Nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common infection that can make your nails look discolored, thick, and brittle. If you’ve ever had it, you’ve probably wondered, “Does nail fungus grow out?”
The answer is a little complicated. Yes, in theory, nail fungus can grow out as the healthy nail replaces the infected part. However, this process depends heavily on getting the right treatment and allowing enough time for the nail to fully regrow.
This article will walk you through diagnosing nail fungus, exploring your treatment options, understanding the nail regrowth process, and identifying the factors that influence whether or not you can successfully grow out nail fungus.
How to know if you have nail fungus
Nail fungus, similar to what can occur with acrylic nails, can show itself in a number of ways:
- discoloration (white, yellow, green, or brown)
- thickening of the nail
- brittleness
- changes in nail shape
- debris under the nail
- loss of shine
- pain
- foul odor
If you see any of those symptoms, you may have a nail fungus. If you visit a dermatologist, they’ll likely diagnose the fungus through a visual exam and by collecting a sample.
To collect a sample, the doctor will take nail debris, clippings, or skin scrapings and send them off to a lab for testing. Technicians will check the samples for fungus using a potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation or a fungal culture.
Treatment options: A multi-faceted approach
If your nail fungus is mild to moderate, your doctor might suggest topical antifungal medications. For more aggressive cases, oral medications are often prescribed.
Topical antifungal medications
Some of the topical antifungal medications used to treat nail fungus include amorolfine, ciclopirox, efinaconazole, and tavaborole.
Topical treatments work best when the infected nails are thinned, allowing the medication to reach the fungus more effectively. You can thin nails with over-the-counter urea cream or with a file.
Keep in mind that prescription topical treatments have cure rates around 35 percent and need to be applied daily for up to a year.
Oral antifungal medications
Oral antifungal medications such as fluconazole, griseofulvin, itraconazole, and terbinafine are often prescribed for more severe cases of nail fungus. These medications tend to have higher cure rates than topical treatments.
However, oral medications can have side effects, and you’ll need regular blood tests to monitor your liver function while taking them. Older adults may have lower treatment success rates with oral medications.
Combination therapy and other options
Some doctors prescribe a combination of oral and topical treatments, which may be more effective than either treatment alone.
If other treatments fail, your doctor might recommend nail removal, either surgically or nonsurgically. This is generally a last resort for severe cases.
Researchers are constantly exploring new and alternative treatments for nail fungus, such as lasers and light treatments, but you should avoid covering it with artificial enhancements without treatment. It is important to understand the risks and solutions if you are considering acrylic nails over fungus.
Waiting for healthy nail growth
Fingernails grow faster than toenails, but both grow slowly.
Fingernails take about four to six months to grow out completely. Toenails take about a year to 18 months.
That means you won’t see improvement right away. It can take time to see the impact of treatment.
The good news is that healthy nail growth begins at the nail matrix. That’s where the new nail cells form.
So, as the new nail comes in, the old, infected nail grows out. You’ll be able to monitor your progress as time passes.
What does successful treatment look like?
Healthy nail growth is the best indication that treatment is working. If the new nail is growing in without any discoloration or thickening, you’re on the right track.
You’ll see the infected toenails return to their normal color and texture, and you’ll know you’re on the road to recovery.
Factors affecting treatment success and recurrence
If you’re dealing with nail fungus, it’s important to know what affects the success of your treatment and how to prevent it from coming back.
Compliance and treatment duration
You’ll need to follow your doctor’s instructions very closely and complete the entire course of medication. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results right away because it often takes months or even longer to see improvement.
Recurrence and resistance
Here’s a frustrating fact: Nail fungus can come back even after you’ve successfully treated it. The recurrence rate can be as high as 53 percent.
Sometimes, treatments fail because people don’t finish the medication. Other times, the fungus is resistant to the medication, or you get reinfected.
Underlying health conditions
If you have diabetes or a weakened immune system, you may find it harder to treat nail fungus. These conditions can also raise your risk of complications, so be sure to talk to your doctor about any health issues you have.
Self-care and prevention
If you’re dealing with nail fungus, and considering a pedicure, you should read about toenail fungus and pedicures before going to the salon. There are also a few things you can do at home to support your treatment and prevent reinfection:
- Keep your feet cool and dry.
- Trim your nails properly.
- Avoid walking barefoot in public places.
- Wear shoes that fit well and allow your feet to breathe.
- Use antifungal powders or sprays.
- Make sure you’re using clean tools for nail care.
If you have any underlying conditions like diabetes, make sure you’re managing them. This will help improve your treatment outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can nail fungus grow out on its own?
Unfortunately, nail fungus rarely resolves on its own. While the healthy part of your nail will continue to grow, the fungus will remain and can continue to spread, affecting more of the nail. Treatment is usually needed to eliminate the infection.
What worsens toenail fungus?
Several factors can worsen toenail fungus, including a warm, moist environment (like sweaty shoes), poor foot hygiene, nail injuries, and underlying health conditions like diabetes or a weakened immune system. Tight-fitting shoes and socks can also contribute to the problem.
What does toenail fungus look like when it’s dying?
When toenail fungus is responding to treatment, you might notice a gradual improvement in the nail’s appearance. The discoloration may fade, the nail may become less thick, and the crumbling or brittleness might start to decrease. Healthy nail growth at the base of the nail is a positive sign.
What kills toenail fungus permanently?
Complete eradication of toenail fungus can be challenging. Prescription oral antifungal medications are often the most effective, but they can have side effects. Topical antifungal treatments are another option, but they may take longer to work. Laser treatments are also available. It’s best to consult with a doctor to determine the best course of treatment for your specific situation.
What are signs toenail fungus is healing?
Signs that toenail fungus is healing include new, healthy nail growth at the base of the nail, a reduction in discoloration, thinning of the nail, and a decrease in brittleness or crumbling. Keep in mind that it can take several months for a nail to fully grow out, so patience is key!
To Conclude
Nail fungus can grow out with treatment, but it takes time and you have to follow your treatment plan carefully. Talk to a dermatologist to get a diagnosis and find out what treatment will work best for you. Taking good care of your nails and feet and using preventative measures can help you avoid future problems.