Nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common infection that can make your nails look discolored, thick, and even crumbly. If you think you might have it, you’re probably wondering how to get rid of it. You might have even wondered, “Can I just scrape it off?”
Unfortunately, just scraping at the nail isn’t going to get rid of the infection, and it can even make things worse. So, what does work?
This article will tell you what you need to know about nail fungus, including how it’s diagnosed, what your treatment options are, and how to prevent it from coming back. We’ll also cover when it’s time to see a doctor.
Nail fungus: Diagnosis and why scraping doesn’t work
If you think you have nail fungus, you’re probably wondering how to get rid of it. But before you start scraping away at your nails, here’s what you should know.
How dermatologists diagnose nail fungus
Dermatologists diagnose nail fungus through a combination of:
- Visual examination and patient history. A dermatologist can often tell if you have nail fungus by looking at your nail and asking you about your symptoms and medical history.
- Sample collection and laboratory analysis. To confirm the diagnosis, the dermatologist will take a sample of your nail and send it to a lab to be tested for fungus.
Why scraping alone is ineffective
While you might be tempted to scrape away the fungus, it’s not an effective way to treat the infection because:
- The fungus is deeply embedded. The fungus typically lives under the nail plate, so scraping the surface won’t reach the source of the infection.
- It can cause damage and secondary infection. Scraping your nails can damage them and the surrounding skin, which can create an opening for bacteria and lead to a secondary infection.
Over-the-counter (OTC) treatments and their limitations
If you’re looking to treat your nail fungus at home, you’ll find a few options at your local drugstore. Some of the most common OTC treatments include:
- Antifungal creams and lotions containing tolnaftate or clotrimazole
- Mentholated salves like Vicks VapoRub
- Alternative remedies like snakeroot extract and tea tree oil may provide some relief, and some people explore options like creating an aloe vera antifungal cream.
While these treatments may provide some temporary relief or slow the spread of mild infections, they’re often not effective for severe or deeply embedded fungus. If you’ve been using an OTC treatment and don’t see any improvement, or if the condition worsens, it’s time to see a doctor.
Prescription medications for nail fungus
If scraping and over-the-counter treatments don’t get rid of your nail fungus, your doctor may prescribe a prescription medication.
Prescription topical antifungals
Some common prescription topical medications for nail fungus include amorolfine, ciclopirox, efinaconazole, and tavaborole.
You apply these directly to the nail, usually every day, for several months. How long you’ll have to keep up with this routine depends on how bad the infection is and how quickly your nails grow.
Prescription oral antifungals
Some common prescription oral medications for nail fungus include fluconazole, griseofulvin, itraconazole, and terbinafine.
You take these medications by mouth, and they work throughout your body to kill the fungus. They tend to work better than topical medications for severe infections.
However, oral antifungals can have side effects, including liver damage, so your doctor may want to do regular blood tests to monitor your liver function during treatment.
Other treatment options: Laser therapy and nail removal
If scraping and topical treatments aren’t enough, two other options are laser therapy and nail removal.
Laser therapy
Laser treatments target and destroy the fungus without damaging the skin and tissue around it.
Laser therapy is a more recent development, and researchers are still studying how well it works in the long term. It may not be available everywhere, and it can be costly.
Nail removal
If the infection is severe or other treatments haven’t worked, your doctor might recommend removing the nail.
Nail removal can be done surgically or chemically (non-surgically).
After the nail is removed, you may need to apply antifungal medication to the nail bed to prevent the fungus from returning.
Prevention strategies for nail fungus
The best way to deal with nail fungus is to avoid getting it in the first place. Here’s how:
- Practice good hygiene, keeping your hands and feet clean and dry. Wash your hands thoroughly after you touch infected nails.
- Take care of your nails. Trim your nails regularly, and try not to damage the nail bed. Disinfect nail clippers and other tools after each use.
- Be smart about footwear and environments. Wear breathable shoes and socks. Don’t walk barefoot in public places like gyms and swimming pools. Wear shower shoes in public showers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buff off nail fungus?
Buffing or filing the surface of a nail infected with fungus might seem like a good idea to remove affected areas. However, it’s generally not recommended as a primary treatment. While it could thin the nail, allowing topical medications to penetrate better, aggressive buffing can damage the nail bed and potentially spread the infection.
What happens if you have toenail fungus for too long?
If left untreated for an extended period, toenail fungus can worsen. The nail may become thicker, more discolored, and even start to crumble. In severe cases, it can cause pain, difficulty walking, and potentially spread to other nails or even the skin. It’s best to seek treatment early to prevent these complications.
Is it bad to pick at toenail fungus?
Yes, picking at toenail fungus is generally a bad idea. It can damage the nail and surrounding skin, creating an entry point for other infections. Plus, picking could spread the fungus to other areas of your body or to other people.
What is the procedure for fungal scraping?
Fungal scraping, properly done by a medical professional, involves using a sterile instrument to collect a sample of the infected nail. This sample is then sent to a lab to identify the specific type of fungus causing the infection. This information helps your doctor determine the most effective treatment.
How to do nail scraping for fungal infection?
It is strongly advised not to attempt nail scraping for fungal infection at home. This procedure requires a sterile environment and specialized tools to prevent further infection or injury. Always consult a doctor or podiatrist for proper diagnosis and treatment, including if a fungal scraping is necessary.
Putting It All Together
Scraping your nail won’t get rid of nail fungus and can actually make it worse. The best way to manage nail fungus is to get a diagnosis from a doctor, follow their treatment recommendations consistently, and take steps to prevent a re-infection. It takes time to get rid of nail fungus, so it’s important to stick with your treatment plan.