Which Socks Are Best To Cover Fungal Infections
If you are anything like me, when I had toenail fungus you could not find me without socks on. It was my weapon of choice when trying to hide my ugly toes. I dont recommend this and found the best results when I let my feet air out and wore flip-flops or sandals around the house.
However, if you are going to follow suit then I recommend using socks that have a wicking component which are some of the best socks for covering a fungal infection on your feet. This is because wicking socks are the type of socks that help reduce dampness and eliminate moisture. The glands on our feet can sweat up to half a cup of sweat in a 24 hour period which is why toenail fungus thrives there.
It is also important not to just focus on your socks but also your shoes. Ensure that you are wearing breathable shoes and spraying an antifungal disinfectant in all of your shoes. Or you could use a medicated foot powder which will help battle fungus on your feet. This is a good method to keep your feet dry especially if you are the type to struggle with sweaty feet.
Lastly, remember that the most important factor when treating toenail fungus is being consistent and patience. A cure will not come overnight but you can certainly accelerate your results with the proper guidance.
How To Apply Antifungal Nail Polish
Also Check: How Long Does Liquid Nails Take To Dry
What Is The Outcome For Someone Who Has Nail Fungus
With treatment, many people can get rid of nail fungus. Even when the fungus clears, your nail may look unhealthy until the infected nail grows out. A fingernail grows out in 4 to 6 months and a toenail in 12 to 18 months.
To clear the fungus, its important to:
-
Use the treatment exactly as prescribed
-
Apply the medicine for as long as prescribed
-
Keep all follow-up appointments with your dermatologist
Nail fungus can be stubborn. If you had a severe infection, its possible to clear the infection. A healthy looking nail, however, may be unrealistic, but you can expect the nail to look better and feel more comfortable.
Even with clearing, nail fungus can return. Youll find steps to reduce your risk in Tips: 12 ways to prevent another nail infection.
ImageGetty Images
ReferenceGold LFS and Rosen T. Onychomycosis: Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies. Dermatology News . March 2016:2-15.
Read Also: Will Epsom Salt Cure Toenail Fungus
When To Refer To Podiatry
Before initiating topical or oral therapy, patients should ideally be referred to a podiatrist for nail trimming and debridement. This assists with removing as much fungus as possible and improves topical drug penetration. Debridement alone cannot be recommended for the treatment of OM patients using a combination of debridement and topical nail lacquer have shown a significant improvement in mycological cure compared with debridement only. Patients with nail trauma owing to footwear, dystrophic toenails affecting other toes or who describe discomfort when walking owing to thickened toenails should also be referred.
When there is treatment failure with topical, oral and combination therapies, a podiatrist may be able to carry out a chemical or surgical nail avulsion .
If there is doubt over the original diagnosis, or where no improvement has been seen with treatment, pharmacists should refer patients to a podiatrist or their GP.
Supported by RB
RB provided financial support in the production of this content.
The authors were paid by The Pharmaceutical Journal to write this article and full editorial control was maintained by the journal at all times.
How Do You Cover Up Nail Fungus
There are three common ways people use to cover up the nail fungus.
Medicated nail polish is used to hide ugly nails and it is important to remember that only medicated nail polish is recommended.
It is one of effective topical treatments.
The first reason why anti fungal nail polish is recommended is because it is made of anti fungal, antibacterial and antimicrobial ingredients to help get rid of fungal infections
and the second reason is because it can hide discolored, brittle, dry and cracked infected nail and this will transform the look of the nail instantly.
Some of natural anti fungal ingredients found in this nail polish are tea tree oil, oregano and more.
Common lacquers in the market are ciclopirox and Amorolfine.
The downside is that it can take up to a year to get rid of fungal nail infection when using this type of treatment.
Keryflex nail restoration system is also used to hide discolored fungal nails.
This treatment is created by licensed podiatrists and works perfectly with laser treatment.
This restoration system looks exactly like a real healthy nail because it is flexible and durable.
It comes with a special light that is used to bond the nail and the resin material together after applying it on the nail.
It is advised to apply this system immediately after completing laser treatment.
This treatment takes eight weeks before replacing this coating and make sure that you do not go through laser treatment while keryflex restoration system is in place.
You May Like: How To Cure Skin Fungus
The Best Treatment For Toenail Fungus Toulifly Toenail Fungus Treatment
The Toulifly Toenail Fungus remedy is quick and easy to use, and incredibly effective. It is beneficial to those with toenail fungus like onychomycosis as well as for attendant issues stemming from a toenail fungus infection. Whats most exciting is that you dont need a doctors prescription for this treatment, and can apply the medication in the comfort of your own home. To use, simply apply the formulation to the affected nail , and leave it to dry for a few minutes.
Are There Topical Prescriptions To Cure Toenail Fungus
How To Tell If Toenail Fungus Is Going Away Over The Counter Nail Fungus Lacquer Toe Fungus Picture, Will Thieves Essentialoil Formula Work On Foot Fungus Toe Fungus Traetment Topical Toenail Fungus Remedy.
Secret To Toenail Fungus Ignoring A Toe Nail Fungus. Laser Toenail Fungus Removal Monterey Park Apple Cider Vinegar Pills Nail Fungus Can I File Away Toenail Fungus During Treatment To Heal. Which Cvs Toe Fungus Treatment What Are Symptoms Of Nail Fungus.
You May Like: What To Drink For Nail Fungus
Who Gets Toenail Fungus
Men are more likely to get it than women. The older you are, the better your chances are, too. People who have diabetes, athletes foot, or a weak immune system, who smoke, or whose family members have it are also at a higher risk. If you spend a lot of time in the water or youve injured your toenail, your odds for getting toenail fungus go up.
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
Don’t Miss: Where To Buy Tea Tree Oil For Nail Fungus
Softening And Scraping Away The Nail
As it can take a long time for antifungal medication to work, some people may prefer to use a treatment that involves softening and removing infected parts of nail over a few weeks.
Treatment kits are available from pharmacies that contain a 40% urea paste, plasters and a scraping device. The paste softens the infected parts of the nail, allowing them to be scraped away so they can be gradually replaced with healthy nail.
To use the treatment:
What Causes A Nail Fungal Infection
The infection is usually caused by exposure to a fungus. The fungus grows in wet, dark conditions. The fungus grows when your feet are in warm, sweaty environment . It enters your nail through a crack in the nail.
Nail fungal infections happen at any age. They are more common in adults older than 60 years of age. They are common in people who have diabetes or circulation problems. They also are common in people with a weakened immune system. Men are more likely than women to get fungal nail infections.
Read Also: How To Get Rid Of Nail Fungus At Home
How To Heal Toenail Fungus Naturally
Different types of treatments also take different times to work. If you use a treatment that contains Tea tree oil, for example, the treatment will work faster. The reason for this is that tea tree oil is a very powerful essential oil, and can kill fungus fast.
There are some excellent natural foot soaks available, such as Rocky Mountain Tea Tree Oil. These are excellent if nail fungus is in the early to middle stages, or if you want to prevent the condition from returning.
Dont Miss: What Is The Safest Nail Polish Brand
Staying One Step Ahead Of Toenail Fungus
An established fungal infection is hard to eradicate, but you can stop its spread and improve your toenails appearance.
Toenail fungus isnt 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 Womens Hospital.
Read Also: How Does Vicks Work On Toenail Fungus
What Is The Outlook For Someone With Toenail Fungus
While toenail fungus is common, its usually not harmful. Symptoms mostly affect the look of your toenail.
Toenail fungus may spread to the skin between your toes or other areas of your body. When getting dressed, put your socks on first to reduce the chance of spread.
Treating toenail fungus takes a long time, and it doesnt always work. Even then, toenail fungus often returns. Discuss the pros and cons of treating toenail fungus with your provider to determine whats best for you.
Practicing good hygiene and foot care reduces the chance toenail fungus will come back. If you have diabetes, getting regular foot exams may help you address foot problems before they get serious.
Wearing Antifungal Nail Polish
Also Check: Is Listerine Good For Foot Fungus
Doctors Weigh Best Treatments
The best treatment for fungal nail infections is a prescription that your dermatologist can prescribe that you take every day for two-to-three months. The pill is not for everyone, since oral antifungals can interact with other medications and can affect the liver.
Fortunately if you dont want to or cant take a pill, there are topical solutions to treat nail fungus. Although topical medications are desirable because of the low risk of side effects and interaction with other medications, they have much longer treatment regimens. Generally, topical medications have a lower clearance rate compared to oral pills.
Newer topical antifungals including Efinaconazole and Tavaborole have better penetration of the nail plate and so they work better compared to older topical medications, says Dr. Ng. She says the topical medications work best if you only have partial nail involvement.
Lasers are approved by the FDA to temporarily increase the amount of clear nail. However, the cure rates are lower than oral medications and topical solutions.
Toenail Fungus Home Care
Sometimes itâs possible to treat your toenail fungus at home. You can try:
- Over the counter antifungal creams or ointments. File or cut off any white markings on your nails. Soak your nails in water and dry off before you put on the medicated cream.
- Special nail care. If you keep your nails trimmed, it can reduce the pressure and pain you feel. You can also thin your nail bed by filing it down. This can help antifungal creams get to the problem easier.
Read Also: Does Vinegar Cure Toenail Fungus
What Is The Treatment For Fungal Nails
Oral antifungal therapy has a high cure rate, depending on the medication. It can take nine to 12 months to see if it has worked or not, because that is how long it takes for the nail to grow out. Even when therapy works, the fungus may come back. Currently, an oral antifungal therapy is considered the best treatment for toenail fungus because of higher cure rates and shorter treatment duration compared to topical therapy.
Prescription oral medications that are effective against nail fungus include the following:
There are several innovative treatments that are still being tested:
- Laser therapy or uses application of light-activated agents onto the nail followed by shining light of a proper wavelength on the nail.
- Use of electrical current to help absorption of topical antifungal medications into the nail: This is also called iontophoresis.
- Use of a special nail lacquer that changes the micro-climate of the nail to make it inhospitable for the fungus to grow: If this works, it may be an inexpensive way to treat this problem in the future.
One way to definitively get rid of toenail fungus is by surgery. Surgical treatment of onychomycosis involves nail removal. However, this often only provides temporary relief, and recurrence is common unless additional antifungal medication is simultaneously used. However, surgical removal may be warranted when the affected nail is associated with other factors such as trauma and or infection.
Stop This Skin Infection In Its Tracks With These Over
Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the bestproducts youcan learn more about ourreview process here.We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.
Verywell / Sabrina Jiang
Toenail fungus is a common fungal condition that often starts after a rash on the foot spreads to the nails. When mild, it looks like white and yellow spots growing under the nail beds. But if left untreated, the fungus can grow severely by hardening the nails and spreading to other toes.
The fungus often begins in the form of athleteâs foot between the toes or on the soles of the feet. At this stage, the fungal infection is easier to treat with over-the-counter medication. But Shari Lipner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medicine, told Verywell Health toenail fungus can be difficult to treat because of how slow the nails grow. The more severe the toenail fungus, the thicker the nail, and the more nails involved makes it that much harder to treat the nails even with effective therapies, she says.
Diagnosing the fungal infection early is key to make treatments effective. Dr. Lipner recommends visiting a board-certified dermatologist to properly treat the infection if it grows to be too severe.
Here are a few of the best over-the-counter toenail fungus treatments on the market.
Also Check: How To Get Rid Of Back Fungus