What Is Best Treatment For Toenail Fungus

Nail Fungus Consumer Review

Did you take off your shoes and discover a black toenail? Once youre over the bad surprise of finding it, its important to determine the cause to apply the best possible treatment. Is it black toenail fungus? Was your toe injured? Could it be related to cancer or diabetes?

Most often a black toenail is caused by an injury or a fungal infection. Sometimes a home treatment solves the problem. Sometimes you should visit a doctor. Whats the right thing to do?

Keep reading to learn how to identify, prevent, and treat black toenails in the most appropriate way.

How Is Athletes Foot Diagnosed

A doctor may diagnose athletes foot by the symptoms. Or, a doctor may order a skin test if they arent sure a fungal infection is causing your symptoms.

A skin lesion potassium hydroxide exam is the most common test for athletes foot. A doctor scrapes off a small area of infected skin and places it in potassium hydroxide. The KOH destroys normal cells and leaves the fungal cells untouched so they are easy to see under a microscope.

Visit Us Dermatology Partners

If you are struggling with toenail fungus, you dont have to deal with this concern on your own. The skilled team of professionals at U.S. Dermatology Partners, including Dr. Wagenseller and the Fairfax, Virginia team, are here to help. With locations across the U.S., we make it find a dermatologist for toenail fungus near you. When youre ready to begin treatment for toenail fungus with the help of one of our professionals, its easy to get started. Simply take a few moments to complete our online appointment request form. In just a few minutes, the U.S. Dermatology Partners team will have all of the information we need to schedule an appointment for you at your local office.

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Effectiveness Of Toenail Fungus Laser Treatment:

• Laser treatment for toenail fungal infections is a very effective and safe method. Still, the effectiveness varies depending on age, general health, duration, the severity of the infection, and degree of nail damage.
• Researches show up to 88% effectiveness though we expect around 50-78% to be more reflective overall.
• The nail can be removed and treated as the new one grows back in some persistent or severely infected nails.

Cost:

• The amount for treatment is typically charged per foot. This includes follow-up evaluation and treatment if required, within a period of 1 to 3 months.
• The per-foot cost is on average $600 for a 3-month plan and $800 for both feet. If the nails are to be removed, then an additional $100 depending on the number of nails to be removed

Why Is Laser Therapy Better Than Other Therapies

Among other reasons, laser therapy is better than other therapies because it is safe. It doesnt have any of the side effects that come with the antifungals. It also doesnt have the drug interactions that the oral antifungals can have.

Its a great option for people that are taking the drugs that interact with the orals or that cant tolerate the side effects.

The treatment is pain-free and easy. Expect to spend 12 minutes on treating each of your feet once you arrive in our office.

And the best perk of all is that the laser can get in through your nail to where that fungus is hiding and get rid of it quickly.

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How Do You Know If You Have Toenail Fungus

Your best bet is to get your toenails looked at by your trusty podiatrist. If you see any of the signs weve mentioned, just make an appointment for an evaluation. Since the infection will usually spread, youre better safe than sorry.

Detecting it early also improves the chances for the treatment to do its thing and keep it from moving onto other nails or your skin.

Treatment Failure And Relapse

• References

Rates of treatment failure can be extracted from published trials, but data on relapse are less readily available. Post-treatment follow-up is long, drop-out rates in many studies are significant or unreported, and most studies have not allowed crossover of treatment regimens. Furthermore, especially in outcomes of clinical improvement , evaluation criteria have not been standardized and often include subjective assessments that are difficult to quantify. Published studies have not specifically addressed the management of treatment failures or relapse.

Despite these difficulties, several measures may be helpful in managing unsuccessful treatment or relapse. The first step is to confirm mycology. If the initial diagnosis was based on a KOH preparation alone, culture of properly collected specimens is mandatory. Culture reports often identify multiple organisms, including possibly nonpathogenic molds, and treatment should be directed at the organism most likely to be causative. A microbiology or infectious disease consultation may be valuable in interpreting the culture report.

Of note, there has been some concern about evolving drug resistance among fungal pathogens, particularly with the widespread use of systemic fluconazole therapy to treat oropharyngeal and recurrent vaginal candidiasis.5 However, the impact of antifungal resistance on the treatment of onychomycosis is not yet clear.

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How Is A Laser Used For Toenail Fungus Removal

• Laser toenail fungal removal is a modern and safe treatment option for removing and preventing future fungal infections.
• It is the most effective and less harmful way.
• A precisely directed laser can eliminate the fungus without doing any harm to the surrounding nail tissues.
• The underlying technologies are already used for various other conditions, like cataract surgery, dental work, hair removal, with proven excellent results and safety.
• Laser therapy is also approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA, to treat fungal infections of the toenails.

Why Does It Develop

A fungal nail infection occurs from the overgrowth of fungi in, under, or on the nail. Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, so this type of environment can cause them to naturally overpopulate. The same fungi that cause jock itch, athletes foot, and ringworm can cause nail infections.

Fungi that are already present in or on your body can cause nail infections. If you have come in contact with someone else who has a fungal infection, you may have contracted it as well. Fungal infections affect toenails more commonly than fingernails, likely because your toes are usually confined to shoes, where theyre in a warm, moist environment.

If you get a manicure or pedicure at a nail salon, be sure to ask how the staff disinfects their tools and how often they do it. Tools, such as emery boards and nail clippers, can spread fungal infections from person to person if theyre not sanitized.

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What Is The Best Toenail Fungus Treatment

Doyou dread looking down at your bare feet? Maybe its because your toenails oryellowed, brittle or thickened. They may even hurt. These are typical signs oftoenail fungus.

Toenail fungus is a common infection, one that has steadily increased worldwide. In fact, about 40 million Americans have toenail fungus, and some estimates are that toenail fungus affects approximately25 percent of the worlds population.

Whatexactly is toenail fungus? Toenail fungus, technically known as onychomycosis,is an infection that enters through nail cracks or cuts in the skin. Toes areoften enclosed in an environment that keeps them warm and damp, making it anideal breeding ground for fungus. And because it is contagious, it oftenspreads from one nail to the others. Yet regardless of the well-known causes ofthe condition, there are still a number of mythsabout how people contract toenail fungus.

What To Watch For When Taking Oral Medication For Toenail Fungus Treatment

All of the pills for toenail fungus can cause liver toxicity. This is rare and is reversible after the medication is stopped. Still, liver function blood testing will be done before you start your treatment and again midway through your treatment.

Medications like Terbinafine and Itraconazole can also interact with certain drugs. Your healthcare provider will look at your medication list to make sure there arent any drug interactions.

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Pills For Toenail Fungus Treatment

Oral medications, or those that come in pill form, generally work more quickly than topical medications for toenail fungus treatment. They have higher cure rates and the overall treatment time may be shorter than topical options. Pills to treat toenail fungus, however, will require a prescription. It is also important to note that improvement will continue AFTER oral therapy is stopped, and it may take 9 to 12 months for you to see full results.

The top treatments for toenail fungus are:

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:

• 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

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Apple Cider Vinegar For Toenail Fungus

Treating toenail fungus with apple cider vinegar is also a common practice. Apple cider vinegar is a common kitchen staple available in almost every house.

Many people wonder how the apple cider vinegar can kill toenail fungus? well, the apple cider vinegar has two acids, the maleic acid and the acetic acid. Both these acids are meant to disturb the pH of the toenail fungus and ultimately kill it.

Having apple cider vinegar as a treatment of nail fungus is quite long. It will take almost 6 to 7 months to kill toenail fungus. To get fast results you need to add it in your diet as well to strengthen your immune system.

All its ingredients are very common, and you can have them whenever needed, but instead of taking each antifungal and immunity booster you must have a single supplement for it.

Ways to use apple cider vinegar to treat toenail fungus

• Make a foot soak, making a foot soak is quite easy and it will only take a few minutes. Add two tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in two liters of water. Soak your feet in it for almost 30 minutes a day.
• Mix apple cider vinegar with baking soda. As baking soda is already a home remedy for nail fungus, mixing it with apple cider vinegar will only reinforce its effect. You need to make a paste of the two and apply on the nail fungus with a Q-tip.

Pros of using apple cider vinegar for nail fungus

• Anti-microbial.

Cons of using the apple cider vinegar as a remedy for nail fungus

Preventing Toenail Fungus From Spreading

While you can’t avoid contact with the microscopic organisms that cause toenail fungus its present anywhere that is warm, dark, or moist keeping your feet clean and dry and clipping your nails properly can help prevent an infection.

For fungus to grow, there needs to be some type of trauma to the nail where the nail-skin junction, or natural barrier, is disrupted, says Sheth. For example, from a pedicure, ill-fitting shoes, or the repetitive trauma of running or hiking that causes the nail to lift or get pressed on from shoes or boots.

Still, some people are more vulnerable than others, she adds. Some people have it only on one toe or one foot, and some have lived with a partner who has it but they never get it,” Sheth says. “And for some you see it in their entire family. It’s not as straightforward as it seems, and it’s an annoying problem.

If you do get a toenail fungus infection, these measures can help stop it from spreading:

Getting rid of established toenail fungus can be difficult. Successfully eliminating it depends on careful adherence to a treatment plan.

“What happens over time is that the fungus breeds in the nail tissue and goes from being just a little bit on the nail, to a really discolored and thickened nail, to a nail that is totally embedded with fungus,” explains Marlene Reid, a doctor of podiatric medicine in Naperville, Illinois, and a spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association.

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What Is The Prognosis Of Fungal Nails

Curing fungal nails can be difficult and treatment can take up to 18 months. Relapse and reinfection are common. Trying to remove or modify your risk factors, if possible, is essential to preventing reinfection. People who have medical illnesses that predispose them to fungal nails can have an even more difficult time eradicating the fungus.

Who Gets Toenail Fungus

Whileanyone can find him or herself with toenail fungus, it happens more frequentlyin men than women and among older people more often than younger people.Certain risk factors predispose people to acquire this fungal infection. Theseinclude:

• A family history oftoenail fungus
• A history ofathletes foot
• Diabetes
• Skin conditions, suchas psoriasis, that create cracked or open skin
• Tight shoes and nylonhosiery
• Use of heavy nailpolish on a consistent basis
• Walking barefoot in communaldamp areas such as gym showers or swimming pools
• Weakened immunesystem

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Best Ointment: Fungi Nail Anti

• Infused with five oils for skin healing

• Easy-to-use brush applicator

• Only for mild infections

• Doesn’t heal the nail plate

Fungi Nail Antifungal Ointment uses an innovative design to address multiple forms of fungal infections one can find on their feet. Its wide-tip applicator applies the appointment on larger areas of the feet, such as the soles and in-between toes. Then the smaller applicator works to get around the nail cuticles and underneath the nail.

Once applied, the maximum-strength ointment kills the fungus with the active ingredients of zinc undecylenate and undecylenic acid to help treat toenail fungus. The ointment also soothes itching and burning that can come with an infection, all while healing the skin. For best results, apply twice a day to clean, dry feet.

The ointment also soothes itching and burning that can come with an infection, all while healing the skin. For best results, apply twice a day to clean, dry feet.

Active Ingredients: Zinc undecylenate 20% and Undecylenic acid 5% | Dose: Tube and brush applicator delivers the appropriate amount. Apply thin layer on affected area twice daily or as directed by a doctor. | Uses: Treats and prevents fungal infections fights athletes foot and ringworm

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.

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How And Why Do You Get This Fungal Infection In The First Place

Were all exposed to plenty of fungi and often nothing happens. Thats thanks to our immune systems. But if something weakens our immune systems or gives them an extra run for their money, the fungi may win.

So, a compromised or weakened immune system of any kind is often the culprit and increases your risk of getting a fungal toenail infection. A diabetic or someone whose blood flow to the feet is compromised, for example, weakens your bodys ability to do its thing in your toenails. An injury to the toenail can also make it tougher for your body to fight off fungi.

Men tend to get toenail fungus more than women. Its also seen more in older people if their immune system weakens. If you smoke, youre at a higher risk.

If someone in your family has it or someone you come into contact with a lot does, youre usually at a higher risk too.