Toenail fungus, technically called onychomycosis, is a common condition that many people find embarrassing and difficult to treat. The telltale signs are yellowing, thickening, and crumbling of one or more toenails. If you’ve got it, you’re not alone.
One common over-the-counter (OTC) treatment is a topical medication called Fungi-Nail. You can find it at most drugstores. It contains antifungal ingredients like tolnaftate or undecylenic acid.
So, the big question is: Does Fungi-Nail work on toenail fungus? This article will explore exactly that, looking at the active ingredients, how they’re supposed to work, and what the research says about Fungi-Nail’s effectiveness compared to other treatments, including prescription medications and home remedies.
But before we dive in, it’s important to say that self-treating with OTC medications like Fungi-Nail might not be the best approach for everyone. If you suspect you have toenail fungus, it’s always a good idea to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis. They can assess the severity of the infection and recommend the most effective treatment plan for your specific needs. After all, not all toenail fungus is created equal!
What is toenail fungus (onychomycosis)?
Toenail fungus is a common infection that can cause nails to become discolored, thick, and sometimes painful. It’s not pretty, and it can be tough to get rid of!
Causes and Risk Factors
Toenail fungus is usually caused by microscopic organisms called dermatophytes, yeasts, or molds. Dermatophytes are the most common culprits. These little guys sneak in through tiny cracks or cuts in your nail or the skin around it.
Several things can make you more likely to get toenail fungus, including:
- Age
- Poor hygiene
- Diabetes
- A weakened immune system
- Nail injuries
- Wearing shoes that don’t breathe well
- Excessive sweating
- Walking barefoot in public places
Symptoms and Diagnosis
How do you know if you have toenail fungus? Look for these common symptoms:
- Thickening of the nail
- Discoloration (yellow, white, or brown)
- Brittleness
- Distortion of the nail shape
In severe cases, the nail may even separate from the nail bed or cause pain. Ouch!
To diagnose toenail fungus, a doctor will usually examine the affected nail. They might also take a sample of the nail and send it to a lab to identify the specific type of fungus causing the infection.
What is Fungi-Nail, and how does it work?
Fungi-Nail is an over-the-counter antifungal medication designed to treat fungal infections of the skin around the nails and the cuticles. It’s important to know that it’s not intended to treat fungal infections under the nails.
Active ingredients and how they work
The active ingredients in Fungi-Nail are usually tolnaftate and undecylenic acid, but some formulations may include tea tree oil and other antifungals.
Tolnaftate is a lab-created antifungal that stops fungi from growing by interfering with cell membrane development.
Undecylenic acid is a fatty acid that acts as an antifungal by disrupting the membrane of the fungal cell.
How to use it
Fungi-Nail comes in different forms, such as solutions, pens, and sprays. The one you choose depends on what you like best and how bad the infection is.
To use it correctly, start with these steps:
- Wash and dry the area where you want to apply the medication.
- Apply a thin coat of Fungi-Nail to the affected nail and the skin around it.
- Let it dry fully before you put on socks or shoes.
How well do over-the-counter treatments like Fungi-Nail work?
Fungi-Nail contains tolnaftate, which is an antifungal ingredient. So, in theory, it should work on toenail fungus. But how effective are these topical treatments, really?
Clinical evidence and studies
There have been clinical studies examining how well tolnaftate and undecylenic acid (another ingredient in Fungi-Nail) work on toenail fungus. Many of these studies look at nail polishes or creams that contain these ingredients. However, some research may have limitations.
While some studies suggest these ingredients can reduce fungal growth, they aren’t as effective for toenail fungus as prescription medications.
Also, it’s important to keep in mind that many studies on topical treatments have small sample sizes or don’t have the most rigorous controls. Topical treatments also take a long time to work and don’t have the highest success rates compared to prescription oral medications.
What affects how well Fungi-Nail works?
Several factors can influence how well Fungi-Nail and similar treatments work, including:
- How severe the infection is: Topical treatments are best when only a small part of the nail is infected or if the infection is only on the surface.
- Nail thickness: If the nail is thick, the medication may not be able to penetrate it effectively.
- How well you follow the directions: You have to be consistent and apply the medication correctly to get the best results.
Preparing the nail beforehand can also help. Filing or trimming the affected nail can allow the medication to penetrate more effectively. In severe cases, you may need to have the infected nail tissue removed (debridement).
Fungi-Nail compared to other treatments
There are other over-the-counter topical treatments for toenail fungus that contain ingredients like ciclopirox or amorolfine. How well these treatments work can vary depending on the active ingredient and how it’s formulated.
Prescription topical treatments, such as efinaconazole and tavaborole, tend to have higher success rates than over-the-counter options because they’re more potent and can penetrate the nail better.
Prescription treatments: oral medications and their effectiveness
If you’re trying to clear up a case of toenail fungus, you might be wondering whether to try an over-the-counter remedy or whether to ask your doctor for a prescription-strength treatment.
Here’s what you need to know about prescription oral medications for toenail fungus.
Types of oral medications
The most common oral medications prescribed for toenail fungus are terbinafine, itraconazole, and fluconazole.
These medications work in different ways to get rid of the fungal infection.
- Terbinafine stops the fungus from making ergosterol, which is a key part of the fungus’s cell membrane.
- Itraconazole and fluconazole also interfere with the production of ergosterol by blocking the enzymes that fungi need.
How well do they work, and for how long?
Oral medications generally work better than topical treatments for toenail fungus.
- After three months of treatment, about 76 out of 100 people who took terbinafine were able to get rid of the detectable fungal infection.
- After three months of treatment, about 43 out of 100 people who took itraconazole were able to get rid of the detectable fungal infection.
How long you’ll need to take these medications can depend on the specific medication and how you take it (continuously or with breaks).
A typical prescription for terbinafine lasts 12 weeks, while itraconazole may be prescribed for three to six months.
Side effects and drug interactions
Oral medications can have side effects, such as liver damage, gastrointestinal upset, and skin rashes.
Terbinafine and itraconazole can also interact with other medications, like anticoagulants, antidepressants, and statins. So it’s important to tell your doctor about all the medications you’re taking.
Combination therapy and alternative treatments
If you’ve been battling toenail fungus for a while, you might be wondering whether it’s time to pull out all the stops.
Combination therapy
With combination therapy, you use both topical and oral medications at the same time. The idea is that together, these medications will do a better job of eradicating the fungus.
For example, you might use Fungi-Nail or a similar product, or even explore alternative options like Monistat 7 for nail fungus, in combination with an oral medication. The oral medication attacks the fungus throughout your body, while the topical treatment focuses on the infected nail. Together, they may be more likely to get rid of the fungus completely.
Another benefit is that a topical treatment might help prevent the fungus from coming back after you stop taking the oral medication.
Alternative and home remedies
You may also be wondering whether alternative treatments can help.
Some people try remedies like tea tree oil, vinegar soaks, or laser therapy. While some people find these helpful, there isn’t much research to back them up.
Some studies suggest that tea tree oil has antifungal properties, but there’s not much evidence that it works well for toenail fungus.
Vinegar soaks might soften the nail and make it harder for the fungus to grow, but we need more research to know for sure.
Laser therapy is a newer option that looks promising, but we still need more research to understand how well it works.
Making an informed decision: consulting a healthcare professional
It’s always a good idea to talk with a healthcare professional before starting any treatment for toenail fungus.
A doctor can diagnose toenail fungus and make sure your symptoms aren’t being caused by something else, such as psoriasis or an injury to your nail. A doctor can also tell you the best way to treat your toenail fungus, based on how severe it is, your age, your overall health, any medications you’re taking, and other factors.
For example, some oral medications for fungal infections have side effects that might make them a poor choice for some people.
If you decide to talk with a healthcare professional, here are some questions you might want to ask:
- What kind of fungus is causing the infection?
- What are the chances that each treatment option will work for me? What are the risks?
- How long will I need to stick with the treatment?
- What side effects might I experience? Will this treatment interact with any medicines I’m currently taking?
- How can I prevent this infection from coming back?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the strongest antifungal over-the-counter treatment available?
When it comes to over-the-counter options, products containing ingredients like tolnaftate or clotrimazole are often considered among the stronger choices. However, their effectiveness can vary, and they may not always penetrate the nail bed deeply enough to eradicate stubborn infections. See a podiatrist for the most effective treatment options.
How I killed my toenail fungus
Everyone’s experience with toenail fungus is different! Some folks find success with consistent use of over-the-counter antifungals, while others need prescription medications, either topical or oral. Proper nail hygiene, like keeping nails trimmed and dry, is also key. What works for one person might not work for another, so persistence and professional guidance are important.
How long does it take terbinafine to clear toenail fungus?
Terbinafine, an oral antifungal medication, usually requires several months of treatment to fully clear toenail fungus. It can take 6-12 weeks for fingernail infections and 12 weeks or longer for toenail infections. Even after treatment ends, it can take several months for the healthy nail to grow out completely, replacing the infected portion.
Can you scrape out toenail fungus?
Scraping away the surface of the infected nail can help reduce the amount of fungus present and allow topical medications to penetrate better. However, it won’t eliminate the fungus entirely, as the infection often resides deep within the nail bed. It’s best used as a supplemental measure alongside other treatments.
Why was terbinafine discontinued?
I am not aware of any discontinuation of terbinafine. It is a widely used medication for fungal infections. If you’ve heard about a specific instance of discontinuation, it may be related to a particular brand or formulation in a specific region, or perhaps a misunderstanding. Always consult with a healthcare professional for the most up-to-date information on medication availability.
Summary
Fungi-Nail and other similar over-the-counter treatments might offer some relief for mild cases of toenail fungus, but they aren’t as effective as prescription treatments. Because of this, it’s important to talk with a doctor about your toenail fungus. A doctor can accurately diagnose your condition and recommend the best treatment based on how severe it is and your individual needs.
No matter what treatment you use, you’ll need patience and persistence. Toenails grow slowly, and it can take months or even a year to completely get rid of the fungus. It’s important to understand toenail fungus healing and what to expect during that process. It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions and continue treatment for as long as they recommend, even if your toenail looks better.
The good news is that research continues to try to come up with better ways to treat toenail fungus. New topical and oral medications are always in development, and advanced technologies like laser therapy show promise. While treating toenail fungus can be frustrating now, future treatments may be more effective and convenient.