The 6 Best Nail Fungus Treatments To Finally Get Clear Clean Nails
Itâs certainly not cute or glamorous, and can even be downright embarrassing, but nail fungus happens. Nail fungal infections technically called onychomycosis say that three times fast actually occur in 10 percent of the general population, 20 percent of people older than 60 years old, and 50 percent of those older than 70, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.
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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:
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.
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Clove Oil Remedy For Toenail Fungus
The clove oil has a very pleasant and strong odor, which makes it a loved choice for nail fungus. It is also known for strong anti-fungal and anti-viral properties.
You must be wondering about the magical substance in clove oil to make it do so, it is the eugenol, according to research it is one of the effective ingredients to kill fungal and bacterial infections.
It is not only a treatment for nail fungus but also for the overall health, and especially the respiratory problems.
How to use clove oil for nail fungus treatment?
Using clove oil directly on the infected toenail is not a wise idea as the clove oil is a strong and reactive compound. It will destroy the skin barrier you need to dilute it first.
- Use clove oil with Epsom salt. You can add a few drops of clove oil in your bathtub and Epsom salt, this is a convenient method to treat toenail fungus.
- Apply the diluted clove oil directly on the infected toenail thrice a day.
- Make a foot soak of baking soda ad add a few drops of clove oil on it.
Pros of clove oil treatment for toenail fungus
- It will moisten the damaged skin.
- Is effective in treating the bad odor of nail fungus, giving you a pleasant smell, all those who go out for work and do not want to carry the bad odor, should apply it.
- It is a readily available essential oil.
Cons of clove oil for nail fungus
- It takes almost 10 months to show results.
- It is slightly harsh for people with sensitive skin.
- You need to buy a separate carrier oil with it.
Top Treatments For Toenail Fungus
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Toenail fungus, medically called onychomycosis, is a common problem that causes thickened, yellow toenails. It is contagious, which means you can give the fungus to someone else. You may have caught it by walking barefoot in the same area someone with the infection walked just before you, or from someone in your home. Common places to catch the fungal infection are pool decks, locker rooms, and gym showers. Infections like this should be treated promptly, especially if you have an underlying medical problem, like diabetes. Learn about some common toenail fungus treatments, including prescriptions, and home remedies.
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Boots Fungal Nail Treatment Solution: The Best Fungal Nail Treatment To Try If Excilor Doesnt Work
Price: £18 | Buy now from Boots
Boots own anti-fungal nail treatment is easy to use as Excilor: simply brush it on twice a day for four weeks, by which time you should be able to see the new nail growing out, clean and healthy. It relies on the antimicrobial chemical pentylene glycol, rather than the more commonly used antifungal amorolfine, so you may actually find it works better for you, depending on the type of infection you have.
Key specs Size: 4ml Format: Liquid Active ingredient: Pentylene glycol
Which Prescription Products Treat Nail Fungus
The best products for nail fungus are prescription medicines you take by mouth or topical liquid medicines you apply to the nail.
Prescription medicines commonly used to treat nail fungus include oral and topical treatments, such as:
- topical efinaconazole
- topical ciclopirox
- oral terbinafine
- oral itraconazole
Oral antifungal medicines tend to work better than topical ones, but are associated with greater side effects and drug interactions. In some cases, your doctor may decide to combine treatments, or use laser or photodynamic therapy. Speak with your podiatrist about these techniques.
In the most severe cases, your doctor may recommend you have surgery to remove part or all of the nail.
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What Side Effects And Drug
The possible side effects of itraconazole include headaches, dizziness, stomach and bowel problems, and rashes. Itraconazole can also interact with a number of other drugs. These include cholesterol-reducing and blood-sugar-lowering medications, as well as certain sleeping pills. It is therefore important to let your doctor know about any medication you take. Itraconazole is not an option for people with heart failure . It also isnt suitable for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Terbinafine can cause gastrointestinal problems and a temporary loss of taste and smell. It can also interact with certain antidepressants and heart medications. Overall, terbinafine has far fewer drug-drug interactions than itraconazole. Nevertheless, its still important to tell your doctor if you are taking any other medication. As a precaution, this medication should not be taken during pregnancy or if you are breastfeeding.
The studies only rarely reported on how often the different side effects occurred. But most people tolerate nail fungus medications well. Only a few people in the studies stopped treatment because of side effects.
But there is a very small risk of liver damage from taking itraconazole or terbinafine. For this reason, people with a liver disease are only given these medications if its absolutely necessary.
Toenail Fungus Home Care
Sometimes itâs possible to treat your toenail fungus at home. You can try:
- Over the counter antifungal creams or ointments. File or cut off any white markings on your nails. Soak your nails in water and dry off before you put on the medicated cream.
- Special nail care. If you keep your nails trimmed, it can reduce the pressure and pain you feel. You can also thin your nail bed by filing it down. This can help antifungal creams get to the problem easier.
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How To Treat Fungal Nail Effectively
Owing to the high recurrence rate of fungal nail infections, pharmacy professionals should be able to advise patients on effective treatment and preventative and appropriate self-care strategies to avoid re-infection.
Shutterstock
Fungal nail infection is a mycotic infection caused by fungal invasion of the nail structure and is one of the most common nail disorders, representing half of nail abnormalities in adults. Its prevalence in Europe is around 4.3% over all age groups and 15.5% of all nail dystrophies in children. OM is more commonly diagnosed in men and older people, affecting 2050% of people aged over 60 years. An increased incidence among older people may be attributed to multiple factors, including reduced peripheral circulation, diabetes, inactivity, relative immunosuppression, and reduced nail growth and quality. Toenails are affected more commonly than fingernails.
This article will cover the causes, types and treatment of OM, practical information to help guide patient consultations and when to refer to podiatry.
Ranking The Best Toenail Fungus Treatments Of 2021
A toenail fungus treatment provides a simple, convenient way for people to address fungal infections of the toenail.
Nearly 35 million American adults suffer from fungal infections of the toenail, with many convinced there is nothing they can do about it.
Fortunately, medical science has made impressive leaps in understanding this vexing condition, and there are now numerous OTC toenail fungus treatments that can provide relief.
We put dozens of the most popular brands to the test and concluded that the following represent the 10 best toenail fungus treatment options of 2021.
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Diagnosis: How To Know If You Have Toenail Fungus
Its important to first point out that there are many people diagnosed with a toenail fungal infection. According to this journal, about 3 million Americans are diagnosed with toenail fungal infections each year.
In fact, research has shown that men three times more likely to develop onychomycosis than women. The risk of getting a tinea unguium infection increases if you have diabetes or are a chronic smoker. In addition, it is worthy of note that those who have a low or compromised immune status can develop the infection.
The fungal toenail infection thrives and grows on moist or damp feet and it causes discoloration and thickening of feet. It may even lead to the splitting and peeling of your nails and causing discomfort and pain.
The infection can spread from the toe to fingernails, skin, or other parts of your body. Sometimes, the toenail can become cracked, warped, or loosing away from the nail bed. The nail can also look yellowish with a few white spots.
To make a diagnosis, your doctor will need to examine your feet and take some skin or nail scrapings as a sample for testing in the laboratory.
What Is Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus is one of those infections that can sneak up and get out of control. One day a discoloured spot on the toenail may be spotted. The next time the discoloration may turn to yellow as fungi or yeast has wormed its way under the nails and taken up residence. Warm and wet places like the nail beds are where these microorganisms live and thrive. Ugly toes may be all a minor infection could end up to but the infection can get out of control and get painful if left to remain untreated.
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Can I Get A Otc For Toenail Fungus For A Reasonable Price
Lifelong companionship is typical for otc for toenail fungus. When you fast open your lid, spending more money will reward you with increased speed, a better view, and better quality of the product. Again, the average price of a new otc for toenail fungus is between $$ and $$$. Okay, so some luxury options are not available.
Tea Tree Oil Nail Fungus Treatment
Tea tree oil has been an effective anti-viral essential oil, that is being used for different purpose from bath to the making of body creams.
Till now we have some mixed researched studies regarding tea tree oil. Some scientists found it a reliable treatment, while other found it useless.
However, the better of the two is to try the oil, as it is 100% natural and there is no risk in using such thing.
Even though it is a safe organic compound, still it is not very mild on the sensitive skin.
It is an essential oil, which means it is concentrated. So, you need to avoid the excess use of it, keep it to the low.
Ways of using tea tree oil for toenail fungus
- Mix tea tree oil with a carrier oil and use the diluted solution of tea tree oil as a remedy for nail fungus.
- Make a foot soak with warm water and tea tree oil. You need to mix six drops of tea tree oil, in a warm bowl of water, soak your feet for 15 minutes in it.
- The apple cider vinegar can strengthen the antifungal properties of tea tree oil, all you have to do is mix water and apple cider vinegar, and soak your feet in it, after 15 minutes take your feet out and pat dry with a dry towel. Now, apply a diluted solution of tea tree oil on the infected toenail.
- Using tea tree oil with rubbing alcohol, take a spray bottle add alcohol, oregano oil, and tea tree oil.
Pros of using tea tree oil as a natural toenail fungus remedy
- It makes the skin smooth.
- It is anti-inflammatory.
Cons of using tea tree oil for nail fungus
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Are Oral Medications For Nail Fungus Toxic
The newer drugs are unlikely to cause any liver problems in patients without known liver disease. Blood tests are not needed for once-weekly treatment with fluconazole however, people taking longer courses often have their liver function tested before starting the medicine and then retested during the course of treatment. It is important to notify the doctor of all side effects while on the medication. You should tell your doctor of all current medications to prevent potential serious drug interactions.
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
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.
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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
Funginix Healthy Nail Formula
If you are looking for a legit Made in the USA product, then, this Funginix Healthy Nail Formula is what you might be looking for.
This product is made from different antifungal agents, essential oils, and antifungal extracts.
Because of these ingredients like tea tree oil, this can be considered a powerful topical treatment solution!
Pros
Cons
- Nail polish cannot be applied when using this product
As a topical solution, this product is readily absorbed into the affected nail and skin surrounding it as well causing complete healing in no time!
However, remember that being consistent is one of the ways to get a fresh, new nail within 2 weeks.
Formulation, Dosage, and Active Ingredients
Each bottle of Funginix Healthy Nail Formula contains a 30ml solution.
To use this product, apply a generous amount of the solution to the cuticle of each infected nail every morning and evening after bath time.
Let the solution sit for 5 minutes before doing other work.
This products active ingredients are the following: Undecyclinic acid, Camphor, and Tea Tree oil.
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