Nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common problem that can affect your fingernails and toenails. If you have nail fungus, you might notice that your nails are discolored, thick, or brittle.
Keratin is a protein that’s a primary building block of your nails. You may have heard of keratin treatments for hair, but did you know that keratin can also be used on nails?
This article explores whether keratin treatments can help manage or support the treatment of nail fungus. There’s a lot of information out there, and it can be confusing to sort through. Here, we’ll break it down and give you the information you need to make informed decisions about your nail health, and whether a keratin treatment for nail fungus is right for you.
Understanding Nail Fungus
Nail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common condition that can affect your fingernails or toenails. It’s not pretty, and it can sometimes be painful. But what causes it, and how do you know if you have it?
Causes and Risk Factors
Most nail fungus is caused by dermatophytes. These fungi love warm, moist environments, like the inside of your shoes. Other culprits can be yeasts and molds.
You’re more likely to get nail fungus if you:
- Have injured your nail
- Have diabetes
- Have a weakened immune system
- Don’t practice good hygiene
- Wear shoes that don’t breathe
- Are older
Symptoms and Diagnosis
If you have nail fungus, you might notice that your nail is:
- Thicker than usual
- Discolored (yellowish, brownish, or whitish)
- Brittle
- Distorted in shape
- Painful (in severe cases)
It’s important to get a proper diagnosis from a healthcare professional. They might take a fungal culture or look at nail clippings under a microscope to confirm that it’s actually fungus.
What is Keratin and How Does It Relate to Nail Health?
Keratin is a fibrous structural protein. Think of it as the building block for your nails, hair, and skin. It’s what gives them their shape and strength.
The nail plate, which is the hard part you see, is made up of layers of cells called keratinocytes. These cells are packed tightly together and are mostly composed of keratin. Keratin is what makes your nails strong and flexible, as well as gives them that smooth, healthy appearance we all strive for.
Several factors can affect how much keratin your body produces and, as a result, your nail health. These factors include your nutrition, your age, and any underlying health conditions you might have.
Keratin treatments: Types and mechanisms
You might be wondering if a keratin treatment could help with nail fungus, so let’s take a look at the types of keratin treatments on the market.
Topical keratin treatments
These include things like keratin-containing nail polishes and strengtheners. They work by filling in small cracks and imperfections on the surface of the nail. That can make your nails look better for a short time.
However, these treatments can’t penetrate the nail deeply enough to take care of the problems that cause nail fungus.
You may also find keratin-infused oils and creams. These can moisturize the nail and encourage flexibility, but they don’t directly target the fungal infection, unlike options such as Kerassentials Oil for toenails.
Oral keratin supplements
Some manufacturers claim that oral keratin supplements can make your nails stronger and help them grow. But there’s not much scientific evidence to show that these supplements are effective against nail fungus.
Before you take any supplements, talk with a healthcare professional about possible side effects and interactions with other medications.
Professional keratin treatments
You may see keratin treatments offered at your local salon or spa. These treatments are usually about making your nails look better, not about treating a nail infection.
During these treatments, your nails may be filed, shaped, and coated with keratin-based products. There’s a risk of spreading a fungal infection if the salon doesn’t follow good hygiene practices.
Can Keratin Treatments Help with Nail Fungus? Exploring the Evidence
Let’s be clear: keratin treatments aren’t an antifungal medication. Most keratin treatments improve the appearance of your nails; they’re not designed to kill a fungal infection, unlike EmoniNail ingredients which directly target the infection.
That being said, keratin treatments can help. Keratin can strengthen weakened nails and improve their appearance, making them less likely to break and develop secondary infections, similar to what you can achieve with a DIY IBX Nail Treatment. But this only helps if you combine keratin treatments with traditional antifungal therapies.
Think of keratin as a supportive measure. It’s not going to cure the fungus on its own.
More studies are needed to determine how well keratin treatments work to manage nail fungus. But in the meantime, using keratin products in conjunction with an antifungal medication may help improve the overall health and appearance of your nails.
Considerations and Precautions
First and foremost, remember that good hygiene is crucial to prevent nail fungus from spreading. Keep your nails clean and trimmed, and don’t share those clippers and files with anyone!
If you think you have nail fungus, see a dermatologist or podiatrist. They can give you a diagnosis and recommend the best treatment. Usually, prescription antifungal medications (either pills or topical creams) are the most effective way to get rid of it.
Keep in mind that keratin treatments aren’t without risk. You could have an allergic reaction, and if the treatment isn’t applied correctly, it can damage your nails. If you decide to get a keratin treatment, choose a reputable salon and make sure the nail technicians follow strict hygiene rules.
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. Tight-fitting shoes and socks that don’t allow your feet to breathe can also create a breeding ground for fungus.
How effective is Kerydin for toenail fungus?
Kerydin (tavaborole) is a prescription topical antifungal medication. Its effectiveness varies, but studies show it can help clear toenail fungus over time. However, it often requires consistent application for several months and may not be effective for severe infections. It’s best to discuss expectations with your doctor.
What is the strongest antifungal toenail treatment?
The “strongest” treatment depends on the severity of the infection. Oral antifungal medications, like terbinafine or itraconazole, are generally considered more potent than topical options because they work systemically. However, they also carry a higher risk of side effects and require monitoring by a doctor.
Should I cut my toenail off if it has fungus?
Cutting off your toenail is generally not recommended unless advised by a doctor or podiatrist. While it might seem like a quick fix, it doesn’t address the underlying fungal infection and could lead to complications like ingrown toenails or further infection. Medical treatments are typically preferred.
What is the strongest antifungal over-the-counter?
Over-the-counter antifungal treatments often contain ingredients like tolnaftate or undecylenic acid. While these can help manage mild fungal infections, they are generally less effective than prescription options. It’s important to choose a product specifically designed for nail fungus and follow the instructions carefully. If symptoms persist, consult a doctor.
Key Takeaways
Keratin treatments can make your nails look better, and they might provide some extra support to your nails, but they aren’t a real treatment for nail fungus. If you think you have nail fungus, you need to get real treatment from a healthcare professional.
It’s important to get a proper diagnosis from a doctor, podiatrist, or other health professional. They can recommend the right medication or other treatment to get rid of the infection.
Beyond medical treatments, good hygiene is key to preventing and managing nail fungus. Keep your nails clean and dry, and avoid sharing nail clippers or files with others.