Onychomycosis is the medical term for a fungal infection in your fingernails or toenails. It’s a common condition that can make your nails look yellowed, thickened, or even misshapen. Fungi nail infections can also cause discomfort.
One of the first treatments doctors often recommend is a topical antifungal ointment. These ointments are generally best suited for mild to moderate cases of onychomycosis, where the infection hasn’t spread too far.
This article will provide a comprehensive overview of fungi nail ointment, explaining how they work, what to look for, and what to expect during treatment.
What is onychomycosis?
If you’re dealing with a nail fungus, you’re dealing with onychomycosis. Here’s what you need to know.
What causes nail fungus?
Fungi called dermatophytes are the most common cause of nail infections. Yeasts and molds can also cause them. One of the most frequent culprits is a fungus called Trichophyton rubrum.
Certain factors can make you more prone to nail infections:
- Older age
- Diabetes
- Weakened immune system
- Poor hygiene
- Trauma to the nail
- Wearing shoes that don’t breathe
What are the symptoms of nail fungus?
If you have a nail infection, you might notice:
- Thickening of the nail
- Discoloration (yellowish, whitish, or brownish) may occur; in some cases, the nail can even turn black. For more information, see pictures and learn how to identify black nail fungus.
- Brittleness
- Crumbling edges
- Distorted shape
- Separation of the nail from the nail bed
How is nail fungus diagnosed?
It’s really important to confirm that your nail problem is actually a fungal infection. A healthcare professional can help you with this. Visual inspection alone isn’t always enough to make a diagnosis.
To figure out what’s going on, your doctor might take a nail clipping and examine it under a microscope or send it for a fungal culture.
What’s in fungal nail ointment?
The active ingredients in fungal nail ointments are what make them work to kill the fungus. Here’s a look at some of the most common ones:
Common antifungal agents
Most antifungal drugs used in topical treatments belong to one of these classes:
- Azoles: These include clotrimazole and miconazole. Azoles work by stopping the fungus from making ergosterol, which is an important part of its cell structure.
- Allylamines: Terbinafine is an example. Allylamines stop the fungus from making squalene epoxidase.
- Ciclopirox: This disrupts how the fungus transports things across its cell membrane.
Examples of antifungal ointments
You can find these antifungal ointments over the counter or with a prescription:
- Clotrimazole ointment or cream
- Miconazole ointment or cream
- Terbinafine cream or solution
- Ciclopirox olamine nail lacquer (This is a lacquer, but it’s often thought of as being in the same category as ointments.)
How to choose the right active ingredient
A number of things can influence the choice of antifungal medication, such as:
- How bad the infection is
- What kind of fungus is causing the problem
- Whether the medication could interact with other drugs you’re taking
- Any allergies you may have
How to Properly Apply Fungal Nail Ointment
It’s important to follow the directions for the specific ointment you’re using, but generally, here’s how to apply a topical antifungal treatment:
- Wash and dry the affected area really well.
- If you can do so without pain, trim and file the nail to get rid of any loose bits.
- Apply a thin layer of the ointment to the entire nail and the skin around it.
- Let it dry completely before you put on socks or shoes (if you need to wear them).
- Wash your hands thoroughly when you’re done.
Typically, you’ll do this once or twice a day, every day. It can take weeks or even months to get rid of the infection, depending on how bad it is. Even if your symptoms improve, you’ll need to keep applying the ointment consistently to fully get rid of the fungus. Before committing to a specific brand, it’s helpful to read Belleka Nail Fungus Treatment reviews to determine if it’s worth the hype.
Advantages and disadvantages of topical treatments
As we’ve seen, there are many kinds of antifungal nail treatments. Most of them are topical, meaning you apply them to the surface of your nail.
Like other medications, topical treatments for nail fungus have pros and cons.
Advantages
- Topical treatments are less likely to cause side effects than oral medications.
- They’re easy and convenient to apply.
- You can use them along with other treatments for nail fungus.
Disadvantages
- Topical treatments are less effective than oral medications, particularly if you have a severe infection.
- You have to commit to using them for a long time, sometimes months or even years.
- The medication may not get through your nail to reach the infection.
- They can be messy and inconvenient.
If you’re wondering which treatment is right for you, your doctor can help you evaluate your options.
Optimizing Treatment and When to Seek Professional Help
Want to make your fungal nail ointment work even better? You can file down the nail and remove any debris to help the medicine soak in. You can also cover the treated nail with a bandage to help your body absorb the ointment.
However, you should see a doctor if:
- Your symptoms don’t improve after a few weeks.
- Your symptoms get worse.
- The infection spreads to other nails or skin.
- You have other health conditions like diabetes or an immune deficiency.
If the ointment doesn’t work, your doctor might suggest oral antifungal medications, laser therapy, or even removing the nail entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What worsens toenail fungus?
Several factors can exacerbate toenail fungus, including warm, moist environments (like sweaty shoes), poor foot hygiene, nail injuries, and underlying conditions like diabetes or a weakened immune system. Wearing tight-fitting shoes or socks that don’t allow your feet to breathe can also create a breeding ground for fungus.
What is the best ointment for nail fungus?
The “best” ointment varies depending on the severity of the infection and individual response. Look for ointments containing active ingredients like clotrimazole, miconazole, or terbinafine. Prescription-strength topical medications are often more effective for stubborn cases. It’s best to consult a doctor or podiatrist for personalized recommendations.
Should I cut my toenail off if it has fungus?
You should never attempt to cut off your entire toenail yourself. This could lead to serious infection and complications. However, a doctor or podiatrist may recommend partial or complete nail removal in severe cases to allow for direct application of antifungal medication to the nail bed.
What is the strongest over-the-counter antifungal?
Over-the-counter antifungals typically contain ingredients like terbinafine or tolnaftate. While “strongest” is subjective, products containing terbinafine are often considered more effective than those with tolnaftate. Keep in mind that OTC treatments may not be sufficient for severe or deeply rooted infections.
Is hydrogen peroxide good for toenail fungus?
Hydrogen peroxide has some antifungal properties, but it’s not generally considered a primary treatment for toenail fungus. While it might help to disinfect the area, it’s unlikely to penetrate the nail deeply enough to eradicate the infection. It’s best used as a supplementary measure alongside proven antifungal treatments, and should not be considered a cure.
Putting It All Together
Topical ointments can be a good treatment option for nail fungus, especially if the infection is mild or moderate.
If you think you have a fungal nail infection, it’s important to get a diagnosis from a healthcare professional. If you do have nail fungus, you’ll need to apply the ointment consistently and be patient, because it can take a while to see results. Nail fungus can take a long time to get rid of, and topical treatments aren’t always effective.
Talk to your doctor or another healthcare provider about the best way to treat your nail fungus. You may also want to explore antifungal fungus killer reviews to assess effectiveness and value. They can recommend a treatment plan that’s right for you.