Saturday, March 23, 2024
HomeFactsHow To Heal Fungus Nails

How To Heal Fungus Nails

How To Get Rid Of Yellow Nails

How to Cure Nail Fungus

Treatment of yellow nails will depend on the cause. Most likely, your nails have become discolored because of an infection you have or a product you used. These home remedies are based on those causes of discoloration. However, it is important to be aware that home remedies are not always effective. See your physician if home remedies arent helpful in eliminating discoloration. If you dont already have a doctor, our Healthline FindCare tool can help you connect to physicians in your area.

What The Experts Say

The most common presentation of toenail fungus is a white/yellow discoloration of the nail that is thick and filled with yellow/white keratin debris. 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.” Orit Markowitz, MD, founder and CEO of OptiSkin treatment center in New York City.

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: Does Vaporub Cure Toenail Fungus

How Long Does It Take To Recover

You need to be consistent with the treatment in order to see results. It usually takes a few months for the nail to heal completely. Healing time depends on how severe the infection is and how quickly your body responds to the treatment.

The fungal infection is cured when youve grown an entirely new nail thats free from infection.

You can continue the tea tree oil treatment after the nail has healed to ensure that the nail fungus doesnt return.

Its important that you use a high-quality tea tree oil for best results. Here are some things to look for when buying tea tree oil:

  • The oil needs to be 100 percent pure.
  • Buy an organic oil, if possible.
  • Look for a tea tree oil that has a 10 to 40 percent concentration of terpinen. This is one of the main antiseptic and antifungal components of tea tree oil.

You can buy tea tree oil online or at a local health store. Always buy from a brand that you trust. The supplier should be able to answer any questions you have about their product.

Research your brands and manufacturers. Essential oils can have issues with purity, contamination, and strength. The U. S. Food and Drug Administration doesnt regulate essential oils, so its important to purchase from a supplier you trust.

What Oral Medications Are Available

Natural remedy to treat toenail fungus in 2020

To treat fungal nail infections from inside the body, you can take tablets that inhibit the growth of fungi or kill them. They are all prescription-only. Terbinafine and itraconazole are typically used for this purpose.

  • Terbinafine is preferred if the nail fungus is caused by a skin fungus . This is usually the case.
  • Itraconazole is generally used if the nail infection is caused by yeast or mold.

Itraconazole and terbinafine tablets can both be taken either continuously or with breaks between treatments. But they are used differently:

Also Check: Who To See For Toenail Fungus

Treating The Fungus With Prescription Drugs

  • 1Try an oral antifungal drug. Considered the most effective treatment, you must have a prescription to take these drugs. Treatment usually lasts three months and your doctor may also prescribe a topical cream or ointment. You may also need to take periodic blood tests to monitor how your body is responding to the drugs.XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world’s leading hospitalsGo to source
  • Oral antifungal drugs work by replacing the infected nail with a new, healthy nail. You won’t see results until the nail is completely regrown, which may take over four months.XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world’s leading hospitalsGo to source
  • These drugs can sometimes have severe side effects and are not recommended if you have liver disease or congestive heart failure.XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world’s leading hospitalsGo to source
  • 2Ask about medicated nail polish. This remedy requires you to paint the infected nails and the surrounding skin once daily. At the end of the week, you remove the layers of polish with alcohol and begin the process over.XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world’s leading hospitalsGo to source
  • This method can take up to a year to keep the infection at bay.XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world’s leading hospitalsGo to source
  • 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.

    Don’t Miss: How Do You Kill Fungus In Your Yard

    Is It Possible To Prevent The Recurrence Of Nail Fungus

    Tinea pedis, also known as athlete’s foot or foot fungus, can cause recurrence of fungal nails. Therefore, it is important to manage this condition. One can apply over-the-counter antifungal medicines such as clotrimazole or terbinafine cream as directed to affected skin. Keeping footwear and socks clean can be helpful. You can also use portable UV light sanitizers to disinfect shoes.

    What Is A Fungal Nail Infection

    Fungus Fix: How to Treat Nail Fungus

    A fungal nail infection occurs when a fungus attacks a fingernail, a toenail, or the skin under the nail, called the nail bed. Fungi can attack your nails through small cuts in the skin around your nail or through the opening between your nail and nail bed.

    If you are healthy, a fungal nail infection probably won’t cause serious problems. But it may look bad, hurt, or damage your nail or nail bed.

    A fungal nail infection could lead to more serious problems if you have diabetes or a weak immune system. Talk to your doctor about the best way to treat a nail infection if you have one of these problems.

    Read Also: Can Bad Toenail Fungus Be Cured

    Clean Socks And Shoes

    Regularly changing your socks and shoes can also cut down on the growth of unwanted foot fungus. Both socks and athletic shoes can also be washed in hot water to rid the growth of yeasts and fungi that may be growing on the fabric. Some shoes can be machine dried. Drying shoes in the sun is another option when cleaning footwear.

    Adding a half-cup of baking soda or one cup of vinegar to the washing machine can help eliminate bacteria or fungus on socks or shoes.

    Boots and other footwear that are not machine washable could be wiped out with a vinegar and water solution or sprayed with an over-the-counter antifungal spray. Medicated powders are also helpful in treating shoes for foot fungus.

    Allowing the feet to breathe by taking off shoes and socks when possible can prevent fungal growth. Protect your feet by wearing breathable footwear and clean socks. Antimicrobial socks and shoes made from bamboo, copper, or specialty fabrics are also available. They can help reduce unwanted bacteria and yeast from growing in your footwear.

    A proactive approach to keeping your feet clean and dry can prevent the spread of toenail fungus. You can wash or soak feet with warm soapy water or a foot bath using everyday household items. Soaking your feet in an all-natural, homeopathic concoction can be beneficial in reducing or eliminating toenail fungus.

    Does Tea Tree Oil Work

    Results from scientific studies supporting the use of tea tree oil to treat nail fungus are mixed. Some of the research points to tea tree oils potential as an antifungal, but more studies are needed.

    According to a 2013 study, tea tree oil was effective in reducing growth of the fungus Trichophyton rubrum in nail infections. T. rubrum is a fungus that can cause infections such as athletes foot and nail fungus. Improvements were seen after 14 days.

    This study used an in vitro model, which is sometimes called a test-tube experiment. In in vitro studies, the experiment is done in a test tube instead of on an animal or human. Larger human studies are needed to expand on these findings.

    Combining tea tree oil with standard medicated creams is also an option. A small 1999 study found that participants were able to successfully manage toenail fungus by using a cream that contained butenafine hydrochloride and tea tree oil.

    After 16 weeks of treatment, 80 percent of participants who used this cream cured their toenail fungus with no relapses. No one in the placebo group cured their nail fungus. Further studies are needed to determine which of these ingredients is most useful in treating nail fungus.

    Results of a 1994 study found pure tea tree oil was equally as effective as the antifungal clotrimazole in treating fungal toenail infections. Clotrimazole is available both over the counter and by prescription.

    Even with diluted tea tree oil, always do a skin patch test before use:

    Don’t Miss: What Causes Finger Nail Fungus

    Sets With Creams And A Nail Scraper

    Treatment sets that contain two creams and a nail scraper can also be used for the topical treatment of nail fungus:

    • One cream has urea in it, which softens the nail so it can be removed.
    • The other cream contains bifonazole, which has an antifungal effect.

    For this treatment, the affected toe or finger first has to be soaked in warm water for ten minutes and then dried. After that, the urea-based cream is applied to the nail, and the nail is covered with an adhesive bandage. After 24 hours, the bandage is removed and the toe or finger is held in warm water again. The softened layer of the nail is then scraped off using a spatula, the cream is applied again and the nail is covered with a new bandage. This treatment is carried out over 14 days. Once the infected part of the nail has been scraped away completely, the skin beneath is treated for another four weeks with a bifonazole cream.

    How Do Dermatologists Treat A Fungal Nail Infection

    How to Cure Nail Fungus â 2 Home Remedies for Toenail ...

    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

    You May Like: Can Removing Toenail Cure Fungus

    What Tests Might I Have For Toenail Fungus

    Your provider will probably take a small sample from underneath your nail to further analyze it. Viewing the cells under a microscope can confirm a toenail fungus diagnosis. If the initial test is negative, a scraping can be sent to see if the fungus grows out in a culture. It also helps your provider identify the type of fungus.

    Tips For Prevention Of Fungal Nails

    Nail fungus causes only 50% of abnormal-appearing nails. It can be hard to tell the difference between the different causes of discolored nails . Onychomycosis is often not treated. Reasons to receive treatment include

  • diabetes,

    No one knows where a specific person catches the fungus, as it is everywhere. However, since the fungus does thrive in warm moist areas , there are certain areas one should avoid or use with caution. Shower floors, locker rooms, and swimming pools are suspected of being sources of the fungus, although there are no studies proving this fact. Nail polish and acrylic nails also make the nail less “breathable” and make the nail more susceptible to fungal infection. Fungi are everywhere — in the air, the dust, and the soil. Hygienic measures such as spraying socks and footgear sound sensible, and perhaps these measures can even help a little bit. However, avoiding tight, nonbreathing shoes or steering clear of athletic facility floors may very well be the best prevention available. Daily washing of the feet and drying between the toes can help to prevent nail fungus. The fungi carried on the coats of pets, like cats and dogs, don’t often cause nail fungus. Wearing white socks does not help.

    You May Like: How Do I Know If My Toenail Fungus Is Dying

    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.

    See A Dermatologist To Pinpoint The Problem

    How to prevent and treat nail fungus

    Foot fungus wont just go away on its own, Dr. Ng says. If you think you have foot or toenail fungus, see your dermatologist, she says. There are several tests that your dermatologist can perform to identify exactly whats going on.

    Its important to be aware that there are other diseases which can cause nail changes, she says. For example, we do see things like squamous cell skin cancers in the nail beds and even melanomas, which have a brownish or blackish discoloration.

    Read Also: What To Put On A Toe Fungus

    Top 21 Best Home Remedies For Fungal Nail Infection

    Fungal nail infection is a common problem for most of us. People develop a nail infection at some point in their lives. This infection develops slowly and causes unsightly and thickened nails. Sometimes, it is painful. Actually, fungal infections could impact any body part.

    What Are Causes Of Fungal Nail Infection?

    A fungal nail infection may happen due to the overgrowth of fungi under, in or on the nails. These fungi thrive in moist, warm environments, so such kind of environment could cause them to overpopulate naturally. The same fungi could result it athletes foot, ringworm, jock itch, aside from nail infection.

    Fungi are already present in or on the human body can result in nail infections. They could spread from person to person. You could suffer from fungal nail infection from walking barefoot in pools or public showers or by using the shared personal items like nail clippers. For those having athletes foot, it could spread from the skin to nails.

    Symptoms Of Fungal Nail Infection

    People with fungal nail infection often have nails that:

    Turn white or yellow

    Get thicker

    Split or crumble, and it might separate from their skin

    Once you get a fungal nail infection, it could be uncomfortable and sometimes painful to walk, wear shoes or stand at a position for a long time. Over time, the fungal nail infection can lead to permanent damage to your nail bed and nails.

    Who Is At Risk Of Fungal Nail Infection?

    RELATED ARTICLES

    Most Popular