Toenail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is an infection of the toenail that’s more common than you might think. This infection leads to discoloration, thickening, and even crumbling of the nail, making it not only unsightly but sometimes painful, too.
Treating toenail fungus can be tricky for a couple of reasons. First, toenails grow slowly, so it takes a long time to see results. Second, it’s hard for medications to reach the actual site of the infection underneath the nail. Because of these difficulties, people may try all sorts of home remedies, including applying clear nail polish in the hope that it will either suffocate the fungus or somehow help the medication penetrate the nail.
There are basically two main ways to treat toenail fungus: topical medications that you apply directly to the nail and oral medications that you take by mouth. Each approach has its pros and cons, and the best choice for you will depend on the severity of your infection and other factors.
This article will explore whether clear nail polish is an effective treatment for toenail fungus and examine the other options, too, including topical and oral medications. The goal is to give you a comprehensive overview of the different ways to tackle this persistent problem, so you can make an informed decision about the best course of action for your specific situation.
What is toenail fungus (onychomycosis)?
Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common infection that affects the toenails. It can be unsightly and uncomfortable, and it’s important to understand what causes it and how it’s diagnosed.
Causes and risk factors
Toenail fungus is usually caused by fungi called dermatophytes, but yeasts and molds can also be responsible.
Dermatophytes are the most frequent cause of toenail infections. These microscopic organisms thrive in warm, moist environments, making your toenails a perfect home for them.
Certain risk factors can increase your chances of developing toenail fungus. These include:
- Older age
- Diabetes
- Poor circulation
- Nail injuries
- A weakened immune system
Athletes are also at higher risk due to communal showers and locker rooms, where fungi can spread easily.
Symptoms and diagnosis
The symptoms of toenail fungus can vary, but common signs include:
- Discoloration (yellowing, browning, or whitening)
- Thickening of the nail
- Brittleness
- Distortion of the nail shape
Toenail fungus is usually diagnosed through a visual examination of the affected nail. A doctor may also take a nail clipping for laboratory testing to confirm the diagnosis and identify the specific fungus causing the infection. It’s important to get an accurate diagnosis so you can get the most effective treatment.
Topical Treatments for Toenail Fungus: Nail Polishes and Creams
If you’re dealing with toenail fungus, you might be wondering about topical treatments like nail polishes and creams. Let’s break down what’s available and how well these options work.
Types of Topical Treatments
Antifungal nail polishes are available by prescription. One common active ingredient is ciclopirox. Another is amorolfine, which is commonly prescribed outside the United States.
Antifungal creams and solutions are also available. Some come in kits with nail scrapers to help you file down the infected nail. Some products contain urea, which softens the nail and helps the antifungal medicine penetrate deeper.
How Well Do Topical Treatments Work?
It’s important to understand that topical treatments have their limitations. They’re generally not as effective as oral medications, and it can take a long time – sometimes up to a year – to see results.
Here’s a look at the stats on a few specific topical treatments:
- Ciclopirox: After a year of use, about 30 out of 100 people using ciclopirox no longer had a detectable fungal nail infection. The appearance of the nail improved for about 7 out of 100 people.
- Urea and Bifonazole: About 51 out of 100 people using a urea and bifonazole cream had no detectable fungal infection three months after treatment.
How well a topical treatment works depends on factors like how severe the infection is, the type of fungus, and how closely you follow the treatment plan.
Can Clear Nail Polish Treat Toenail Fungus?
Now, let’s address a common question: Can regular clear nail polish treat toenail fungus? The answer is no. Regular clear nail polish doesn’t have any antifungal properties. In fact, it can trap moisture and potentially make the infection worse.
It’s important to know the difference between regular nail polish and medicated antifungal nail polishes. Only antifungal nail polishes with active ingredients like ciclopirox have the potential to treat toenail fungus. And using regular clear nail polish over a medicated polish might actually reduce how well the medication works.
Oral medications for toenail fungus
If you’re dealing with toenail fungus, there are oral antifungal medications that can help.
Types of oral antifungal medications
Some common oral medications used to treat toenail fungus are:
- Terbinafine (Lamisil)
- Itraconazole (Sporanox)
- Fluconazole (Diflucan)
Doctors usually prescribe terbinafine first, especially if the fungus is a dermatophyte. Itraconazole is another option. Fluconazole is usually prescribed as a last resort because it takes longer to work.
These medications work by attacking the fungus throughout your body.
How well do oral medications work?
Studies show that terbinafine is effective. In one study, 76 out of 100 people who took terbinafine for three months had no sign of fungal infection afterward.
Itraconazole is also effective, but a little less so. In one study, 43 out of 100 people who took itraconazole for three months had no sign of fungal infection afterward.
Oral medications are generally more effective than topical treatments you apply to your toenail.
Side effects and drug interactions
It’s important to know that oral medications can have side effects. One potential concern is liver damage. Other side effects may include:
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Skin rashes
- Headaches
Also, oral antifungals can interact with other medications you may be taking. That’s why it’s crucial to talk to your doctor about all the medications you’re on before starting an oral antifungal.
What about home remedies?
Lots of people want to avoid a trip to the doctor, if possible. So, what about the home remedies and alternative treatments for toenail fungus that you can find online?
Common home remedies
Some of the most popular home remedies for toenail fungus include:
- Tea tree oil
- Vinegar
- Baking soda
Unfortunately, there’s not much scientific evidence to back up the effectiveness of most of these home remedies. Even though many people swear by them, it’s important to remember that they shouldn’t be used in place of medical treatment from a doctor, especially if the infection is severe or causing pain.
Other alternative treatments
You may also have heard about alternative treatments like laser therapy and photodynamic therapy.
Laser therapy can be effective, but it’s often pretty expensive, and it might not be covered by your health insurance. Photodynamic therapy is another option, but researchers need to do more studies to figure out how well it works in the long run.
Prevention is key
One of the best ways to deal with toenail fungus is to prevent it from happening in the first place!
Here are some tips:
- Keep your feet clean and dry.
- Wear socks and shoes that breathe well.
- Don’t walk barefoot in public places like locker rooms and swimming pools.
- Trim your toenails the right way.
What affects your treatment choices?
Toenail fungus can be stubborn, and there are many things to think about when you’re deciding how to treat it.
How severe is the infection?
For mild to moderate infections, doctors often recommend topical treatments. If the infection is severe or topical treatments haven’t worked, you may need to take oral medications.
Your health and medical history
Patient demographics and health conditions play a big role in treatment. For kids, topical treatments are often the first choice because oral medications can have side effects. If you have liver problems, you may not be able to take oral antifungal medications at all.
It’s super important to talk to your doctor about your medical history and any medications you’re currently taking. This will help them figure out the safest and most effective treatment for you.
Cost and convenience
Cost is another factor to consider. Oral medications are usually more expensive than topical treatments. And laser therapy? It can be very expensive!
Think about how convenient each treatment option is for you. Topical treatments need to be applied every day for a long time. Oral medications are taken less often, but you’ll need to be monitored for side effects.
When to see a doctor
If you’ve tried home remedies and they’re not working, it’s time to see a doctor.
You should also seek medical help if:
- The infection spreads to other nails or skin.
- You develop other symptoms, like pain, swelling, or drainage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Vicks VapoRub work on nail fungus?
Some people find Vicks VapoRub helpful for toenail fungus because of its ingredients like camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol. These compounds have some antifungal properties and may help to soften the nail, allowing them to penetrate the infected area. However, it’s generally considered a complementary treatment, not a primary cure.
Does clear nail polish help with toenail fungus?
Clear nail polish is generally not recommended for treating toenail fungus. While it might seem like a good way to hide the discoloration, it can actually trap moisture and create a more favorable environment for the fungus to thrive. It’s best to avoid nail polish altogether while treating a fungal infection.
Does hydrogen peroxide get rid of toenail fungus?
Hydrogen peroxide has some antiseptic properties and might help kill some surface-level fungus. However, it’s not a highly effective treatment for toenail fungus because it doesn’t penetrate the nail well enough to reach the source of the infection. It’s best used as a supplemental measure, not a primary treatment.
How do I get rid of nail fungus ASAP?
There’s no magic bullet for getting rid of toenail fungus quickly. The fastest and most effective treatments typically involve prescription oral antifungal medications or topical antifungals recommended by a doctor. Over-the-counter treatments may take longer to show results and might not be as effective for severe infections. Consistency is key, whatever route you choose.
What is the number one cause of toenail fungus?
The most common cause of toenail fungus is a type of fungus called dermatophytes. These fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, making places like public showers, swimming pools, and sweaty shoes ideal breeding grounds. Poor foot hygiene, nail injuries, and certain medical conditions can also increase your risk of developing toenail fungus.
The Bottom Line
If you’re dealing with toenail fungus, don’t expect clear nail polish to cure it. While nail polish might temporarily improve the look of your nails, it won’t get rid of the underlying infection, even if it’s used to hide toenail fungus. The right treatment depends on how bad the infection is, your age, your health, and potential side effects.
It’s always best to talk to a doctor about your toenail fungus. They can diagnose the problem, discuss your treatment options, and address any concerns you might have. They can recommend prescription antifungal medications, either topical or oral, or other treatments like laser therapy or even nail removal in severe cases.
Toenail fungus can be stubborn and take time to resolve, but effective treatments are available. With the right diagnosis, treatment plan, and preventive steps, you can get back to having healthy, clear toenails. Don’t hesitate to seek professional medical advice to get started on the path to recovery.