Nail Fungus Repair: How to Prevent Recurrence for Good

Onychomycosis, more commonly known as nail fungus, is a common infection that can affect both your toenails and fingernails. Nail fungus can cause nails to become discolored, thickened, and even crumbly.

It’s important to address nail fungus because, left untreated, the infection can worsen and even spread to other nails or other people. Beyond the physical symptoms, nail fungus can also impact your quality of life and self-esteem, especially when considering how to wear sandals with toenail fungus.

This article will cover the causes, symptoms, and diagnosis of nail fungus, along with medical and home remedies for nail repair. We’ll also discuss strategies for preventing future infections.

Understanding nail fungus: Causes and risk factors

Nail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is a common infection that can affect your toenails or fingernails. It can cause nails to become discolored, thick, and brittle.

Common causes of nail fungus

• Dermatophytes: These fungi are the most common cause of nail infections. Common species include Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes.
• Yeasts and molds: Though less common, yeasts (such as Candida) and molds can also cause nail infections, especially in people with weakened immune systems. Molds thrive in moist environments.

Risk factors

Several factors can increase your risk of developing nail fungus:

• Age: Older adults are more likely to get nail infections due to reduced blood circulation and slower nail growth.
• Underlying medical conditions: Conditions like diabetes, psoriasis, and peripheral vascular disease can compromise your immune system or reduce circulation.
• Nail trauma: Injuries to the nail, including repetitive trauma from sports or tight shoes, can create entry points for fungi, potentially leading to toenail fungus or other injuries.
• Poor hygiene: Not keeping your feet clean and dry and wearing shoes that trap moisture can promote fungal growth.
• Weakened immune system: Immunodeficiency or medications that suppress the immune system can make you more susceptible to nail infections.

Recognizing the signs: Symptoms and diagnosis

If you think you have a nail fungus, you may be right. Here’s what to look for.

Common symptoms of nail fungus

• Discoloration: Yellowish, brownish, or whitish spots on the nail that may affect part or all of the nail
• Thickening: A nail that is abnormally thick and difficult to trim and that may cause discomfort or pain
• Brittleness or crumbling: A nail that breaks or crumbles easily, sometimes leading to complete nail detachment
• Distorted shape: An irregular or deformed nail shape that may lift off the nail bed (called onycholysis)
• Foul odor: An unpleasant smell coming from the infected nail

Diagnostic methods

A doctor can often diagnose a nail fungus just by looking at it, but lab tests are important for confirmation.

A doctor may send a sample of nail clippings or scrapings to a lab for testing. Technicians will examine the sample under a microscope to identify fungal elements. Technicians may also perform a culture to identify the specific fungal species.

Another method is the periodic acid–Schiff stain (PAS), a histochemical stain for fungal identification.

Medical treatments for nail fungus

If home remedies don’t clear up your nail fungus, or if the infection is severe, it’s time to talk to a doctor about prescription treatments.

Topical antifungal medications

These medications come in the form of a nail polish that you brush onto your nails, but should you consider toenail fungus and polish choices carefully? Common types include:

• Amorolfine: This nail lacquer is effective on a wide range of fungi.
• Ciclopirox: This is another topical option that requires months of consistent application.
• Efinaconazole: This newer treatment penetrates the nail more effectively than older options.

Oral antifungal medications

These medications are pills you swallow. Common types include:

• Terbinafine: This is a commonly prescribed and effective oral medication, but it can have side effects, including liver damage.
• Itraconazole: This is another oral option that’s often used in pulse therapy. It can have drug interactions and side effects.
• Fluconazole: This is used less often but can be effective against certain fungal species.

Laser therapy

With this treatment, a doctor targets the fungus with concentrated light, often using an Nd:YAG laser. It can be effective, but you’ll likely need multiple sessions. There’s not as much research on its long-term effectiveness compared to oral medications.

Surgical nail removal

This is usually reserved for severe cases or when other treatments haven’t worked. The doctor removes all or part of the nail, which allows them to apply topical medication directly to the nail bed. However, there’s a high chance the infection will come back if the underlying fungal infection isn’t fully treated.

Home remedies and alternative treatments

If you’re Googling “toenail fungus cure,” you may be tempted to try some home remedies. But remember, toenail fungus is notoriously difficult to treat, even with prescription medications. So it’s important to be realistic about what you can expect from home remedies.

Over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal products

You can find antifungal creams, ointments, and sprays at your local drugstore. These may give you some relief from discomfort, but they’re often not as effective as prescription treatments.

Natural remedies

Here are a few of the natural remedies people sometimes try for toenail fungus:

• Tea tree oil: This has antiseptic and antifungal properties. Apply diluted tea tree oil to the affected nail.
• Vinegar soaks: The acetic acid in vinegar may keep the fungus from growing. Soak the affected nail in diluted vinegar for 15 to 20 minutes a day.
• Garlic: Garlic has compounds with antifungal properties. Apply crushed garlic or garlic oil to the infected nail.
• Snakeroot extract: Studies have shown some promise in this area.
• Vicks VapoRub: Some people say this helps, but there’s no scientific evidence to back it up.

Important considerations

Home remedies may take a long time to show results, so you must be consistent. Talk to a doctor before using any home remedy, especially if you have an underlying medical condition like diabetes. Home remedies are often used in addition to medical treatments, not instead of them.

Preventing nail fungus: Hygiene and lifestyle tips

Good hygiene and lifestyle choices can go a long way in preventing nail fungus. Here’s what I recommend:

• Wash your feet daily: Use soap and water, and dry your feet thoroughly, especially between your toes.
• Wear breathable socks and shoes: Avoid footwear that traps moisture, and change your socks if they get damp.
• Trim your nails properly: Cut your nails straight across and don’t cut them too short.
• Avoid walking barefoot in public places: Wear sandals or shoes in locker rooms, swimming pools, and public showers.
• Disinfect nail clippers and files: Clean your nail tools after each use.
• Avoid sharing nail care tools: Don’t share nail clippers, files, or other tools with others.
• Choose reputable nail salons: Make sure the salon follows proper hygiene practices.
• Treat athlete’s foot promptly: If you have athlete’s foot, treat it right away to prevent the fungus from spreading to your nails.

Frequently Asked Questions

Summary

Nail fungus is a common problem that you can usually treat successfully. The sooner you get a diagnosis and start treatment, the better. Don’t wait! Talk to your doctor or other healthcare professional to get their advice about the best treatment options for you.