Nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common infection of the toenails and sometimes fingernails. It’s caused by different types of microorganisms, including yeasts and bacteria. If you think you have nail fungus, it’s always a good idea to see a doctor for an official diagnosis and treatment plan.
This article will provide you with an overview of nail fungus, including how it’s diagnosed, what treatments are available, and some home remedies that may help. Because there are so many over-the-counter options for treating nail fungus, you may be interested in reading nail fungus reviews from consumer reports and other sources.
Ultimately, though, the best course of action is to get a medical opinion. So, while this article will give you some background information, it is not a substitute for medical advice.
Diagnosing nail fungus
If you think you have nail fungus, it’s important to get an official diagnosis from your doctor. The reason? A doctor can confirm it’s actually fungus and not something else that looks similar, like psoriasis or a bacterial infection. Plus, knowing the type of fungus is key to choosing the right treatment.
So, how do they figure it out? Usually, it starts with a simple checkup. Your doctor will look at your nail to see if it has the classic signs of a fungal infection. But the real confirmation comes from lab tests. Your doctor will take a clipping of your nail and send it to a lab to identify the specific type of fungus causing the problem. This helps them decide on the most effective way to treat it.
Treatment options for nail fungus
If you’re dealing with nail fungus, you have a few different options to consider.
Topical antifungal medications
Often, the first thing doctors recommend for a mild to moderate nail fungus infection is a topical treatment that you apply to the nail.
These come in a few different forms:
- Antifungal nail polishes, such as ciclopirox.
- Antifungal creams and solutions, such as efinaconazole and tavaborole.
These treatments can be more effective if you thin the nail before you apply them. You can file the nail down to thin it, or your doctor can thin it chemically.
With topical treatments, it’s important to be consistent with your application. You’ll need to apply the medication exactly as directed for a long period of time, often for months. Even then, it can take a while to see results. And, unfortunately, success rates vary, and recurrence is possible.
Oral antifungal medications
If your infection is severe, your doctor may recommend oral antifungal drugs. These are a more aggressive treatment option, and they come with more risks.
Some common oral antifungal medications include:
- Itraconazole
These medications can have side effects and interact with other drugs you’re taking, so it’s important to discuss your full medical history with your doctor. They may also be less effective in older adults.
If you’re taking oral antifungal medications, your doctor will need to monitor you regularly to check for side effects and make sure the medication is working.
Surgical options
Surgery is a less common treatment option for nail fungus. It involves removing the affected nail.
Surgery may be considered in severe cases or when medications haven’t worked. Even with surgical removal, you may still need antifungal treatment to prevent the infection from coming back.
Lifestyle Adjustments and Home Remedies
Listen, even if you’re using a prescription medication, you can help the healing process along by making some lifestyle changes.
Here are some things you can do:
- Trim your nails regularly. Keep those nails short! But if you have nail fungus, you might be wondering how to wear sandals with toenail fungus.
- Keep your nails clean and dry. Fungus loves moisture.
- Wear breathable socks and shoes. Let your feet breathe.
- Avoid walking barefoot in public places. Especially locker rooms and public showers – fungus central!
You can also try some over-the-counter remedies. For example, urea-containing creams can soften your nails, which makes them easier to trim or file down, similar to how salicylic acid can be used for fungal infections.
Some people swear by tea tree oil, and some research suggests it may have antifungal properties, while others are exploring the potential of snakeroot extract for toenail fungus. But don’t expect miracles.
Keep in mind that these home remedies aren’t a substitute for actual medical treatment. Think of them as supportive measures to help you win the war against nail fungus.
Alternative medicine approaches
While prescription and over-the-counter treatments are the mainstays for nail fungus, some people explore alternative avenues. For instance, biotin supplements are sometimes recommended to strengthen brittle nails, and some studies suggest they may help. It’s important to remember that supplements aren’t strictly regulated, so you should always talk with your doctor before trying any alternative treatment for nail fungus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best nail fungus treatment according to consumer reports?
Consumer Reports doesn’t explicitly endorse one single “best” nail fungus treatment. Their recommendations typically highlight prescription oral medications as the most effective, but also acknowledge potential side effects. They often advise consulting a doctor for personalized advice and to weigh the risks and benefits of different treatments.
What is the most effective antifungal nail treatment?
Prescription oral antifungal medications generally offer the highest success rates for treating nail fungus. However, topical treatments, both prescription and over-the-counter, can be effective for mild to moderate cases. Laser therapy is another option, but its effectiveness is still under investigation. The best choice depends on the severity of the infection and individual factors.
How do I get rid of nail fungus ASAP?
Unfortunately, there’s no instant cure for nail fungus. Even the most effective treatments take time to work, as the affected nail needs to grow out completely. Oral medications typically require several months of treatment. Consistency with your chosen treatment is key, and patience is essential for seeing results.
Does Kerasal really work?
Kerasal is an over-the-counter topical treatment designed to improve the appearance of nails affected by fungus. While it may help to soften and thin the nail, allowing other treatments to penetrate better, it’s not an antifungal medication itself. It might improve the appearance of the nail, but it may not eliminate the underlying infection.
Why does Vicks VapoRub work on nail fungus?
Vicks VapoRub contains ingredients like camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol, which have some antifungal properties. While anecdotal evidence suggests it can help with nail fungus, scientific studies are limited. It’s likely more effective at suppressing fungal growth and relieving symptoms than completely eradicating the infection.
Conclusion
If you think you have nail fungus, it’s important to see a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment plan. Your doctor may recommend prescription topical treatments, oral antifungal medications, or even surgical removal of the nail.
You can also make lifestyle changes and try home remedies to manage the condition. Keep in mind that nail fungus treatment can take a long time, and even after it clears up, it can come back.
Take care of your nails and talk to your doctor about the best ways to treat and prevent nail fungus.