Nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common infection that can affect your fingernails or toenails. You might notice discoloration, thickening, or even separation of the nail from the nail bed.
One treatment option is antifungal nail polish, a topical medication that you apply directly to the affected nail. It’s often considered an easy and accessible option compared to oral medications or other treatments.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of antifungal nail polish, discussing its effectiveness, how it works, and important considerations to keep in mind when using it. We’ll help you decide if this is the right solution for your nail fungus.
Understanding Nail Fungus (Onychomycosis)
Nail fungus is a common condition, and it can be frustrating to deal with. Let’s take a look at what causes it, who’s at risk, and how it’s diagnosed.
Causes and Risk Factors
Nail fungus can result from different types of fungi, including dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds.
Certain factors can make you more likely to get nail fungus. These include:
- Older age
- Diabetes
- Poor circulation
- Nail injuries
- A weakened immune system
Symptoms and Diagnosis
If you have nail fungus, you might notice symptoms like:
- Thickening of the nail
- Discoloration (often yellowish or brownish)
- Brittleness
- A distorted nail shape
If you think you have nail fungus, it’s important to get a proper diagnosis from a healthcare professional. They can examine your nails and might take samples (like nail clippings) for lab tests. This helps confirm the diagnosis and rules out other conditions that could be causing your symptoms.
Types of Antifungal Nail Polish
If you think you have a fungal nail infection, it’s important to see a doctor and research solutions like Forces of Nature Nail Fungus Control. They can diagnose your condition and recommend the best treatment options for you. Don’t rely on over-the-counter products alone.
Prescription Antifungal Nail Polishes
Ciclopirox is a common prescription antifungal nail polish. Ciclopirox is a broad-spectrum antifungal, meaning it can fight a wide variety of fungi. Ciclopirox works by stopping the growth of fungi. It disrupts their cell membranes, which are essential for their survival.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Nail Polishes and Enhancements
Some over-the-counter nail polishes claim to have antifungal properties. Some contain undecylenic acid. The effectiveness of undecylenic acid for treating nail fungus is not definitively proven.
Cosmetic nail polishes with added vitamins and minerals, such as biotin, Vitamin E, and Vitamin A, are promoted for nail health. These polishes primarily aim to improve the nail’s appearance and strength, not to treat fungus.
Amorolfine
Amorolfine is another topical antifungal medication available in some countries. It’s important to talk to your doctor about whether amorolfine is right for you.
How well does antifungal nail polish work?
If you’re trying to decide whether to use antifungal nail polish, here’s what the data says:
Clinical trial results and data
Let’s take ciclopirox nail polish as an example. After a year of using ciclopirox to treat toenail fungus, about 30 out of 100 people no longer had any detectable toenail fungus. But only about 7 out of 100 were happy with how their toenails looked after treatment.
Keep in mind that topical treatments take a long time to work. You may have to keep using them for up to a year.
Antifungal nail polish vs. other treatments
In general, oral medications like terbinafine and itraconazole work better than topical treatments you apply to your nails. So why would anyone use a topical treatment?
Topical treatments may be a good choice if:
- Your infection is mild or moderate
- Only a small part of your nail is affected
- You’re treating a child
- You have superficial onychomycosis (fungus on the outer layers of the nail)
What affects whether treatment works?
How well antifungal nail polish works depends on a few things:
- How bad is the infection?
- How well do you follow the directions?
- Are you applying the polish the right way?
How to use antifungal nail polish
If your doctor prescribes an antifungal nail polish, here’s what to expect:
- Preparation: You’ll want to clean and file your nail before applying the polish.
- Application: Apply the polish evenly over the entire nail surface and the skin around it. Think of it like painting your nails, but with medicine!
- Duration: The treatment can last for months—sometimes up to a year! It’s important to stick with the treatment plan your doctor recommends, even if your symptoms start to improve. It may seem like a long time, but it’s necessary to fully get rid of the fungus.
Potential Side Effects and Precautions
Like any medication, antifungal nail polishes can come with side effects. You might experience skin irritation, redness, itching, or a burning sensation where you apply the polish. If any of these symptoms become severe or don’t go away, contact your doctor.
It’s also super important to chat with your doctor before using antifungal nail polish if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have any other health conditions. They can help you decide if it’s the right treatment for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kills toenail fungus permanently?
Completely eradicating toenail fungus often requires a multi-pronged approach. Prescription oral antifungal medications are generally the most effective way to kill the fungus, but they can have side effects. Topical treatments, including antifungal nail polishes, can also be effective, especially for mild infections. Laser therapy is another option, though it may require multiple sessions.
Can nail polish get rid of fungus?
Regular nail polish won’t get rid of fungus and can even worsen the condition by trapping moisture, and it is important to examine before and after pics showing real results of effective nail fungus treatments. However, specifically formulated antifungal nail polishes containing active ingredients like ciclopirox or amorolfine can help treat the infection. These polishes need to be applied consistently over several months for optimal results.
What nail polish do podiatrists recommend?
Podiatrists often recommend antifungal nail polishes containing ciclopirox or amorolfine as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. They might also suggest breathable nail polishes designed to allow air and moisture to reach the nail, reducing the risk of fungal growth. Always consult with a podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your specific case.
How to hide fungus toenails?
While treating the fungus is the ultimate goal, you can temporarily hide fungal toenails with breathable nail polish or nail concealer. However, it’s essential to remove the polish regularly to allow the nail to breathe and apply antifungal medication as directed. Avoid wearing tight shoes and socks that can create a moist environment conducive to fungal growth.
How do I get rid of nail fungus ASAP?
There’s no truly “ASAP” cure for nail fungus. Treatment typically takes several months, as the affected nail needs to grow out completely. Prescription oral medications tend to work the fastest, but they require a doctor’s evaluation. A combination of oral and topical treatments may provide the most effective results, but patience and consistency are key.
To Conclude
Antifungal nail polish is a way to treat nail fungus without taking oral medications, but it doesn’t always work.
If you think you have a nail fungus, see a doctor to get a diagnosis and find out about the best ways to treat it. It’s important to get the right diagnosis because other conditions can look like a fungal infection. A doctor can also help you choose the right treatment and manage the infection.
Treating nail fungus can take time, so you have to be patient and follow your doctor’s instructions, and setting realistic expectations with a 7-day nail fungus treatment plan is important. Stay with your treatment plan, and you’ll be more likely to get the results you want.