Nail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is a common infection that can affect your fingernails or toenails. If you have nail fungus, you might notice that your nail is discolored, thick, or crumbling. Although anyone can get nail fungus, it’s more common to find it on toenails than fingernails.
If your nail fungus is mild to moderate, a topical treatment might be your first line of defense. Topical treatments come in a variety of forms, but one of the easiest to use is a spray. Sprays are simple to apply, especially if you have trouble reaching your toes.
This article will give you a comprehensive overview of treating nail fungus with sprays. We’ll look at the types of antifungal sprays that are available, what ingredients they contain, how to use them properly, and what side effects you might expect.
With this information, you’ll be well-equipped to choose the right product and get your nails back to their healthy, beautiful state.
Understanding Nail Fungus
Nail fungus is no fun. It can be unsightly and uncomfortable, and it can even lead to more serious problems if left untreated. Before we talk about treating it with sprays, let’s get a better understanding of what nail fungus is and how it develops.
Causes and Risk Factors
Nail fungus infections are usually caused by fungi called dermatophytes. But yeast and molds can also be to blame.
Several things can make you more likely to get a nail fungus infection, including:
- Older age: Blood circulation tends to decrease as we age, and nails grow more slowly.
- Diabetes: This condition can affect circulation and your immune system.
- Excessive sweating: Fungus loves a moist environment!
- Athlete’s foot: The fungus can easily spread from your skin to your nails.
- Nail injury or surgery: These can create openings for fungus to enter.
- Weakened immune system: If your immune system isn’t working at its best, you’re more susceptible to infections.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
So, how do you know if you have nail fungus?
Common symptoms include:
- Thickening of the nail
- Discoloration (yellow, white, or brown)
- Brittleness or crumbling
- Distorted shape
- Separation of the nail from the nail bed
If you notice these symptoms, it’s important to get a proper diagnosis. Your doctor will likely do a visual inspection and may also take a nail clipping to test in a lab. This helps to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions that can look like nail fungus, such as psoriasis or nail trauma.
Types of antifungal sprays for nail fungus
If you think you have nail fungus, you’ll want to know what kinds of antifungal sprays are out there. You’ve got over-the-counter options, prescription options, and even the option of combining sprays with other treatments.
Over-the-counter (OTC) sprays
OTC sprays, like Forces of Nature Nail Fungus, are often the first line of defense. You can pick them up at any drugstore without a prescription. They’re convenient, but keep in mind they might not be strong enough for tougher infections.
Common ingredients to look for include:
- Tolnaftate, which is a workhorse when it comes to fighting various fungal infections.
- Clotrimazole, another commonly used antifungal agent.
Some popular brands you might see include:
- Fungi-Nail Anti-Fungal Foot Spray
- Desenex Anti-Fungal Foot Powder
- Equate Athlete’s Foot Antifungal Liquid Spray
While these sprays can help, they have limitations. If you have a severe infection, OTC treatments might not cut it. They might only give you a little relief or slow things down for a bit. For really stubborn cases, you’ll need something stronger.
Prescription sprays
When OTC sprays don’t do the trick, your doctor might prescribe something stronger, such as Lamisil Spray 30ml. These prescription sprays contain more potent ingredients to knock out the fungus.
Common ingredients in prescription sprays include:
- Terbinafine, a heavy hitter in the antifungal world.
- Ciclopirox, another prescription-strength antifungal medication.
So, when would you need a prescription spray? Well, if your infection is severe and isn’t responding to OTC treatments, it’s time to call your doctor. Also, if the infection has spread to several nails, or if you have health issues that weaken your immune system, a prescription spray might be necessary.
Combination therapies
Sometimes, one treatment isn’t enough. That’s where combination therapies come in. The idea is to hit the fungus from multiple angles, like using a spray along with oral medications or topical solutions.
The big advantage here is increased effectiveness and faster results. By combining treatments, you’re more likely to kick that nail fungus to the curb.
Key Ingredients and How They Work
The effectiveness of a nail fungus spray hinges on its active ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of some common ones:
Tolnaftate
- How it works: Tolnaftate messes with the fungus’s structure, distorting its hyphae and preventing the fungus from growing.
- Common uses: Athlete’s foot, ringworm, and, yes, nail fungus.
Clotrimazole
- How it works: Clotrimazole stops the fungus from creating ergosterol, which is essential for building fungal cell membranes.
- Common uses: Athlete’s foot, ringworm, and yeast infections.
Terbinafine
- How it works: Terbinafine blocks squalene epoxidase, another enzyme involved in ergosterol production.
- Common uses: Nail fungus, athlete’s foot, and ringworm.
Ciclopirox
- How it works: Ciclopirox goes after the fungus’s DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis, disrupting its ability to function.
- Common uses: Nail fungus, athlete’s foot, and seborrheic dermatitis.
When choosing a nail fungus spray, be sure to check the active ingredients and choose one that contains one of these antifungal agents.
How to use antifungal sprays effectively
If your doctor recommends an antifungal spray, here’s how to get the most out of it:
Preparation
- Wash the affected area with soap and water.
- Dry it completely before applying the spray.
- Trim your nails short and file down any thick areas.
Application technique
- Hold the spray nozzle a few inches away from the nail you’re treating.
- Apply a thin layer of the spray to the entire nail and the surrounding skin.
- Let the spray dry completely before you put on socks or shoes.
Frequency and duration
- Apply the spray twice a day, once in the morning and once at night.
- Keep using the spray for as long as your doctor recommends, even if your symptoms start to get better.
- For athlete’s foot and ringworm, you’ll typically need to use the spray for four weeks.
- Keep in mind that nail fungus can take several months to fully clear up.
Hygiene practices
- Wear shoes that fit well and let your feet breathe.
- Change your shoes and socks every day.
- Don’t share nail clippers or files with anyone else.
- Keep your feet clean and dry.
Comparing popular nail fungus sprays
If you think you might have nail fungus, it’s a good idea to see a doctor for a diagnosis. They may recommend an over-the-counter treatment, or they may want you to use a prescription medicine.
If you’re going to try an over-the-counter spray, here’s a look at some of the more popular products:
Fungicure Intensive Spray
This maximum-strength antifungal spray is fast-drying and crystal-clear. It comes in a non-aerosol pump spray and a 2-ounce bottle.
Fungicure Intensive Spray is clinically proven and has a 4-week treatment time for athlete’s foot and ringworm. It is for use on the skin around the nails, not directly on the nails.
Fungi-Nail Anti-Fungal Foot Spray
Fungi-Nail contains tolnaftate as its active ingredient. It kills fungus that can lead to nail infections and athlete’s foot. The company states that the product is clinically proven to cure infections.
Desenex Anti-Fungal Foot Powder
Desenex Anti-Fungal Foot Powder contains 2% miconazole nitrate. The company states that it cures most athlete’s foot infections, and the powder helps to absorb moisture.
Other considerations
Here are some things to keep in mind as you shop for a nail fungus spray:
- Price: Compare the cost per ounce or per application.
- Customer reviews: Look for products with positive ratings and feedback from other people who have tried them.
- Ingredients: Compare the active ingredients and how effective they are.
- Application: Choose a spray that’s easy to apply and dries quickly.
Potential Side Effects and Precautions
Like any medication, antifungal sprays can have side effects. Here’s what you need to know:
Common Side Effects
When you start using a topical antifungal spray, you may experience:
- Skin irritation
- Redness
- Itching or burning
Although rare, some people may have an allergic reaction, such as a rash or hives.
Precautions and Warnings
Keep the following precautions in mind when using these products:
- Avoid getting the spray in your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Don’t use it on skin that is broken or already irritated.
- If your symptoms get worse or don’t improve after a few weeks, see a doctor.
- Keep the spray away from children.
Drug Interactions
Topical antifungal sprays don’t usually interact with other drugs. However, if you’re taking other medications, it’s always a good idea to double-check with your doctor or pharmacist.
Special Populations
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using any antifungal spray. Also, if you have diabetes or circulation problems, use these sprays carefully and monitor your feet for any changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you scrape out toenail fungus?
While you might be tempted to scrape out toenail fungus, it’s generally not recommended. Scraping can damage the nail and surrounding skin, potentially leading to infection. It also won’t eliminate the fungus, which lives deep within the nail bed.
What is the number one cure for toenail fungus?
There isn’t a single “number one” cure that works for everyone. The best treatment depends on the severity of the infection and individual factors. Prescription oral medications are often considered the most effective, but they come with potential side effects. Topical treatments, like sprays or creams, may work for mild cases.
Does filing down a fungal nail help?
Yes, filing down a fungal nail can be a helpful part of the treatment process. It thins the nail, allowing topical medications to penetrate more effectively. However, filing alone won’t cure the infection; it needs to be combined with antifungal treatments.
What product really works for toenail fungus?
The effectiveness of different products varies from person to person. Prescription oral medications like terbinafine and itraconazole have the highest success rates. For topical treatments, look for options containing ingredients like ciclopirox, efinaconazole, or tavaborole. Nail fungus sprays containing tolnaftate may help prevent the spread.
Does hydrogen peroxide get rid of toenail fungus?
Hydrogen peroxide has some antifungal properties, but it’s generally not considered a highly effective treatment for toenail fungus. It might help to clean the affected area, but it’s unlikely to eradicate the infection completely. Other antifungal treatments are usually more effective.
In Summary
Nail fungus is a common infection, and antifungal sprays are one way to treat it. You can buy some of these sprays over the counter, but for others, you’ll need a prescription. Each spray has its own advantages and disadvantages.
No matter which spray you use, such as Medinail Fungus Spray, you’ll need to apply it correctly and keep your feet clean. It’s also important to check your nails regularly to see if the treatment is working.
If you think you have nail fungus, see a doctor to get a diagnosis and treatment plan. A doctor can figure out how bad the infection is and tell you which treatment is right for you. They can also check to make sure you don’t have another condition and address any other health problems that might be contributing to the infection.
To keep your nails healthy and prevent future infections, keep your nails clean and dry. Wear shoes and socks that fit well, and don’t share personal items like nail clippers or towels. You might also want to use an antifungal product to help prevent infections.