.
Toenail fungus can be treated with a variety of home remedies, including over-the-counter ointments and natural oils.
Causes Of Nail And Toenail Fungus
A fungus causes nail fungus or onychomycosis on fingernails or toenails infection. Generally, the fungus responsible for this infection belongs to the dermatophytes group, usually affecting the toenails. However, it is also possible that onychomycosis is caused by other fungi, such as yeasts, which usually attack fingernails. Toenails are more prone to fungal infections because feet often spend much of the day in shoes and are more exposed to environments where fungus can quickly grow, such as warm areas. And wet.
Lets see below what factors are those that favor the development of a fungal nail infection:
- Frequent hot and humid spaces such as public changing rooms, swimming pools, gyms, public or community showers and do not protect your feet with flip flops or water shoes.
- It was not drying your feet well after bathing.
- Keep feet damp for a long time.
- Wear shoes or socks made of materials that do not allow the foot to breathe.
- I am suffering from excessive sweating.
In addition to the above, some people are more prone to having nail fungus. These are those who work in direct contact with water for a long time, older people, with diabetes, with injuries or deformities in the nails, or with a weakened immune system.
It is essential to clarify that for a nail fungus infection to develop, it is necessary that between the nail and the Skin, there are lesions through which the fungus penetrates and lodges there, causing the symptoms that we show in the next section.
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