Fungal nail infections (onychomycosis) are a common problem, especially toenail infections. If you’ve noticed that one or more of your nails are discolored, thickened, or brittle, you may have a fungal infection. The good news is that several treatments can help clear up the infection.
One such treatment is DAKTARIN Tincture (also sometimes called Daktarin nail polish, although it’s not technically nail polish), a topical medicine you apply directly to the affected nails. It contains the active ingredient miconazole, which is an antifungal medication.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of fungal nail infections, how DAKTARIN nail polish works to treat them, and other important information you need to know to manage this condition effectively.
What is onychomycosis?
Onychomycosis is the medical term for a fungal nail infection.
Symptoms of a fungal nail infection
If you have a fungal nail infection, you may notice:
- Discoloration of the nail
- Thickening of the nail
- Roughness or changes in the nail’s texture
- Separation of the nail from the nail bed
- Pain in the affected nail
- Brittle edges of the nail
Fungal nail infections tend to start gradually, with the symptoms slowly worsening over time.
Causes and risk factors
Most fungal nail infections are caused by fungi such as dermatophytes, molds, and yeasts. These organisms thrive in warm, moist environments and can spread from other skin infections, such as athlete’s foot.
Some risk factors make people more likely to develop fungal nail infections. These include:
- Diabetes
- Circulatory problems
- Immune system problems
- Age over 60
- Wearing closed or poorly ventilated shoes
- Spending time in moist environments, such as swimming pools or locker rooms
- Excessive sweating
Diagnosis and treatment options for fungal nail infections
If you think you have a fungal nail infection, the first step is to get a diagnosis from your healthcare provider.
Diagnosis
Typically, a diagnosis involves scraping or clipping the nail to get a sample for testing in a lab. It’s important to get a professional diagnosis so you can be sure you’re treating the right issue.
Treatment options
There are a few ways to treat nail fungus, including:
- topical treatments that you apply directly to the nail, such as medicated nail polish
- oral treatments that you take by mouth
- laser therapy
- nail removal
Keep in mind that treatment for a fungal nail infection can take a long time—several months or even up to a year. This is because nails grow slowly, and it takes time for the new, healthy nail to replace the infected one. The length of treatment also depends on how bad the infection is and where it’s located.
DAKTARIN Tincture: A Detailed Look
DAKTARIN Tincture is a medication used to treat fungal infections of the nails. The active ingredient in DAKTARIN is miconazole, and each milliliter of DAKTARIN Tincture contains 20 milligrams of miconazole.
Miconazole is an antifungal medicine that works by preventing the growth of fungi, but other treatments like Ketoconazole are also available. It does this by interfering with the production of a substance called ergosterol, which is an essential component of fungal cell membranes. By disrupting ergosterol production, miconazole weakens the fungal cell membrane, causing it to leak and ultimately killing the fungus.
How to Use DAKTARIN Tincture
Here’s how to use DAKTARIN Tincture to treat a fungal nail infection:
- Before you start, cut the infected nail as short as possible.
- Apply a thin layer of DAKTARIN Tincture twice daily to the affected nail, the skin around the nail, and under the nail.
- Before each application, clean the nail with an acetone-based nail polish remover. This helps remove any debris or oils that could prevent the tincture from penetrating the nail.
It’s important to apply DAKTARIN Tincture consistently for the best results. Fungal nail infections can take a long time to clear up completely. You may need to continue treatment for at least two months, or even longer, to get rid of the infection.
Important Considerations While Using DAKTARIN Tincture
Here are a few things to keep in mind while using DAKTARIN Tincture:
- If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Don’t apply a double dose to make up for a missed one.
- To prevent the infection from spreading, avoid sharing nail clippers, files, or other personal care items with others.
- Don’t use DAKTARIN Tincture near your eyes, on open wounds, or to treat other conditions without talking to your doctor first.
DAKTARIN Tincture: What to know about side effects, overdose, and storage
Side effects
When using DAKTARIN, you may experience burning, irritation, a rash, or softening of the skin around the nail.
Contact a health professional if you develop serious side effects or if your symptoms don’t improve.
Overdose
Using too much DAKTARIN can cause burning, redness, or swelling of the skin.
If you think you’ve used too much, skip one or two applications, then start again. If a child swallows the product, contact a health professional for advice.
Storage and disposal
To store DAKTARIN safely:
- Keep it in a cool, dry place below 25°C.
- Make sure children can’t get to it.
- Don’t use it past the expiration date.
Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of the medication safely.
What else can I do about nail fungus?
If Daktarin isn’t right for you, there are other ways to treat nail fungus.
Other topical treatments
There are other antifungal medications available that you can apply to the surface of the nail, including Ciclopirox Gel Perrigo.
Oral antifungal medications
Sometimes, a nail infection is too widespread to be treated with something you put on the surface of the nail. In those cases, you may need to take an oral medication to clear up the infection.
Oral antifungal medications can have side effects, such as liver damage, skin rashes, and gastrointestinal problems.
Laser treatment
Photodynamic therapy, or laser treatments, may also help with nail fungus. This option is new and, at this point, experts aren’t sure how effective it may be long-term.
Prevention and self-care for fungal nail infections
The best way to deal with fungal nail infections is to avoid them in the first place. Self-care and prevention are key to keeping your nails healthy.
Here are some easy things you can do to avoid getting a fungal nail infection:
- Keep your nails trimmed short.
- After you wash your hands or take a shower, dry your hands and feet completely.
- Wear clean, dry socks that absorb moisture.
- Avoid walking barefoot in public places.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kills toenail fungus permanently?
There’s no guaranteed “permanent” cure, as recurrence is possible. However, effective treatments like oral antifungals (prescription only) and topical medications like Daktarin, combined with good foot hygiene, significantly increase your chances of eliminating the infection for good. Consistency is key!
What happens if I use too much Daktarin?
Using too much Daktarin isn’t likely to cause a serious problem, but it can lead to skin irritation, redness, or a burning sensation around the nail. It’s best to apply a thin layer as directed. If you experience any adverse reactions, stop using the product and consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Can I buy Daktarin powder over the counter?
Yes, Daktarin powder is typically available over the counter at pharmacies. It’s commonly used for fungal infections like athlete’s foot, but it’s important to ensure it’s the right product for your specific condition. Always check with a pharmacist if you’re unsure.
Should I cut my toenail off if it has fungus?
No, don’t try to cut your toenail off yourself! This can lead to infection and other complications. A doctor might consider removing part or all of the nail in severe cases, but this is a medical procedure that should only be performed by a professional.
What is the #1 absolute best toenail fungus cure?
Unfortunately, there’s no single “best” cure that works for everyone. Treatment success depends on the severity of the infection, the type of fungus, and individual factors. Oral antifungals are often considered the most effective, but they come with potential side effects. Topical treatments like Daktarin are a good option for mild to moderate infections. Consulting a doctor is crucial to determine the best approach for you.
Closing Thoughts
DAKTARIN Tincture is a topical antifungal medication that’s often used to treat fungal nail infections. It’s important to get a proper diagnosis from a doctor before you start using any medication for a fungal nail, because they can sometimes look like other conditions. If you do have a fungal nail infection, it’s important to treat it quickly and to take steps to prevent it from spreading to other nails or other people.
Talk to your doctor or another health professional if you think you have a fungal nail infection. They can help you decide if DAKTARIN Tincture is right for you, and they can help you develop a treatment plan.