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.
Studies To Support That Copper Socks Have Antifungal Properties
When a number of participants with toenail fungus were already on their medication, a study was conducted to check what role vaseline jelly can play to treat the fungus.
The research proved how 8 out of 10 participants had experienced smoother nail textures and moisturized nails.
They regularly applied vaseline jelly and cleaned it with a mild alcohol-based solution to avoid any residues.
Thus, it is said to be very effective and people trust vaseline for it has great anti-fungal properties too.
When You Havefungal Nail
Fungal nail infection is a common condition. It’s not serious and not the end of the world, but the symptoms are annoying and can be even more so if the infection lingers or comes back. Thats why you shouldnt ignore it:
A fungal infection wont go on its own. Treat it, dont hide it.
Antifungal treatment doesn’t disappear just because symptoms do. Antifungal treatment needs several weeks to be completely effective.
Start treatment sooner rather than later to fight fungus more effectively.
If untreated, nail fungus can spread to other parts of your body and cause other types of skin fungus.
Recommended Reading: What Cures Nail Fungus Fast
Red Light: An Ally Against Fungal Nail Infections
Researchers have successfully used infrared laser treatment for onychomycosis infections. The treatment, called photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy , involves a combination of photosensitizing drugs and specific wavelengths of visible light. These wavelengths fall between 600 nanometers and 690nm, which is within the red light spectrum.
What researchers have discovered is that the combination of light and photosensitizing drugs causes the destruction of microbial cells. Most intriguing is that the treatment selectively targets problematic cells, leaving the surrounding cells alive and healthy.
Scientists have known about this potent combination for over a century, but with the rise in antibiotic-resistant pathogens, PACT is receiving much more attention in recent years.
PACT appears to be particularly effective against fungi, although very few studies have been published on the antifungal applications of photodynamic therapy. As researchers from the Queen’s University Belfast, UK School of Pharmacy explain in a 2008 article in Microbial Research:
In spite of the success of cell culture investigations, only a very small number of in vivo animal and human trials have been published. Photodynamic therapy has the potential to evolve into a useful treatment for difficult to eradicate fungal infections of accessible regions of the body.
How Do Dermatologists Treat A Fungal Nail Infection
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:
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Amorolfine
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Efinaconazole
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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:
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Fluconazole
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Itraconazole
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Terbinafine
Read Also: How To Cure Black Toenail Fungus
Which Laser Therapy Device Is Best
We swear by our non-thermal cold laser device in treating toenail fungus in our practice. Its called Lunula Laser and its made by Erchonia. Its the first of its kind and the only non-thermal cold laser device to get FDA market clearance to treat onychomycosis.
This is likely thanks to its three successful clinical trials that ensure safety and effectiveness.
Whats so special about this laser? Besides the fact that its safe and effective, we love that it uses a low-level laser wavelength. Thanks to this type of cold laser, theres no discomfort or searing heat pain during treatment like with some of the other laser devices. The treatment also encompasses your entire foot. It requires no operator, so man-made errors are eliminated unlike with other lasers on the market.
The laser doesnt emit smoke fumes and 89% of patients have a positive response to the treatment.
Also, we love that this device is made in the United States.
How Should I Use Fungi
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.
Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin.
Use only the Fungi-Nail formulation made for the specific body area you are treating . This medicine will not be effective if you do not use the correct formulation.
Do not allow a young child to use Fungi-Nail without help from an adult.
Wash your hands before and after using this medicine.
If you are using Fungi-Nail on your feet, apply the medicine to all areas including between your toes.
Do not cover treated skin with a bandage. You may cover the skin with a cotton gauze dressing to protect your clothing.
Avoid wearing tight-fitting, synthetic clothing that doesn’t allow air circulation. Wear loose clothing made of cotton and other natural fibers until the infection is healed.
Change your shoes and socks at least once daily while treating athlete’s foot.
Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.
Recommended Reading: Does Urine Cure Foot Fungus
How Effective Is Laser Therapy For Toenail Fungus
About 10 percent of U.S. adults, or approximately 23 million people, suffer from toenail fungus infection. But unfortunately, the treatments that have been around a while oral medications and topical creams often dont really do the trick. The fungus usually comes back within 12 months. Plus, these treatments can have negative side effects and may have a bad interaction with other medications.
Luckily, laser therapy for toenail fungus is now an option. Since 2010, more than a handful of laser devices have been FDA approved and are used with success by podiatrists as a safe, quick, effective form of treatment.
But what is the process if you use laser therapy for toenail fungus and what can you expect, you ask?
To answer your questions, weve put together some basics on toenail fungus and laser treatment. Keep reading for a quick overview, and then, give it a try to see how it works for you. Our goal and the purpose of laser therapy is to help you clear up those nails so they can grow back healthy and strong.
How To Use Fungi Nail
Now that we have established the product comes from a reputable company and doesnt contain wild or crazy ingredients, it is important to understand how to properly use the product for optimum effect.
Fungi nail could not be easier to use, you simply must:
- Thoroughly clean the area with soap and water. You can use a soft nail brush if you like but it is not absolutely required.
- Trim your toe nails by cutting straight across and then rounding them slightly at the tips.
- Apply Fungi Nail to the area under the nail and at your cuticles.
Also Check: Can Toenail Fungus Affect Your Immune System
Best Soak: Purely Northwest Tea Tree Oil Foot & Body Soak
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Relaxes muscles with Epsom and sea salts
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All-natural solution
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Essential oils may be potential allergens
If youre looking for an all-natural route to treat toenail fungus, then this foot soak could be for you. Not only is a foot soak a relaxing way to end your day, but the ingredients used in Purely Northwests soak include Epsom salt, sea salt, tea tree oil, and other oils. These ingredients soothe the skin while addressing foot and toenail fungus.
The combined ingredients work to dry out the fungus to prevent it from spreading. Benefits of the soak also include healing cracked feet and soothing aches.
This US-made product has no dyes or synthetic fragrances, making it a great all-natural solution. But results, depending on severity, might take longer to show when using the soak over prescription or over-the-counter treatments.
Active Ingredients: Epsom salt, Dead Sea salt, MSM, and Therapeutic-grade essential oils | Dose: Add 1.5 tablespoons of foot soak mix for every gallon of water. Mix with hands until the salt dissolved. Add additional salts for a more stronger or aromatic foot bath. Soak your feet for About 15-20 minutes. | Uses: Treats fungus all over feet eliminates food odor and aches
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Great for athletes and gym goers
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Cleanses and deodorizes
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Also treats acne, candida, and rashes
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Fragrant oils may be overwhelming
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Tea tree and lavender sooth skin
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Money back guarantee
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Results can take several weeks
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Only for toe and fingernail fungus
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Expensive
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
Recommended Reading: How To Treat Yellow Nail Fungus
Why Does It Work A Look At The Ingredients
In order to answer the question of why does VICKS work?… we first need to take a look at the ingredients it contains.
It has some proof of working, so what it is exactly that makes it effective?
The ingredients included in the normal VICKS VapoRub include the following:
Active Ingredients
- Used commonly for pain relief, anti-irritant, against coughs, and yes… even as an antifungal.
- Reduces pain and swelling and increases blood flow when applied topically.
- 2014 study published in the journal Biological Research shows it does indeed have antifungal activity, although not particularly when dealing with toenail fungus. It has been shown to inhibit growth of fungi better than other essential oils.
Inactive Ingredients
- Turpentine oil
Best Overall: Ariella Nail Fungus Treatment For Toenail And Fingernail
No matter whether youre trying to treat your fingernails or toenails, this Amazon fan-favorite nail fungus treatment will do the trick. Shoppers repeatedly rave about how its out-performed many similar products theyve tried and how easy it is to use. To that point, it touts a super convenient and mess-free brush-on applicator, and the liquid formula dries very quickly. The brand promises youll see results in 2-4 weeks, and recommends applying the treatment 2-3 times per day to help eliminate discoloration and strengthen nails.
One reviewer wrote: This is the only product that has worked on a nail fungus Ive struggled with since high school. After decades of covering it with acrylic toenails, I decided to attack this at its roots. The pen-style allows easy application of the product. It also absorbs quickly into to the nail.
You May Like: What To Do For Foot 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.
Best Fungal Treatments For Toenails
No matter how strong we are, still we all are vulnerable, even to the tiniest micro-organism. Among all the micro-organisms the most powerful one is the fungus.
Fungus can survive at almost every surface, and once it settles somewhere, it will only grow. And so, the common reason why we all are afraid of toenail fungus is the strength of fungus to eat away every particle on a body, be it a human body or a non-living object. And secondly, the ugly look that it gives to the nails.
The cell-wall of fungus is extremely thick and resistant to different chemicals and treatments. It would take ages to kill the toenail fungus, that is why a lot of home remedies do not work quickly.
As far as the skin infections are concerned, the body has to be super powerful in this regard. Otherwise, the toenail fungus would not go away.
In market, we have various treatments for toenail fungus, and in this article we will divide these treatments for nail fungus as the external and internal treatments. This will make it more understandable.
To be honest, both the internal and external treatments for nail fungus are effective but except for the laser treatment which is an external treatment all external nail fungus treatments can take more than 3 months to show results.
And in the external treatments, the common ones are the Home remedies, while for the internal treatments, these are pills or supplements that we intake.
This article will help you find the most effective treatments for nail fungus.
Also Check: Does Iodine Kill Toenail Fungus
Oregano Oil Remedy For Toenail Fungus
Oregano oil is an essential and strong oil to treat different types of skin infections. It has two main ingredients that are anti-fungal and anti-bacterial.
The only con of using oregano oil is finding a compatible carrier oil. You cannot use oregano oil alone it is highly reactive.
Only the diluted version of oregano oil is the best to treat nail fungus. You can use different carrier oils for dilution. The most important part in using oregano oil for toenail fungus is the proportion of oregano oil.
You need to mix only six to eight drops of oregano oil with an ounce of carrier oil. Following this proportion, you can make an entire bottle of carrier oil and essential oil.
The two main ingredients in oregano oil, are the thymol and the carvacrol. Both these are highly reactive and anti-fungal. They will wipe off all the fungal spores after continuous use.
How to use oregano oil for nail fungus treatment
Pros of using oregano oil for nail fungus as a home remedy
- An anti-inflammatory compound.
Cons of using oregano oil
- Takes almost 8 months to treat toenail fungus.
- Need to use it at least twice a day regularly.
Note: For a detailed guide on using the Oregano Oil for toenail fungus tretment and also to know how it performed on a patient with toenail fungus, you can check the case study with out review & guide below:
Read Our Ultimate Guide on Using Oregano Oil for Toenail fungus.