Fungal nail infections, also known as onychomycosis, are a common problem. In fact, fungal infections are responsible for about half of all nail abnormalities. Every year, thousands of people in the US deal with this uncomfortable and often unsightly condition.
Traditional treatments for fungal nail infections aren’t always ideal. They can have side effects, and they aren’t always effective. Plus, we’re seeing more and more resistance to antifungal medications, which makes treatment even more challenging.
That’s where red light therapy comes in. It offers a painless and potentially safer alternative for treating fungal nail infections.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at red light therapy and how it might help combat those stubborn fungal nail infections.
Understanding fungal nail infections (onychomycosis)
What are fungal nail infections?
Onychomycosis is a common fungal infection of the nail. It’s usually caused by fungi, including yeasts, molds, and dermatophytes.
Toenails are more likely to develop a fungal infection because the warm, moist environment inside shoes helps fungus thrive. Poor hygiene can also lead to fungal growth.
Common types of fungal nail infections
- Distal Subungual Onychomycosis: This is the most common type. It affects the nail bed and the underside of the nail.
- White Superficial Onychomycosis: This type affects the surface of the nail and causes white spots or patches.
- Candidal Onychomycosis: This type is caused by Candida yeast. It often affects fingernails.
Common symptoms of fungal nail infections
- Discoloration of the nail (yellow, brown, or white)
- Thickening and brittleness of the nail, making it hard to trim
- Changes in nail shape and texture, such as cracked or crumbling edges, separation from the nail bed, and a foul odor
How red light therapy works for fungal infections
Red light therapy is gaining popularity as a treatment for a number of conditions, including stubborn fungal infections. Here’s what to know.
The science behind red light therapy
Red light therapy uses red and near-infrared light (in the 660nm-850nm range) to help the body heal. One way it works is through photoablation. In this process, the red light destroys the fungal cells.
Benefits of red light therapy for nail fungus
Red light therapy is:
- Non-invasive
- Painless
It also improves circulation in the area being treated. That increased blood flow helps the body to heal itself.
When used correctly, red light therapy has no known side effects.
Red light therapy vs. conventional treatments
Traditional treatments for fungal infections include oral and topical antifungals. However, red light therapy has some advantages over traditional treatments. For example, oral medications can have side effects. In some cases, red light therapy may be more effective than topical treatments, but for a maximum strength solution you may want to explore options like EMUAIDMAX®.
Also, some fungi are becoming resistant to traditional antifungal drugs. Red light therapy offers another option when antifungals no longer work.
How red light therapy fights fungus
Researchers are discovering that red light therapy has antimicrobial effects and can help your body fight infection in several ways, but other natural remedies like Manuka honey may also help.
Reduced inflammation
Red light therapy can reduce inflammation in the infected area by tweaking your immune response and lowering the levels of cytokines that trigger inflammation.
Increased circulation
Red light therapy improves blood flow, which means more oxygen and nutrients can reach the areas affected by the fungal infection.
More energy for cells
Red light therapy stimulates the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in cells. ATP is the fuel your cells need to function and repair themselves. When cells have more energy, they work better.
Increased keratin production
Keratin is a protein that’s a key ingredient in nails. Red light therapy may help increase keratin production, leading to stronger, healthier nail growth.
How to use red light therapy at home for nail fungus
Can you treat toenail fungus with red light? Yes, you can. Here’s how to do it.
Choosing the right device
When you’re shopping for a red light device, look for medical-grade options that emit the correct wavelengths for treating fungal infections (660nm-850nm).
You’ll also want to consider the device’s irradiance (the amount of light energy delivered to the treatment area) and the size of the area it can treat at one time.
Treatment protocol
Before each treatment, thoroughly clean the nails that are affected by the fungus. Good nail hygiene is essential for the light to penetrate the nail and reach the infection.
Position the red light therapy device over the affected nails. The average treatment time is 10 to 15 minutes per day. Consistency is key, so treat your nails daily for the best results.
Managing expectations
It’s important to understand that results may take time. You might see some improvement in a few weeks, but it can take months to fully recover.
Depending on how often you treat the area and for how long, it can take weeks or months to start seeing results. To see what kind of progress you can expect, check out these fungi nail before & after photos. Be patient and stick to the treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kills fungus immediately?
While some antifungal medications can act quickly, there isn’t a single treatment that instantly eliminates all fungal infections. Topical antifungals often provide relatively fast relief for skin infections, while oral medications may take longer to show results for systemic infections. Consult with a healthcare professional for diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.
How do you flush out a fungal infection?
The term “flushing out” isn’t typically used in the context of fungal infections. Antifungal medications work by targeting and destroying fungal cells. Maintaining good hydration can support overall health during treatment, but it won’t directly eliminate the infection. Follow your doctor’s prescribed treatment plan carefully.
What color LED light kills fungus?
While research suggests that certain wavelengths of light, particularly blue light and potentially red light in conjunction with photosensitizers, can have antifungal properties in vitro (in a lab setting), the effectiveness of specific LED colors for treating fungal infections in vivo (in living organisms, including humans) is still under investigation. More research is needed to determine optimal wavelengths and treatment protocols.
How do you detox your body from fungus?
The concept of “detoxing” isn’t scientifically recognized as a way to eliminate fungal infections. Your body naturally eliminates toxins through the liver and kidneys. Focusing on a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and following your doctor’s prescribed antifungal treatment is the best approach for managing a fungal infection.
What part of the body has the highest percentage of fungal infections?
The skin and nails are the most common sites for fungal infections due to their exposure to the environment. Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), nail fungus (onychomycosis), and ringworm are all common examples. However, fungal infections can occur in various parts of the body, including the mouth, vagina, and even internal organs.
Final Thoughts
Red light therapy could be a safe and effective way to treat fungal nail infections. It’s non-invasive, painless, and has very few side effects. More research is needed to fully understand the effects of red light therapy on fungal infections, but it could be a promising treatment. Talk with your doctor to see if red light therapy is right for you.