Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common infection of the toenails. It’s caused by fungi, including dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds, that thrive in warm, moist environments. This is why it’s so important to dry your feet thoroughly after you shower or swim, and to wear breathable socks and shoes.
Toenail fungus can cause your nails to become discolored, thickened, and even crumbly. It’s not a pretty sight, and it can be uncomfortable, even painful, if left untreated. Plus, it can spread to other nails or even to the skin around your nails.
That’s why it’s important to understand toenail fungus and the options available to treat it. There are a variety of treatments available, including topical treatments like nail polishes and creams, as well as oral medications in tablet form. Each treatment, including using clear nail polish, has its own level of effectiveness, potential side effects, and considerations.
In this article, we’ll explore these treatment options in detail. We’ll also talk about the importance of seeking professional medical advice from a doctor, especially given the potential side effects of some treatments. While there are plenty of home remedies out there, they often fall short when it comes to effectively treating toenail fungus.
Toenail fungus treatments: Nail polishes and creams
If you suspect toenail fungus, you’ll want to know about the different ways to treat it. Here’s the lowdown on topical treatments like nail polishes and creams.
Nail Polishes
Ciclopirox: How it Works
One common antifungal nail polish is ciclopirox. It gets down deep into the nail to stop the fungus from growing. You usually paint it on the affected nails once a day.
How Well Does Ciclopirox Work?
Ciclopirox can work in some cases, but it can take a long time—up to a year—to completely get rid of the fungus. Studies show that after a year, about 30% of people who used ciclopirox no longer had signs of a fungal nail infection. Even when the infection is gone, the nail might not look as good as it did before.
Amorolfine: Another Option
Amorolfine is another antifungal nail polish used for toenail fungus. You put it directly on the affected nail, just like ciclopirox. It works in a similar way, messing with the fungus’s cell membranes.
Creams and Nail Scrapers
Urea and Bifonazole: A Powerful Combo
Some treatments use a mix of urea cream and bifonazole cream. The urea softens the nail, which helps the bifonazole get in there and kill the fungus. You often get a nail scraper to remove the softened, infected parts of the nail.
How Well Do Urea and Bifonazole Work?
Around 51% of people who used urea and bifonazole cream had no signs of a fungal infection three months after treatment. This combination might work a bit better than using urea cream alone, at least in the short term.
What You Need to Know About Topical Treatments
Keep in mind that topical treatments usually aren’t as effective as oral medications, especially for serious infections. Doctors often recommend them for milder infections that only affect a small part of the nail, or for children, or for infections that are only on the surface of the nail. If your infection is severe, talk to your doctor about other options.
Oral medications for toenail fungus
If your doctor suspects a fungal infection in your toenail, they may prescribe an oral antifungal medication. These medications are tablets you swallow.
Terbinafine
Terbinafine is often the first choice for toenail fungus.
How it works
Terbinafine stops fungus from growing by interfering with ergosterol, which fungi need to build their cell membranes.
How well it works
Terbinafine generally works better for dermatophyte infections than itraconazole. In studies, about 76 out of 100 people who took terbinafine had no signs of fungal infection after three months. But how long you’ll need to take it depends on how bad the infection is and the treatment approach your healthcare provider recommends.
Side effects
Oral medications like terbinafine can have more side effects than topical treatments you apply to the nail. Some of the most common side effects are liver problems, skin rashes, and stomach issues.
It’s vital to tell your doctor about all the other medications you’re taking to avoid drug interactions.
Itraconazole
Itraconazole is another oral antifungal medication used to treat toenail fungus.
How it works
Like terbinafine, itraconazole interferes with the fungus’s ability to produce ergosterol.
How well it works
Itraconazole is effective, but generally not as effective as terbinafine. Research shows that about 43 out of 100 people who take itraconazole have no signs of fungal infection after three months.
Side effects
Itraconazole has a similar side effect profile to terbinafine, which means it can cause liver problems and drug interactions. Discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor.
Fluconazole
Fluconazole is usually considered a last resort because you have to take it for a long time. It’s used when other medications aren’t a good fit or haven’t worked.
Like the other oral medications, fluconazole can cause liver problems and drug interactions. If you’re taking fluconazole, your doctor will want to keep a close watch on your liver function.
What factors influence treatment choice? Severity, demographics, and more
When you consult with a doctor about toenail fungus, they’ll probably consider a variety of factors to formulate a treatment plan that’s right for you.
Severity of infection
If the infection only affects a small area of the nail, a topical treatment may be enough to control the fungus and keep it from spreading.
But if the infection has spread to multiple nails, starts at the base of the nail, or is particularly severe, the doctor will probably recommend an oral medication to get rid of the fungus.
Patient demographics and health status
Doctors prefer topical treatments for children because oral medications can have some unwanted side effects. If you think your child has toenail fungus, it’s important to get a diagnosis from a doctor and to ask about the right dosage of any medication.
People with liver disease or other health conditions may not be good candidates for oral medications. Your doctor can discuss alternative treatment options with you.
Treatment history and previous failures
If you’ve tried other treatments that haven’t worked, your doctor will probably want to try a different approach. That might mean switching from a topical to an oral medication or trying a different antifungal medicine.
Sometimes, the fungus might be resistant to certain antifungal medications. In that case, the doctor might need to do a fungal culture to figure out what kind of fungus is causing the infection and determine which treatment will be most effective.
Home remedies and alternative treatments
You may find a lot of home remedies for toenail fungus online, but it’s important to know that many of these haven’t been studied thoroughly. Here’s what you should know about a few popular options:
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is a popular home remedy for toenail fungus, with many people claiming it has antifungal properties.
However, there isn’t strong research to back this up. Some studies have shown it may have some antifungal activity, but the results aren’t conclusive. Plus, tea tree oil can irritate the skin or cause allergic reactions in some people.
Vinegar soaks
Vinegar soaks are another common home remedy for toenail fungus.
The idea is that the acidity of vinegar might help stop the fungus from growing. But again, there’s not a lot of solid scientific evidence to say for sure that this works.
Important: Talk to a doctor
Home remedies shouldn’t take the place of medical treatment. If you think you have toenail fungus, it’s really important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis and find out what treatment is best for you.
If you only try home remedies, you might delay getting the right treatment, and the infection could get worse.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get rid of nail fungus ASAP?
Unfortunately, there’s no magic bullet for instantly eliminating toenail fungus. Treatment usually takes time and patience. Over-the-counter antifungal medications might help mild cases, but often prescription oral or topical medications from your doctor are necessary for effective results. Laser treatment is another option.
Is it fungus or nail polish stain?
Distinguishing between a stain and fungus can be tricky. Polish stains are usually uniform and fade over time. Fungus often presents with thickened, crumbly, or discolored nails, and may involve a foul odor. If you’re unsure, see a doctor for a proper diagnosis.
Are my toenails yellow from nail polish or fungus?
Yellowing can be caused by both. Nail polish, especially dark shades, can leave a yellowish stain. However, yellowing is also a common symptom of toenail fungus. Consider how frequently you wear polish and if you notice any other signs of infection, like thickening or brittleness.
Does hydrogen peroxide get rid of toenail fungus?
While some people suggest hydrogen peroxide as a home remedy, its effectiveness against toenail fungus is not scientifically proven. It might have some mild antiseptic properties, but it’s unlikely to penetrate the nail and eradicate the infection. Consult your doctor for evidence-based treatments.
What does the very beginning of toenail fungus look like?
In its earliest stages, toenail fungus might appear as a small white or yellowish spot under the nail. You might also notice a slight thickening or distortion of the nail shape. It’s often subtle, so pay close attention to any changes in your nails’ appearance and consult a doctor if you suspect an infection.
Key Takeaways
Toenail fungus can be treated in a few ways. Over-the-counter and prescription nail polishes and creams can help kill the fungus directly on the nail. Oral medications, on the other hand, work throughout your entire body to kill the fungus. Each of these approaches has pros and cons.
Which treatment is best for you depends on a number of things, including how bad the infection is, your age, your other health conditions, and more. That’s why it’s important to talk to a doctor to get a treatment plan that works for you.
It’s also important to understand what your treatment options are and what to expect from each one. The more you know, the better you’ll be able to work with your doctor to make good decisions and get the best results. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and be honest about your concerns.
Toenail fungus can be stubborn and annoying. However, with the right treatment, you can get rid of it. Just be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions and stick with it, even if it takes a while to see results. With a good diagnosis, the right treatment, and a willingness to follow your doctor’s advice, you can beat this thing!