Nail fungus is a common fungal infection that often affects toenails. It can cause discoloration, thickening, and even crumbling of the nail, which many people find unsightly.
It’s natural to wonder, then, if you can use nail polish to cover up the visual signs of nail fungus. But is that safe? Will it make the infection worse? Is there a right way and a wrong way to use nail polish when you have a fungal nail infection?
This article will guide you through the relationship between nail polish with nail fungus, including tips on prevention, what to consider when you’re undergoing treatment, and best practices for keeping your nails healthy.
Understanding nail fungus
Nail fungus is unpleasant and unsightly. You might be wondering if it’s OK to cover it up with nail polish. Here’s what you need to know about nail fungus.
What is it?
Nail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is a fungal infection that affects your nails. It’s more common on toenails than fingernails.
Nail fungus can be caused by dermatophytes, yeasts, or molds.
How does it develop?
Fungi grow best in warm, moist places such as:
- inside your shoes
- inside your socks
- public areas such as swimming pools and locker rooms
How does nail fungus spread?
Nail fungus is contagious. It can spread to other nails, the skin around your nails, and even to other parts of your body. You can also spread it to other people through direct contact or shared items.
Fungus is more likely to spread when people share nail polish and nail care tools, walk barefoot in public areas, or, as explored in our article on toenail fungus versus injury, injure a nail.
Nail polish: A possible complication
If you have nail fungus, you may wonder whether nail polish is safe to use.
Nail polish and fungal growth
Nail polish itself doesn’t cause fungus. But nail polish can make it easier for fungus to grow. That’s because, as discussed in the context of breathable nail polish, nail polish can prevent your nails from breathing. It can also make moisture become trapped against the nail.
Using nail polish all the time can also dry out your nails. Dry nails are more vulnerable to fungus.
Plus, nail polish can stain your nails, and as with the appearance of white spots on toenails after polish, this can cause your nails to dry out even more.
How nail polish can get in the way
Nail polish doesn’t just trap moisture. It can also hide the fact that you have nail fungus. If you don’t realize you have a problem, you won’t treat it.
What the experts say
If you want to wear nail polish and you have nail fungus, moderation is important. You need to give your nails a chance to breathe.
That means alternating between wearing nail polish and not wearing it. Try wearing polish for a few weeks, then taking it off and going without for a few weeks.
Nail care tools and salon practices: Preventing the spread
It’s easy to spread nail fungus if you’re not careful. Here’s how to prevent it.
Nail care tools as vectors
Nail fungus can spread through nail polish and shared nail care tools. Make sure to use separate tools for your toenails and fingernails. It’s also important to clean and sterilize nail care tools after each use.
Choosing a safe nail salon
When you get a professional manicure or pedicure, make sure your salon sterilizes its tools to prevent the spread of fungus. Salons should use proper sterilization methods. It’s often a good idea to book an appointment early in the day, when the tools are most likely to be newly cleaned.
Treatment options and nail polish: Can they co-exist?
If you have nail fungus, it’s best to talk with a dermatologist or podiatrist before you use nail polish. They can help you create a treatment plan that’s right for you, and they can tell you whether it’s OK to use nail polish during treatment.
Topical treatments
There are several topical treatments for nail fungus, including:
- Ciclopirox nail polish. This is a medicated nail polish that you apply to the affected nail. After a year of using ciclopirox, about 30% of people no longer show signs of nail fungus.
- Creams and solutions. There are many different creams and solutions that you can apply directly to the nail. Some treatments, like Kerydin, can be used with nail polish. Others, like Jublia, can affect how your nail polish goes on.
It can take up to a year to get rid of nail fungus with topical treatments, and they’re not as effective as oral medications.
Oral medications
You can also take oral medications for nail fungus, such as terbinafine, itraconazole, and fluconazole. Terbinafine is usually the first choice for dermatophyte infections.
Oral medications are more effective than topical treatments, but they also have more potential side effects. After three months of treatment with terbinafine, about 76% of people no longer have detectable fungus.
Before you start any treatment for nail fungus, talk with your doctor about all of your options and any other medications you’re taking.
Nail polish and treatment interactions
Some nail fungus treatments, like Penlac, aren’t compatible with nail polish. But researchers are studying whether other treatments can be used with nail polish. Talk to your doctor about what’s best for you.
Home remedies and prevention
Home remedies
You may have heard of natural remedies for nail fungus, such as tea tree oil or vinegar. However, there isn’t much scientific research to back up these claims. It’s always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional before trying any home remedies.
Prevention strategies
Preventing nail fungus is often easier than treating it. Here are some tips:
- Keep your nails dry and clean.
- Choose shoes that allow your feet to breathe.
- Avoid sharing nail clippers, files, and other personal care items with others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can leaving nail polish on too long cause fungus?
While nail polish itself doesn’t directly cause a fungal infection, leaving it on for extended periods can create a dark, moist environment under the nail. This environment is ideal for fungal growth, especially if there’s already a minor injury or separation of the nail from the nail bed.
Does hydrogen peroxide get rid of toenail fungus?
Hydrogen peroxide is often touted as a home remedy, and while it has some antifungal properties, its effectiveness against nail fungus is limited. It might help to superficially clean the affected area, but it likely won’t penetrate deep enough to eliminate the fungus completely. More effective treatments are usually necessary.
Will nail salons do nails with fungus?
Reputable nail salons should not provide services on nails with visible signs of a fungal infection. Doing so risks spreading the infection to other clients. It’s crucial to address the fungal infection before seeking cosmetic nail treatments.
How do I get rid of nail fungus ASAP?
Unfortunately, there’s no truly “ASAP” solution for nail fungus. Treatment can take weeks or even months, depending on the severity of the infection. Prescription oral antifungal medications or topical antifungal treatments prescribed by a doctor are generally the most effective options. Consistency is key!
Why does Vicks VapoRub work on nail fungus?
Vicks VapoRub contains ingredients like camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol, which have some antifungal properties. Anecdotal evidence suggests it can help some people with mild nail fungus. However, scientific evidence is limited, and it’s unlikely to be as effective as prescription medications. It’s thought to work by inhibiting fungal growth rather than eradicating the fungus entirely.
In Conclusion
Whether you can use nail polish when you have nail fungus is tricky. While it might seem like a good way to cover up the problem, nail polish can actually make things worse.
If you think you have nail fungus, see a doctor. They can diagnose your condition and help you find the right treatment. They can also give you advice about whether it’s okay for you to wear nail polish.
If you have nail fungus, using nail polish in moderation, practicing good hygiene, and getting professional treatment are all important for getting rid of the fungus and keeping your nails healthy.