Fingernail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common problem that can cause your nails to become discolored, thick, and brittle. While anyone can get it, it’s more common as we age.
If you’ve been dealing with fingernail fungus, you may have heard of Jublia (efinaconazole). Jublia is a topical treatment approved by the FDA specifically for onychomycosis. The active ingredient, efinaconazole, is an antifungal medication designed to tackle the fungus head-on.
So, does Jublia actually work on fingernail fungus? That’s what we’ll explore in this article. We’ll take a look at how effective Jublia is, compare it to other treatment options, and discuss what you can do to prevent future infections. We’ll also cover when it’s time to see a doctor about your fingernail fungus, to ensure you get the right care.
What is Jublia and How Does It Work?
Jublia is a prescription medication that’s applied to the surface of your toenail (or fingernail). It’s supposed to kill the fungus that causes the infection.
Understanding Efinaconazole
The active ingredient in Jublia is efinaconazole, which belongs to a family of drugs called triazole antifungals. Efinaconazole stops the fungus from growing by interfering with its ability to create a cell membrane.
Jublia is a 10% solution of efinaconazole that’s designed to penetrate the nail when you apply it.
Application and Usage
Jublia comes with a brush applicator to make it easier to get the medication where it needs to go. You brush it onto the entire surface of the infected nail, including underneath the nail if you can.
To get the best results, you have to apply Jublia every day. It can take months (even up to a year) before you see improvement, and the length of time depends on how severe the infection is and how well your body responds to the medication.
For fingernails, you may need to use Jublia for approximately 6 months.
Jublia for Fingernail Fungus: Examining the Evidence
Does Jublia work on fingernail fungus? Let’s take a look at what the evidence says.
Clinical Trial Results
Clinical trials show that Jublia can be effective for treating fingernail fungus, though individual results can vary. Some studies show good outcomes, with some patients seeing significant improvement or complete clearance of the infection. It’s important to remember that these results take time, so patience and consistent application are key.
For example, one study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology showed that after 48 weeks of treatment, about 55% of patients treated with Jublia achieved complete cure or almost complete cure, compared to a much lower percentage in the placebo group.
Keep in mind that success rates can vary depending on several things, including the severity of the infection and how well you stick to the treatment plan. You have to apply it as directed every single day.
Jublia vs. Other Topical Antifungals
Jublia is a newer medication, so how does it stack up against other topical antifungals, like ciclopirox, and even treatments like Clarus AC Antifungal? One advantage Jublia has is its ability to penetrate the nail better than older medications. This means it can reach the fungus more effectively. Also, Jublia tends to have fewer side effects than oral medications.
However, all topical medications have limitations. They may not be as effective for severe infections, and they require a long treatment period to see results. Talk to your doctor to decide which treatment option is best for your specific situation.
What else can you do about fingernail fungus?
If Jublia isn’t the right choice for you, or if you’d prefer to consider other options, there are some other treatments to consider.
Oral antifungal medications
Oral medications such as terbinafine and itraconazole work throughout your body to get rid of the fungus. These medications tend to work better than topical treatments, and that’s why doctors often prescribe them.
But, oral medications can have side effects and risks. For example, they can cause liver toxicity, interact with other drugs, and cause other problems. If you take an oral antifungal, your doctor will need to monitor you regularly to make sure that you remain safe and healthy.
Laser therapy
Laser therapy uses focused light to destroy the fungus. You’ll need to have multiple treatment sessions, but some people find that they get faster results with laser therapy than with topical treatments.
The downside to laser therapy is that it can be costly, and many insurance plans won’t cover it.
Natural remedies
You may have heard about natural remedies such as vinegar soaks, tea tree oil, snakeroot extract, and even products claiming to offer fast relief like Candiclear for nail fungus.
Unfortunately, there’s not much scientific evidence that these remedies work well. They might give you a little bit of relief, but they probably won’t get rid of the infection completely.
It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before you try any natural remedies. They can make sure that the remedy is safe for you and won’t interact with any other medications you’re taking.
What affects how well Jublia works?
Jublia doesn’t work for everyone. How well it works for you depends on many factors.
How severe is the infection?
If you have a bad case of nail fungus, Jublia may not be enough. You may need to continue treatment for a longer period, or your healthcare provider may want to try something different.
If your nails are thick or damaged, Jublia may have trouble reaching the fungus. Your provider may recommend filing or thinning the nail to help the medicine get where it needs to go.
Are you using it the right way?
For Jublia to work, you have to remember to use it every day. If you skip doses, the medicine won’t be as effective. Try setting a reminder on your phone, or make it a part of your daily routine.
Do you have other health conditions?
Some health problems, such as diabetes, can make it harder to get rid of nail fungus. That’s because diabetes can affect your circulation and immune system.
If you have diabetes or other health conditions, be sure to manage them well. That can improve your chances of getting rid of the infection.
Potential Side Effects and Precautions with Jublia
Like any medication, Jublia can come with side effects. Most of the time, these are mild and happen at the application site. You might notice some itching, burning, or redness where you’ve applied the solution.
It’s also important to keep an eye out for signs of an allergic reaction, although these are rare. If you experience swelling, difficulty breathing, or a rash that spreads, seek immediate medical attention. (These would be reasons to head straight to an urgent care center or emergency room.)
One more thing to keep in mind: skip the nail polish and artificial nails while you’re using Jublia. These can prevent the medication from properly penetrating the nail and doing its job.
Prevention of Fingernail Fungus
Ultimately, the best way to deal with fingernail fungus is to avoid getting it in the first place. Good hygiene is key!
Here are some practical tips to keep your nails healthy and fungus-free:
- Keep your nails trimmed and clean.
- Don’t share nail clippers or files with anyone.
- When you’re working with water or chemicals (think cleaning, gardening, etc.), wear breathable gloves.
- Choose nail salons carefully. Make sure they’re reputable and follow strict hygiene rules.
- Always dry your hands and feet really well after washing.
- If your feet sweat a lot, wear socks that wick away moisture.
Following these simple guidelines can significantly reduce your risk of developing a fingernail fungus infection. And remember, if you suspect you have a fungal infection, see a doctor right away for diagnosis and treatment. The sooner you start treatment, the better your chances of clearing it up quickly!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most successful fungal nail treatment?
There’s no single “most” successful treatment for fungal nail infections, as effectiveness varies depending on the severity of the infection and individual factors. Oral antifungals generally have higher success rates, but topical treatments like Jublia are preferred for milder cases due to fewer potential side effects.
Does Jublia get rid of nail fungus?
Jublia (efinaconazole) is a topical antifungal medication designed to treat nail fungus. While it can be effective, it requires consistent daily application for several months, and complete eradication of the fungus isn’t guaranteed. Results vary from person to person.
What is the best antifungal for nail fungus?
The “best” antifungal depends on the specific situation. Oral medications like terbinafine and itraconazole are often prescribed for more severe infections. Topical treatments like Jublia or ciclopirox are options for milder cases or when oral medications aren’t suitable.
Why does Vicks VapoRub work on nail fungus?
Some people report success using Vicks VapoRub for nail fungus, likely due to ingredients like camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol, which have some antifungal properties. However, Vicks is not an FDA-approved treatment for nail fungus, and its effectiveness is not well-studied.
Can efinaconazole be used on fingernails?
Yes, efinaconazole (Jublia) is approved by the FDA for the treatment of onychomycosis (fungal infections) of both toenails and fingernails. It’s applied topically to the affected nail(s) once daily.
The Bottom Line
Jublia is a topical treatment for nail fungus that can be effective if you use it consistently. It takes time to work, and everyone’s results are different. Because of this, it’s important to talk to your doctor or other health professional to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Jublia might not be the best option for you. Other treatments may be more appropriate, depending on the type of fungus and the severity of your infection.
You can reduce your risk of getting nail fungus by practicing good hygiene, keeping your nails trimmed, and wearing shoes that allow your feet to breathe.