Nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common condition that can seriously impact the health and appearance of your nails. When you have a nail fungus infection, you may notice discoloration, thickening, and even crumbling of the nail. As you can imagine, this can be uncomfortable and cause feelings of self-consciousness.
While prescription medications are available, many people look for effective over-the-counter treatments for mild to moderate cases of nail fungus. One such treatment is the Pro Nail Fungus Killer.
Pro Nail comes in several forms, including an antifungal liquid solution and a maximum-strength option. These products are designed to eliminate fungus on fingers, toes, and around the nails.
This article takes a closer look at Pro Nail products, including their key ingredients, how to apply them, and other important factors to consider before use. We’ll explore the features and benefits of Pro Nail solutions, compare them to other treatments, and help you decide if Pro Nail is right for you.
Understanding nail fungus: Causes, symptoms, and diagnosis
Nail fungus can be a stubborn and unpleasant condition. Let’s explore its causes, symptoms, and how it’s typically diagnosed.
Causes of nail fungus
Most nail infections are caused by fungi called dermatophytes. These fungi love warm, moist places. They can sneak into your nails through tiny cracks or cuts.
Other types of fungi and yeasts can also cause nail fungus, though this is less common. Candida, a type of yeast, can sometimes cause nail infections, especially in people with weakened immune systems.
Several things can make you more likely to get nail fungus, including:
- Older age
- Poor hygiene
- Nail injuries
- Diabetes
- A weakened immune system
Symptoms of nail fungus
If you have nail fungus, you might notice:
- Discoloration: Your nail might turn yellow, white, or brown
- Thickening: Your nail might get thicker than usual and be hard to trim
- Brittleness and crumbling: Your nail might become brittle, cracked, or crumbly
- Pain and discomfort: In severe cases, your nail might hurt, especially when you wear shoes
Diagnosis
A doctor can often tell if you have nail fungus just by looking at your nail. In some cases, they might send a sample of your nail to a lab to confirm the diagnosis and figure out exactly what kind of fungus is causing the problem. That’s important for choosing the right treatment.
Pro Nail Antifungal Solutions: Product Overview and Key Ingredients
Pro Nail offers a variety of antifungal products designed to treat nail fungus. Here’s a look at some of the key offerings and what makes them work:
Pro Nail Antifungal Liquid Solution (.5 oz)
This is a topical solution specifically formulated to get rid of fungus on and around fingernails and toenails. Its active ingredient targets the affected area directly.
Here’s what makes this product stand out:
- Easy to apply with a brush applicator
- Non-oily formula that dries quickly
- Very little odor, making it more pleasant to use
The key ingredient is undecylenic acid (25%). This fatty acid has antifungal properties that stop fungus from growing.
Pro Nail Maximum Strength Antifungal Solution (15ml)
As the name suggests, this version is marketed as a “maximum strength” solution, intended for more severe fungal infections.
For best results, this product is typically applied twice a day to the affected area, and consistency is key.
Other Pro Nail Formulations
In addition to liquid solutions, Pro Nail may also offer:
- Sprays: Some products come in spray form for easier application, especially for hard-to-reach areas.
- Patches: Nail patches may be available for targeted treatment, delivering the antifungal medication directly to the infected nail.
How Pro Nail Works: Action and Application
Pro Nail is a topical antifungal medication that contains undecylenic acid, a fatty acid with potent antifungal properties. Here’s how it works:
Undecylenic Acid and How it Works
Undecylenic acid works by targeting the cell membranes of fungi. It interferes with their structure and function, which stops them from growing and reproducing. By disrupting the fungi at the cellular level, undecylenic acid helps stop the infection from spreading to other nails or areas of your body.
How to Apply Pro Nail
To get the best results from Pro Nail, you’ll need to follow the directions for use carefully.
- Before you apply Pro Nail, wash and dry the area around the affected nail thoroughly. You may also want to trim the nail and file down any thickened areas. This will help the medication absorb into your nail bed.
- Apply a thin layer of Pro Nail to the affected nail and the skin around it. Be sure to reach the nail bed for effective treatment.
- Apply Pro Nail twice a day, or as directed by a healthcare professional.
- Be consistent. Even if your nail starts to look better, continue to apply Pro Nail until the infection is completely cleared.
Important safety considerations
- Avoid getting Pro Nail in your eyes or on mucous membranes.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after you apply it.
- Keep Pro Nail out of the reach of children.
How Pro Nail compares to other nail fungus treatments
When it comes to treating nail fungus, you’ve got options. Here’s how Pro Nail stacks up against some of the other common approaches:
Over-the-counter (OTC) topical treatments
Lots of OTC treatments use ingredients like tolnaftate, clotrimazole, and miconazole. Pro Nail’s active ingredient, undecylenic acid, can be more or less effective, depending on the person and the type of fungus.
Prescription topical treatments
For tougher cases, doctors might prescribe topical treatments like ciclopirox, efinaconazole, or tavaborole, or even suggest a prescription like Jublia Rx. These often work better than OTC options, but you’ll need to see a doctor to get them.
Oral antifungal medications
If topicals don’t cut it, oral medications like terbinafine and itraconazole are powerful options. But they can come with side effects, so they’re usually saved for severe cases.
Home remedies
Some people swear by tea tree oil or vinegar soaks, while others explore options like Blue Emu for nail fungus. Tea tree oil has some antifungal properties, and the acetic acid in vinegar might slow fungal growth. But generally, these remedies aren’t as effective as medical treatments.
Laser therapy
Laser treatments can target and kill the fungus, and some people find them effective. However, it often takes multiple sessions, and it can be pricey.
Customer reviews and product ratings: What users are saying
When you’re shopping for a product to treat nail fungus, it’s a good idea to see what other people have experienced. Here’s a rundown of what customers are saying about some of the top products.
Analyzing customer feedback
Some people report success with Pro Nail, especially when treating mild to moderate nail fungus. They like that it’s easy to use and dries quickly.
Other people say they didn’t see much improvement, or that the product didn’t work for severe infections.
Product ratings and star reviews
- Pro Nail Maximum Strength Antifungal Solution, 15ml: This product has a price of $15.53 (at the time of writing), down from $17.95. It has 21 reviews, averaging 4.2 out of 5 stars.
- Kerassentials for Toenail Fungus: This product has 2 reviews, averaging 23 out of 5 stars.
- Toenail Fungus Treatment-Extra Strength: This product has 4641 reviews, averaging 4.7 out of 5 stars.
Considering reviews with caution
Here are some important things to keep in mind when reading reviews.
- Individual results vary. How well a product works will depend on how severe the infection is, how well you follow the directions, and individual factors.
- Customer reviews aren’t medical advice. Always talk to a healthcare professional if you have concerns about a health condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What actually kills toe fungus?
To truly kill toe fungus, you need antifungal medications. These can be topical (applied directly to the nail) or oral (taken by mouth). Oral medications are generally more effective for severe infections but come with potential side effects. Effective topical ingredients include ciclopirox, efinaconazole, and tavaborole.
Does hydrogen peroxide get rid of toenail fungus?
Hydrogen peroxide might have some antifungal properties, but it’s generally not strong enough to eliminate a toenail fungus infection on its own. It can be used as a supplemental treatment to help clean the affected area, but it shouldn’t be your primary treatment method.
How do you know when nail fungus is gone?
The clearest sign is when a completely healthy, new nail grows out, replacing the infected portion. This can take several months, even with treatment, as toenails grow slowly. A doctor can also perform a lab test to confirm the absence of the fungus.
What not to do with toenail fungus?
Don’t ignore it and hope it goes away on its own – it likely won’t. Avoid sharing nail clippers or files, as this can spread the infection. Also, don’t cover your nails with polish for extended periods, as this can trap moisture and encourage fungal growth.
Does Proclearz get rid of toenail fungus?
Proclearz is an over-the-counter topical treatment. While some users may find it helpful in managing mild cases, its effectiveness can vary. For more persistent or severe infections, prescription-strength treatments are usually necessary. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized recommendations.
In Summary
Pro Nail offers a convenient way to treat mild to moderate nail fungus infections. It’s easy to find at your local drugstore, and the active ingredient, undecylenic acid, is a well-known antifungal medication.
To get the most out of Pro Nail, you have to be consistent with applying the medication. You should also have realistic expectations. While Pro Nail can often clear up milder infections, severe infections may need prescription medications or other treatments to go away.
If you think you have a nail fungus infection, the best thing to do is talk with your doctor. They can make sure that’s what’s going on, and they can help you decide the best way to treat it based on your health history and how bad the infection is.
Disclaimer: Product information may differ from what’s on the packaging. Always read the label and directions on any medication before you use it. This information is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat medical conditions.