Nail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is a common infection that can affect your toenails and your fingernails. If you’ve noticed that one or more of your nails are thick, brittle, discolored, or crumbly, you may have a nail fungus.
Nail fungus can be more than just a cosmetic problem. It can be painful and uncomfortable, and it can sometimes lead to other infections.
If you think you have a nail fungus, it’s important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis and discuss your treatment options. These options range from topical creams and medications to more invasive methods, like removing the nail. Let’s take a closer look at different ways to remove nail fungus and restore your nail health.
What is nail fungus?
Nail fungus is a common condition that can make your nails look unattractive and even cause pain. Also known as onychomycosis, nail fungus can affect your toenails or your fingernails.
What causes nail fungus?
Most often, nail fungus comes from dermatophytes, a type of fungus. But yeasts and molds can also cause it.
You’re more likely to get nail fungus if you:
- are older
- have diabetes
- have poor circulation
- have injured your nail in the past
Symptoms of nail fungus
If you have nail fungus, you might notice that your nail is:
- thickened
- discolored (often yellow, white, or brown)
- brittle
- distorted in shape
It’s best to catch nail fungus early, when it’s easier to treat.
How is nail fungus diagnosed?
Usually, a doctor can diagnose nail fungus just by looking at your nail. But sometimes, they might take a clipping of your nail to test in a lab. This helps them confirm that it’s fungus and figure out exactly what kind it is, so they can recommend the right treatment.
Topical Treatments for Nail Fungus
If you want to try to tackle your nail fungus at home, you may want to try a topical treatment like fungus nail patches.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Options
You can find antifungal creams and polishes at your local drugstore. But keep in mind that over-the-counter (OTC) remedies often don’t work well for severe infections.
When shopping, look for these key ingredients, or consider products like Tolcylen for nail fungus:
- Tolnaftate
- Clotrimazole
- Miconazole
Prescription Topical Medications
Your doctor may prescribe a topical antifungal with a higher strength than the ones you can get without a prescription. Some common ones are:
- Ciclopirox
- Efinaconazole
- Tavaborole
Typically, you’ll paint the medication on the affected nail every day for several months. You can expect to continue treatment until the nail grows out clear. It can take a long time to see results.
Keep in mind that topical treatments tend to work best for mild to moderate infections, and you’ll need to prep the nail by filing it and removing any debris. That way, the medication can penetrate the nail plate.
Oral Antifungal Medications
If topical treatments aren’t working for you, your doctor might prescribe an oral antifungal medication. These medications include terbinafine, itraconazole, and fluconazole.
Oral medications work differently than topicals. Instead of treating the nail directly, the medicine travels through your bloodstream to get to the nail bed and kill the fungus.
Treatment Duration and Monitoring
Oral antifungal treatments usually last several weeks or months. It’s important to take the medication exactly as your doctor prescribes and for the entire time period recommended, even if your nail starts to look better. Stopping early could cause the infection to come back.
Because these medications can sometimes affect your liver, your doctor will likely want to monitor your liver function with blood tests during treatment.
Potential Side Effects
Like all medications, oral antifungals can have side effects. Some potential side effects include liver problems, gastrointestinal issues (like nausea or upset stomach), and skin rashes.
It’s really important to have a thorough discussion with your doctor before starting oral medication for nail fungus. They can assess whether it’s the right choice for you based on your overall health and any other medications you’re taking. They can also discuss the potential risks and benefits in your specific case.
Surgical and chemical options for nail removal
If your nail fungus is severe, your doctor may decide to remove your nail, but you should consider the risks of DIY toenail removal.
Surgical nail removal
During surgical nail removal, the doctor will numb your toe or finger with local anesthesia. Then, they will fully detach and remove the infected nail.
After surgery, you’ll need to manage any pain with over-the-counter or prescription medications. You’ll also need to clean and care for the wound to prevent infection.
Surgical removal allows for direct application of topical treatments to the nail bed. However, there is always a risk of infection with surgery.
Chemical nail removal
Chemical nail removal uses products with urea to soften and dissolve the infected nail gradually.
You’ll apply the urea topically for several weeks. It’s less invasive than surgery, but it takes longer and requires you to carefully follow instructions.
After your nail is removed chemically or surgically, your doctor may prescribe antifungal medication to apply directly to the nail bed.
Keep in mind that even after your nail is removed and the fungus is gone, it can take a long time for the nail to grow back. Toenails grow more slowly than fingernails, so it can take up to a year for a toenail to grow back fully.
Alternative and Home Remedies
You’ll find a lot of home remedies on the internet for nail fungus. Some of the most common include tea tree oil, vinegar soaks, and baking soda. While these may offer some temporary relief, it’s important to understand that they’re not scientifically proven to get rid of the fungus.
So, use them with caution, and always talk to your doctor before trying home treatments. And, of course, good foot hygiene is always important. Keeping your feet clean and dry can help prevent fungal growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you know if a nail needs to be removed?
Nail removal might be necessary if the fungal infection is severe, causing significant pain, or if it’s not responding to other treatments. A badly deformed, thickened nail that interferes with walking or daily activities may also warrant removal. Your doctor can assess the severity and recommend the best course of action.
Can you live with toenail fungus?
Yes, you can live with toenail fungus, but it’s not ideal. Mild cases might seem manageable, but the fungus can spread to other nails or even other people. Plus, it can cause discomfort and affect your nail’s appearance. Treatment is usually recommended to prevent complications and further spread.
Should I cut my nail if it has fungus?
Yes, it’s generally a good idea to carefully trim your infected nail. Keep it short and file down any thickened areas. This helps topical medications penetrate better and reduces pressure on the nail bed. Always use separate nail clippers for infected nails to prevent spreading the fungus.
Should you remove a nail that has fungus?
Not always! Nail removal is usually a last resort. If oral or topical medications are effective, removal isn’t necessary. However, if the infection is severe, causing pain, or if other treatments have failed, removing the nail might be the best option to allow for direct treatment of the nail bed and new, healthy nail growth.
What does dead nail fungus look like?
Dead nail fungus can be tricky to identify visually. The nail might appear crumbly, thickened, discolored (yellow, brown, or white), and detached from the nail bed. However, even if the nail looks dead, there might still be live fungus present. A lab test can confirm whether the fungus is still active.
Key Takeaways
Treatments for nail fungus range from prescription medications to home remedies. A correct diagnosis from your doctor is vital. You can help prevent future infections by keeping your feet clean and dry, wearing shoes that allow your feet to breathe, and not sharing nail clippers with others. Talk to your doctor about the best way to deal with your nail fungus.