Is There A Cure For Nail 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.

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.

There Is A Wide Range Of Options With Varying Success Rates

Other than keeping your toenails trimmed and perhaps painted, you may not pay much attention to them unless a problem develops. Healthy toenails are pink, shiny and smooth, but a fungal infection can cause them to become discolored, thick, brittle and even painful.

Toenail fungal infection, known as onychomycosis, is a common but challenging condition toenail fungus treatments include a wide range of options with varying success rates.

Causes of toenail fungus

Fungal nail infections are usually caused by fungi called dermatophytes that infect the skin beneath the nail yeast is another common culprit. Toenails are especially vulnerable to infection when your bare feet contact damp surfaces such as showers, swimming pools and locker rooms. If you have athletes foot, the infection can spread to the nails.

Wearing closed shoes such as athletic shoes for extended periods also can contribute to infection if your shoes and/or socks are damp from perspiration or heat. Moreover, if your shoes fit snugly enough to put pressure on your toes, they can damage the nail bed, making it more susceptible to infection.

People with chronic diseases, such as diabetes or circulatory problems, also may be more prone to toenail infections.

Symptoms of toenail fungus

Toenail fungus symptoms can develop slowly over time and may go unnoticed at first. Symptoms can include:

Toenail fungus treatments

• Tolnaftate
• Terbinafine

When to see a doctor for toenail fungus

Preventing toenail fungus

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What Real Users Are Saying

There is a lot of talk about using VICKS for toenail fungus and a lot of people recommending it online, HOWEVER, there is a lack of information coming from people who have actually used it to treat such.

Most of the information I have found comes from sources saying things like it can be used for this, it has been used for that, and things like this.

It would be nice to see some more good evidence of it working, but at the same time, the lack of good evidence doesnt mean that it doesnt work.

I was able to find a small number of reviews on Amazon. Of course there werent many because most peoples reviews talk about other things since treating toenail fungus isnt the reason most people buy it.

*If you do have your own success story with VICKS VapoRub be sure to leave it in the comment section below for others to see!

Is There A Cure For Nail Fungus

Mia Benson

Description

Nail fungus represents parasites that might inhabit our finger area below the nail. Many people are not even aware that they have these parasites but they inhabit him or her nevertheless. Quite easy to move and transfer to other fingers, our other arm or leg they are hard to fight against and stop since when hidden behind a nail they are completely protected and free to grow and develop.

One can get nail fungi quite easily, by sharing a nail clipper or some other item for nail care with a person who has these parasites or by living in a humid space while often walking bare footed. These fungi mostly live in our bathrooms since they present ideal conditions for their breeding. People who hurt their nails or fingers in any way are in more danger of getting infected with these organisms.

Causes and possible reasons

As mentioned above, low immunity opens the door to these pestering organisms. One should clip his or her nails carefully not to create wounds or cracks since these create a possibility for a small infection good enough for the nail fungi to choose this place as their breeding grounds. It goes without saying that nail biting only makes things worse and increases the risk ofinfection.

Sometimes, nail polish may be of bad quality and damage your nails make sure you change the polish and take care of them in such cases.

Manifestations and symptoms

Prevention and possible remedies

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What Does The Research Say About Vicks Vaporub Effects On Nail Fungus

The most commonly cited research regards Vicks effectiveness is from the Journal of American Board of Family Medicine.

In this study, 18 participants applied Vicks VapoRub to their toenails daily for 48 weeks. By the end of the study, 5 patients were completely cured, and 10 had partial relief. 83% of the participants experienced toenail fungus relief!

Another study by the Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care tested Vicks VapoRubs effectiveness with AIDS patients who suffered from nail fungus.

AIDS patients have immune system issues, meaning they can not risk pharmaceutical treatments such as Lamisil or Sporanox. In the study,

18 participants applied the treatment to their toenails for 24 weeks. 15 out of the 18 saw improvement by the end of the experiment. Most importantly, there were no side effects!

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Does Vicks Vaporub Cure Toenail Fungus

Vicks VapoRub is a topical ointment. Although designed for cough suppression, its active ingredients may help treat toenail fungus. A 2011 study found that Vicks VapoRub had a positive clinical effect in the treatment of toenail fungus.

similarly, How do I get my toenails white again?

Apply a baking soda paste Mix two teaspoons of baking soda with warm water. Apply the paste to the tops and undersides of your nails. Let the mixture sit for at least 5 minutes. Rinse your nails If theyre still stained, apply another coat of the baking soda paste.

in the same way, What really kills toenail fungus? Hydrogen peroxide can kill fungus that grows on toenails. You can directly wipe hydrogen peroxide on your infected toes or toenails with a clean cloth or cotton swab. Hydrogen peroxide can also be used in a foot soak.

likewise Will nail fungus grow out?

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.

Can I get a pedicure with toenail fungus?

2. If you suspect you have toenail fungus: if your toenails are thick, yellow, raised, or otherwise not normal looking, you likely have toenail fungus. You absolutely MUST avoid pedicures if you have a skin or nail fungal infection.

When Should I Call The Doctor

In rare cases, toenail fungus can cause an infection called cellulitis. Without prompt treatment, cellulitis may pose a serious danger to your health.

You should seek treatment guidance from a trusted healthcare provider if you have:

• Circulation problems.
• Redness, pain or pus near the toenail.
• Weakened immune system.

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Molecular Confirmation Of The Fungi

The species M. guilliermondii and R. mucilaginosa, isolated on SDA from a human toenail affected by onychomycosis were molecularly confirmed targeting the Internal Transcribed Spacer using the ITS1 and ITS2 primers . The DNA extraction was performed using the commercial kit Animal and Fungi DNA Preparation Kit® according to manufacturers protocol. The PCR amplification took place in a 25 µL final volume of mixture reaction containing: 1X MangoTaq Colored Reaction Buffer , 2.5 mM MgCl2 , 0.5 mM dNTP , 0.5 mM of each primer , 1.25U/µL MangoTaq and 2 µL of DNA. The amplification series consisted of 35 cycles of the following: 95 °C for 30 sec, 56 °C for 30 sec and 72 °C for 30 sec.

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How Is Onychomycosis Treated

Treatment of onychomycosis includes chemical or surgical removal of the infected nail, systemic or topical drugs, pulse therapy, or a combination thereof. Table 2 is a summary of oral and topical therapy regimens as can be seen, the course of treatment for fingernail infections is shorter than for toenail infections. The treatment of onychomycosis has improved considerably over the past several decades, following the introduction of the oral antifungals terbinafine and itraconazole. However, these drugs may have side effects such as liver damage or drug interactions, which are particularly relevant in the elderly population . Further, nail infections caused by non-dermatophyte organisms, such as Fusarium, are especially difficult to treat .

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Terbinafine For Toenail Fungus Treatment

The best pill for toenail fungus is terbinafine. Evidence suggests it works better than the alternatives with the fewest side effects. Terbinafine results in resolution of toenail fungus 76% of the time. Common side effects may include headaches, skin rash, and vomiting. It is taken once a day for 6 to 12 weeks.

Periodical Debridement From Podiatrist & Surgical Removal

Going to your podiatrist for regular nail trimmings is a great preventative measure against toenail fungus. This prevents long nails from repetitively jabbing into shoes, also preventing injury. If nails are allowed to become long and overly thick, the toenail fungus is at a severe level and will most likely cause major discomfort and pain. Once this is reoccurring, surgical removal of the nail may be necessary.

Remember to avoid myth-filled home remedies things like vinegar, Vicks Vapor Rub, or bleach will only result in chemical burns and ineffective treating. Consult with your foot doctor on which type of treatment is best for you. At the Beaver Valley Foot Clinic, we provide all of the services your feet need to be completely healthy, from heel to toe.

call 878-313-3338 for more information

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When Are The Different Treatments Considered

Most doctors recommend treating nail fungus with nail polish or cream if

• not much more than half of the nail is affected by the fungus,
• the base of the nail is not infected, and
• only some nails are affected.

Topical treatment is also usually recommended for children. One reason for this is that most oral medications arent suitable for children. Another reason is that children have thinner nails that grow more quickly, so its assumed that treatment with nail polish or creams is more likely to work in children than in adults. White superficial onychomycosis is also often treated with a nail polish or cream.

If several nails are infected by the fungus, or if the infection has spread out more on the affected nails, its usually necessary to take oral medication. And if the infection started at the base of the nail, its highly likely that only tablets will help.

Tolnaftate Topical Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives difficult breathing swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using tolnaftate topical and call your doctor at once if you have skin irritation after applying this medicine.

Common side effects may include mild itching, dryness, or peeling of treated skin.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Usual Adult Dose for Tinea Corporis:

Apply to the affected area once or twice a day for 2 to 4 weeks.

Usual Adult Dose for Tinea Cruris:

Apply to the affected area once or twice a day for 2 to 4 weeks.

Usual Adult Dose for Tinea Pedis:

Apply to the affected area once or twice a day for 2 to 4 weeks.

Usual Adult Dose for Tinea Versicolor:

Apply to the affected area once or twice a day for 2 to 4 weeks.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Tinea Corporis:

2 years or older: Apply to the affected area once or twice a day for 2 to 4 weeks.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Tinea Cruris:

2 years or older: Apply to the affected area once or twice a day for 2 to 4 weeks.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Tinea Pedis:

2 years or older: Apply to the affected area once or twice a day for 2 to 4 weeks.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Tinea Versicolor:

2 years or older: Apply to the affected area once or twice a day for 2 to 4 weeks.

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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.

Treatment Challenges: What To Expect And What To Do

Treating nail fungus infections is challenging. From a patients point of view, one of the main frustrations is that nail fungus infections take considerable time to clear, even when the treatment is working. Typically, topical treatments are prescribed for a year and oral treatments require several months of treatment before your nails return to normal.

Having realistic treatment expectations is very important

Its important that you speak with your physician and the pharmacist so that you understand the expected outcome and duration of treatment, as well as possible side effects of the treatment. Unrealistic expectations often lead to dissatisfaction, poor compliance or failure to continue the treatment as instructed.

Nail fungus infection takes a long time to treat

The appearance of the damaged nail will not return to normal even after the fungi are cleared, until the damaged nail grows out and is replaced by the healthy nail. It takes fingernails about six months to re-grow completely, and toenails require 12-18 months.

The cure rate for nail fungus infection treatments is not 100%. Understand that your treatment may fail and you may need to try again, or use a different treatment regimen. Recurrence is common with this condition.

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