Nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common infection that can affect both your fingernails and toenails. It’s not just a cosmetic issue; it can cause pain, discomfort, and impact your overall quality of life.
If you’re dealing with nail fungus and looking for treatment options, you may have heard of Lakesia. Lakesia is a topical medication designed to combat nail fungus directly.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of Lakesia for nail fungus, explaining how it works, how effective it is, how to use it properly, and what potential side effects you should be aware of.
Understanding Nail Fungus (Onychomycosis)
Nail fungus — also called onychomycosis — is a pretty common infection. It starts under the nail and can cause your nail to discolor, thicken, and even split.
Causes and Risk Factors
Nail infections are often caused by fungi called dermatophytes, such as Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes.
Some things can make you more likely to get a nail fungus, such as:
- Age
- Diabetes
- A weak immune system
- Not keeping your feet clean and dry
- A nail injury
- Wearing shoes that keep your feet from breathing
Symptoms and Diagnosis
If you have a nail fungus, you might notice:
- Your nail is getting thicker.
- Your nail is changing color.
- Your nail is brittle.
- Your nail is crumbling.
- Your nail is separating from the nail bed.
To know for sure if you have a nail fungus, your doctor will look at your nail and might take a sample to test in a lab. The sample can be tested under a microscope or grown in a culture to see what kind of fungus it is.
How Lakesia Works
Lakesia is a prescription medicine that fights nail fungus. It’s a topical treatment, meaning you paint it on your toenails or fingernails to get rid of the infection.
Active Ingredient
The active ingredient in Lakesia is ciclopirox. Ciclopirox is an antifungal medication that stops fungus from growing. The way it works is that it interrupts the fungus’s ability to make the proteins and other things it needs to survive. When the fungus can’t grow, the infection clears up.
The special formulation of Lakesia allows the ciclopirox to get through the nail plate and down to the nail bed, where the fungus is. The medicine has to be able to penetrate your hard fingernail or toenail to get where it needs to go.
How to Use Lakesia
Lakesia comes as a nail lacquer, which is like a nail polish. You brush it onto the infected nails once a day. It’s really important to use Lakesia exactly as your doctor tells you to and to keep using it for as long as your doctor says, even if your nails start to look better. Consistent use is key to getting rid of the fungus completely.
How well does Lakesia work?
To figure out how well a medication treats a condition, you have to look at results from clinical trials.
What the clinical trials say
Clinical trials have shown that Lakesia can eliminate nail fungus, improve the appearance of the nail, and achieve a mycological cure (meaning the fungus is gone from the nail.) It’s important to consider ingredients and efficacy when considering treatments such as Furzero Nail Fungus Treatment.
When compared with other topical antifungal treatments, Lakesia has some advantages and disadvantages. For example, some treatments may work faster, but others may have fewer side effects.
What affects treatment success?
Lots of factors can influence whether Lakesia will work well for you. For example:
- How severe is the infection?
- Are you using the medication exactly as directed?
- How well can the medication penetrate the nail to get to the fungus?
Treating nail fungus takes time, and you have to be patient and follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Even if your nails look better, it’s important to keep using the medication for as long as your doctor recommends to completely get rid of the infection.
Typically, you’ll need to use Lakesia for several months to see the best results.
Using Lakesia: Dosage, Application, and Precautions
Like many medications, Lakesia requires that you follow directions carefully to get the best results and avoid potential side effects.
How to apply Lakesia
Here’s a step-by-step guide to using Lakesia correctly:
- Nail preparation: Wash and clean your nails. Then, gently file the surface of the affected nails.
- Application frequency: Follow your healthcare provider’s guidance about how often to apply Lakesia.
- Drying time: Let the medication dry fully before putting on socks or shoes.
Following the instructions for any medication is essential for getting the best possible results.
Precautions and potential side effects
Before using Lakesia, it’s important to be aware of possible side effects and precautions.
Some common side effects include burning, itching, and redness at the application site.
In rare cases, more serious side effects can occur. If you experience any unusual or severe symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
It’s also important to discuss any existing medical conditions or medications you’re taking with your healthcare provider before using Lakesia. Certain conditions or medications may interact with Lakesia, making it unsuitable for you.
For example, tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or breastfeed. You should also tell your doctor about all of your other health conditions and the medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
How does Lakesia compare to other nail fungus treatments?
If you’re dealing with nail fungus, you should know about all your options.
Topical treatments
Lakesia is a topical antifungal medication, meaning that you apply it directly to your nail, much like Fungi-Nail Liquid. Another common topical treatment is amorolfine. When you’re choosing between them, your doctor may consider how well they work, how easy they are to apply, and whether you’re likely to experience any side effects.
Oral treatments
Oral antifungal medications, such as terbinafine and itraconazole, are also available. The advantage of oral medications is that they can often clear up the infection more quickly. However, topical treatments are usually preferred since oral medications can come with side effects and may interact with other drugs you’re taking.
Home remedies and alternative therapies
You may have heard about some home remedies for nail fungus, such as tea tree oil or vinegar soaks, but what about Emu Oil for Nail Fungus? While some people find these helpful, it’s important to remember that they may not be as effective as prescription treatments. Plus, some alternative therapies can have risks. Always talk to your doctor before trying a home remedy for nail fungus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does hydrogen peroxide get rid of toenail fungus?
Hydrogen peroxide is sometimes touted as a home remedy, but its effectiveness against toenail fungus is questionable. While it might kill some surface bacteria, it likely won’t penetrate the nail deeply enough to eradicate the fungus completely. More effective treatments are usually necessary.
What is the sock trick for toenail fungus?
The “sock trick” generally involves applying a topical antifungal medication to the affected toenail, covering it with a clean sock, and leaving it on overnight. This helps keep the medication in contact with the fungus for an extended period, potentially improving its effectiveness. Consistent application is key.
Who should not use ciclopirox?
Ciclopirox, an antifungal medication, isn’t suitable for everyone. It’s generally not recommended for individuals with a known allergy to ciclopirox or any of the ingredients in the formulation. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before using it. Always follow your healthcare provider’s advice.
What is the new treatment for nail fungus?
Newer treatments for nail fungus include oral medications like terbinafine and itraconazole, as well as topical options like efinaconazole and tavaborole. Laser therapy is another emerging treatment. The best option depends on the severity of the infection and individual factors. Consult with a doctor for personalized recommendations.
What deficiency causes nail fungus?
While specific vitamin deficiencies aren’t directly linked as a cause of nail fungus, a weakened immune system due to nutritional deficiencies can make you more susceptible to infections in general, including fungal infections. Maintaining a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals supports overall immune function.
In Conclusion
Lakesia is a topical treatment designed to kill nail fungus. It works by penetrating the nail and attacking the fungus directly. While studies show it can be effective, you should always talk to your doctor about whether it’s the right choice for you.
Nail fungus can be stubborn, so treatment often takes a long time. For the best results, it’s important to use Lakesia exactly as directed and to continue using it for as long as your doctor recommends, even if your nails start to look better.