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.
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
Can I Wear Nail Polish If I Have Toenail Fungus
You may feel tempted to cover up a discolored toenail with nail polish. If you are using a topical antifungal, you probably should not use polish. Some providers may tell you not to wear it in any case. Polish traps in moisture from the nailbed . Because fungi thrive in moist environments, wearing nail polish may make a fungal infection worse. However, the nail continues to grow with or without polish.
Also Check: What’s The Best Over The Counter Nail Fungus Treatment
What Is A Good Home Remedy For Toenail Fungus
One of the best natural methods to rid yourself of toenail fungus is bentonite clay. This clay is natural, and it is often used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. This is an organic material that is often used as an ingredient of supplements and various beauty products. This can be used to create hair masks and treat acne and skin rashes. The best benefit that this natural clay can give is to relieve one from a toenail fungal infection.
Bentonite clay can also be used externally. If you dont feel comfortable ingesting the natural clay, you may opt to apply it externally. Just mix a few tablespoons of the natural clay with water to create a paste. Apply this on the infected area, and allow it to dry. Rinse off the infected part and let it dry. You may also apply the paste to the affected area and let it stay there overnight. A plastic wrap can make the paste stay in place. Wash the paste off in the morning, and allow it to dry. Follow this procedure for a couple of days for a week. You can apply this daily for faster results.
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: Can Nail Polish Cause Toenail Fungus
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.
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.
- Surgery:
Also Check: How To Cure White Toenail Fungus
How To Treat Toenail Fungus Naturally At Home The Top 5 Home Remedies
Onychomycosis is one of the most common fungal infections that occur in the feet, second only to tinea pedis, or Athletes Foot. Also known as Toenail Fungus, this fungal infection takes the form of a white, brownish, or yellow discoloration in one or more of your toenails.
If left untreated, toenail fungus can spread to surrounding toes, and it will cause the thickening and cracking of affected nails, so its important to treat it as soon as it occurs, to preserve the future health of your feet.
But if you have toenail fungus, you may not want to use a prescription drug like Diflucan or Lamisil to treat your infection, because they can cause nasty side effects like nausea, as well as skin issues and jaundice.
Need to treat toenail fungus naturally at home? Here are our top home remedies. Try them today, and see if you can get rid of your case of onychomycosis without any expensive prescription drugs!
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.
Recommended Reading: How To Cure Fungus On Hands
What Causes Nail Fungus With Acrylic Nails
I often got questioned from women like do acrylic nails cause fungus. So, the answer is Yes, it can. Acrylic nails may look great, but if not taken care properly or fixed with care, they can lead to nail fungus. Which will be a nightmare for most of the women.
There could be several reason because of which Acrylic nails can cause fungus on your nails.
Below are the common causes of such fungus.
The moisture under the fake nails
The thin moisture layer, under the acrylic nail provides shelter for the fungus. Fungus can only grow when there is moisture on your skin. Moreover, if somebody is not hygiene conscious.
Another primary factor that can cause nail fungus through acrylic nails, is the duration.
Keeping acrylic nails for more than two months is risky. They are more likely to develop nail fungus.
Dirty manicure tools can cause fungus
Dirty manicure tools may have bacterial or fungal spores on them. Always choose a reliable salon, with the clean tools.
Sanitized tools are the best for manicures. Fungus spores are invisible but they are the most strongest living cells, and can survive in various situations.
Many professional salons ensure to use new manicure tools for every new customer.
The last a customer can ask for is to check if the tools are clean, and they have sterilized them live in front of them keep in mind that prevention is better than cure.
Other factors contributing for nail fungus
We cannot blame the tools only.
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.
You May Like: How Long To Kill Toenail Fungus
Penlac For Toenail Fungus Nail Fungus Medical Term
Tea Tree Oil Good For Toe Fungus Toenail Fungus Superior Co Pills To Fight A Skin Fungus For Humans. How To Know If You Are Developing A Nail Fungus Nail Fungus Natural Cure. Skin Fungus Cheese Kill Foot Fungus In Dogs. Description Treatment For Nail Fungus 99 Percent Alcohol Help Toe Fungus.
Home Remedy Gor Toenail Fungus Pub Med Vinegar Foot Fungus. Herbs To Fight Skin Fungus Or Bacteria Can A Toenail Fungus Be Black How To Kill Fungus On Nail Implements. Calendula Oil For Toenail Fungus Do I See A Dermatologist For Skin And Foot Fungus.
Foot Fungus: Causes And Risk Factors
A foot fungus is a fungal infection of the skin, better known as athletes foot, says Sundling. The fungus enters through cracks in the skin. Its known as athletes foot because athletes or anyone who is more active and sweats a lot is more at risk. Kids are also more at risk, because they dont tend to wear different shoes, and changing your shoes is one way to avoid foot fungus.
Foot fungus is very common. It does not mean that someone is dirty or didnt bathe, and if you have a compromised immune system, you may be more susceptible, says Sundling.
You May Like: How Do You Prevent Toenail Fungus
Take Care Of Your Toes
Use soap and water to wash your feet, and dry well, including between toes. Trim your toenails straight across to keep them shorter than the end of your toe. Make sure the tools you use are clean, too. Wash clippers and files with soap and water, then wipe with rubbing alcohol. You might be tempted to cover up discolored nails with polish, but dont. Your nail bed cant breathe, which keeps fungus from going away.
Recommended Reading: Does Vicks Vapor Rub Help Toe Fungus
Signs And Symptoms Of Foot Fungus
Itchy skin is an early sign of foot fungus, or scaly, peeling skin, or tiny blisters on the skin that will pop at times, says Sundling. The skin tends to break out in the shape of a moccasin, or the area of the foot that a moccasin would cover. You dont see foot fungus on the top of the foot very often. Its common to get a fungal infection between the toes as well, she adds.
Read Also: Can Toe Fungus Kill You
Side Effects Of Toenail Fungus Medication
One of the many benefits of using a homeopathic remedy is that there are little to no adverse side effects. Topical treatments often prescribed to treat toenail fungus can potentially burn or blister the skin. Oral medications for treating onychomycosis can cause liver or gastrointestinal damage. Be sure to read your medications list of potential side effects. Consult your pharmacist, physician, or specialist if you are concerned about side effects of prescription drugs.
What Is A Fungal Infection
Fungus, plural fungi is a class of organisms with over 144,000 known species. Fungus holds great importance for the environment and medical sector. Fungi are considered as one of the most widely distributed organisms worldwide Some are found free-living in soil or water others from parasitic or symbiotic relationships with plants or animals. Some common examples of fungi include Mushroom, mildews and mold. However, not all types of fungi are harmful but some can cause severe suffering for human beings and other living organisms.
Fungal infections are common all over the world and it only occurs when an invading fungus captures over the human body and the immune system of human is too weak to combat. Fungi are populated in our environment and are found flying freely in the atmosphere, they also divide and reproduce in the tiny spores that are present in the air. These fungi that are not visible to eh naked eye can enter into the human body through our respiratory system and can land inside to form a parasitic relationship within our lungs, throat, liver or any other hospitable part of the body causing a severe infection. In some cases, fungi also attack the intestines or the genital area of the human body causing severe hazard to health however, almost all the infection caused by fungus are curable with proper care and treatment.
You May Like: What Can I Soak My Feet In For Toenail Fungus
Risk Factors Associated With Toenail Fungus
Certain health conditions and lifestyle factors can make you increasingly vulnerable to developing nail fungus:
Health: You have a greater chance of contracting a fungal nail infection if you suffer from one or more of the following issues:
- Other fungal skin infections, such as athletes foot or ringworm
- Diabetes
- Increasingly brittle, crumbly, or ragged nail
- Nail that appears warped or distorted in shape
- Nail that appears dull without any luster
- Dark color, caused by the accumulation of debris under your nail
- Slightly foul odor in the affected area
Nail Fungal Infection Treatment
Prescription medicines can treat a fungal nail infection. Oral antifungal medicines help a new nail grow. This will replace the infected nail. You may need to take antifungal medicine for 6 to 12 weeks. Some oral medicines are not safe for people who have liver problems. They are not safe for people who have a history of congestive heart failure. Tell your doctor if you have one of these conditions. Your doctor will decide which medicine is right for you.
Apply topical treatments to the top of your nail. Topical medicines usually do not cure fungal nail infections.
In severe cases, a doctor might remove the nail completely. It can take several months to a year for the infection to go away.
Recommended Reading: How To Get Green Fungus Off Nails
Fingernail Fungus Caused By Acrylic Nails
Fingernail fungus is the most widespread problem associated with acrylic nails. Acrylic nail fungus usually occurs when acrylic nails are inadequately fitted. The false nails cannot be infected by fungus since they are artificial, but the fungi can infects the real nail plate, nail bed and nail folds. If the right application method is not followed, the gap between the natural nail bed and acrylic nails may develop. This gap creates an ideal environment for the development of nail fungus. The fungus quickly grows and spreads along the nail plate and can cause different deformities of the nail. The fingernail may lose its shine and become discolored. Furthermore, it may thicken and as a result become crumble and easily broken. A prolonged infection that remains untreated may result in the nail plate deformity with the yellow color of the nail or its darkening and finally, the nail plate can detach from the nail bed. This condition is called onycholysis. The problem lies in the fact that infection is usually hidden under the nail and fungus cannot be identified until its different symptoms become clearly visible.
Nail Anatomy And Onychomycosis Infection
Figure 1 shows the composition of the nail, including the nail plate , nail bed and nail matrix.
Figure 1: Nail anatomy and physiology
The nail plate and nail bed are joined by layers of hard, translucent, keratinised cells. The nail bed and nail matrix are vascular components of the nail, with nail cells located within the nail matrix where the nail plate is formed. The thickness of the nail plate determines the length of the matrix
- Apply cosmetic nail varnishes or artificial nails
- Walk without footwear in public areas
- Cut nails too short.
You May Like: How To Fix Toenail Fungus