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, either. Nail fungus can cause discoloration, thickening, and even crumbling of the nails, leading to discomfort and self-consciousness.
Getting rid of nail fungus for good requires more than just treating the infection; it’s about understanding nail fungus renewal and implementing strategies to restore healthy nails and prevent the fungus from coming back.
In this article, we’ll explore how nail fungus is diagnosed, look at various treatment options, discuss lifestyle adjustments that can help, and even touch on alternative approaches to renewing your nails after a fungal infection.
Understanding Nail Fungus: Diagnosis and Causes
Nail fungus is a common condition that can be unsightly and uncomfortable. Knowing how to spot it and what causes it can help you get the right treatment.
Identifying Nail Fungus
Look for these telltale signs:
- Thickening of the nail
- Discoloration (yellowish, brownish, or whitish), or even green fingernail fungus.
- Brittleness
- Separation of the nail from the nail bed
Early diagnosis is key to stopping the infection from getting worse or spreading.
Diagnostic Methods
A healthcare provider can usually spot nail fungus just by looking at the nail. But to be sure, they might send nail clippings or scrapings to a lab to figure out exactly what kind of fungus is causing the problem. Knowing the specific fungus helps them choose the best treatment.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Nail fungus is caused by different kinds of fungi, including dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds.
Certain things can make you more likely to get nail fungus, such as:
- Age
- Diabetes
- A weakened immune system
- Poor hygiene
- Trauma to the nail
Treatment Options: Medications
A number of medications can help you get rid of nail fungus and renew your nail’s health.
Oral Antifungal Medications
Oral antifungals are systemic treatments. That means they travel through the bloodstream to attack the fungus at the site of infection.
Some of the common oral antifungal drugs include terbinafine, itraconazole, and fluconazole.
It’s important to know that oral medications can have side effects, such as liver damage and drug interactions. Also, these medications may be less effective for older adults.
Topical Antifungal Medications
Topical antifungals are medications you apply directly to the affected nail.
Common topical antifungal drugs include ciclopirox nail lacquer, efinaconazole, and tavaborole.
You can enhance the effectiveness of topical medications by thinning the nail beforehand. But no matter how effective the medication is, you will probably need to use it almost every day for close to a year.
Choosing a Medication
When choosing a medication, you and your doctor should consider:
- The severity of the infection. Mild to moderate infections may respond to topical treatments, while more severe infections may require oral medications.
- Individual health factors. If you have underlying health conditions, such as liver or kidney problems, that may influence the choice of medication.
It’s crucial to discuss the benefits and risks of each treatment option with a healthcare professional.
Alternative and home remedies
If you’re looking for other ways to address nail fungus, you have some options.
Lifestyle adjustments
You may be able to help your nails heal through changes to your habits, such as:
- Practicing good nail hygiene by keeping your nails clean and dry
- Trimming your nails on a regular basis to reduce the amount of infected tissue
- Protecting your nails from trauma to minimize the risk of infection
Natural remedies
Some people have success with natural remedies such as:
- Tea tree oil, which has some properties that may help reduce fungus
- Garlic, vinegar, and baking soda (although there’s not much science to back them up)
The role of supplements
You can also consider supplements such as:
- Biotin, which some research suggests may strengthen weak or brittle nails
Be sure to talk with a doctor or other health professional before taking any supplements. They may interact with other medications you take.
Advanced options: Surgery and laser therapy
If other treatments don’t work, you and your doctor may consider surgery or laser therapy.
Surgical nail removal
If you have a severe nail infection that isn’t responding to other treatments, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the nail.
The procedure involves detaching the infected nail from its bed. Recovery can take weeks or even months.
Laser therapy
Laser therapy uses focused light energy to target and destroy the fungus.
It may work for some people, but scientists need to do more research to determine how well it works in the long term.
Also, laser therapy can be expensive and may not be covered by your health insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to permanently cure nail fungus
Permanently curing nail fungus often requires a combination of approaches. Prescription oral antifungal medications are generally the most effective, but topical treatments can also be helpful, especially for mild cases. Consistency and patience are key, as complete nail renewal can take several months, even with treatment.
What deficiency causes nail fungus
While specific nutrient deficiencies aren’t directly linked to causing nail fungus, a weakened immune system due to poor nutrition or other health conditions can make you more susceptible. Maintaining a balanced diet and addressing underlying health issues can support overall nail health.
What kills nail fungus the fastest
Oral antifungal medications prescribed by a doctor tend to work the fastest at eradicating nail fungus. These medications work systemically to target the infection. However, they come with potential side effects, so discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.
Is it good to cut off nail with fungus
Trimming or filing down the affected nail can help improve the effectiveness of topical treatments by allowing them to penetrate deeper. However, completely cutting off the nail is generally not recommended unless advised by a doctor or podiatrist, as it can increase the risk of infection or injury.
Why does my fungal nail keep coming back
Recurrent nail fungus can be due to several factors, including incomplete treatment, re-exposure to the fungus in damp environments (like showers or shoes), or underlying health conditions that weaken the immune system. Proper hygiene, thorough treatment, and addressing any contributing factors are essential to prevent recurrence.
Wrapping Up
Getting rid of a nail fungal infection for good requires a multi-pronged approach, even knowing how to wear sandals with toenail fungus. You need to know for sure that you’re dealing with fungus, get the right treatment, make some changes to your habits, and maybe try some alternative remedies, too.
The best thing to do is talk to a doctor or other health professional. They can help you figure out what’s going on and how to treat it, and they can help you prevent the infection from coming back.
With the right care and treatment, you can get healthy, fungus-free nails again.