Toenail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is a common condition that can cause your toenails to become discolored, thick, and even detached from the nail bed. It’s not pretty, and it can be hard to treat.
Recently, “breathable” nail polish has become popular, with claims that it allows more air and moisture to reach the nail. But does that mean breathable nail polish is good for toenail fungus, or could it actually make things worse?
Let’s explore whether breathable nail polish helps or hurts when you’re dealing with toenail fungus.
Understanding toenail fungus
Toenail fungus is no fun! Here’s what you need to know:
What is toenail fungus?
Toenail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is a fungal infection in your toenail. It usually starts as a little discoloration under the nail, and it can get worse over time.
You may notice:
- Yellowing or brownish color
- Thickening of the nail
- Brittleness
- The nail separating from the nail bed
What causes toenail fungus?
Usually, toenail fungus is caused by dermatophytes, yeasts, or molds. You may be more likely to get toenail fungus if you:
- Are older
- Have had a nail injury
- Don’t practice good hygiene
- Have certain medical conditions
What is Breathable Nail Polish?
Okay, so “breathable” nail polish sounds like a gimmick, right? But it’s actually kinda cool. Regular nail polish creates a totally sealed barrier on your nails. Breathable polish, on the other hand, is formulated to let air and moisture pass through. The idea is that this can be better for your nail health.
One of the main benefits is that it reduces the risk of trapping moisture under the polish. Trapped moisture can create a breeding ground for fungus (yuck!). Breathable polish may also help keep your nails stronger and healthier in general.
Plus, a lot of these breathable polishes are made with extra vitamins and oils, like argan oil, pro-vitamin B5, and vitamin C. It’s like a spa treatment for your toes!
Does nail polish affect toenail fungus?
If you have toenail fungus, you may wonder if wearing nail polish is okay, and if you can still get a pedicure.
Non-medicated nail polish and toenail fungus
The short answer is that regular, non-medicated nail polish can be problematic when you have a toenail fungus. That’s because nail polish may:
- get in the way of treatment
- trap moisture, which can make the infection worse
Antifungal nail polish as a treatment
It may also be useful to consider an antifungal nail polish, like Dr G’s Clear Nail Antifungal Treatment, which is a medicated option that contains ingredients that inhibit fungal growth, such as tolnaftate, tea tree oil, amorolfine, or ciclopirox. It works by delivering medication directly to the infected nail.
What about breathable nail polish?
Breathable nail polish may offer a middle ground. It’s possible that its breathability might reduce the negative impact of traditional nail polish on fungal infections. However, we need more research to confirm these benefits.
Antifungal nail polish: Types, Application, and Considerations
Some types of nail polish are designed to treat toenail fungus. Here’s what you need to know.
Types of antifungal nail polish
Antifungal nail polishes use active ingredients to fight fungal infections. Some common ingredients include:
- tolnaftate
- amorolfine
- ciclopirox
- tea tree oil
Proper application techniques
To get the best results from antifungal nail polish, it’s important to apply it carefully.
- Trim and file infected nails to remove as much of the infected area as possible.
- Clean and dry the area completely before applying the polish.
- Apply the polish as directed, usually daily or several times a week.
- Before each reapplication, remove old layers of polish with alcohol swabs.
- Be sure to apply the polish to the entire nail surface, as well as the skin around the nail and under the nail.
Important considerations
It’s important to know that antifungal nail polish may not be as effective as oral medications, especially for severe infections. Getting rid of a severe toenail infection can take a long time, and it’s important to be patient and consistent with treatment.
Orly products and toenail fungus
Orly is a brand that offers products focused on nail health. They also have a product that directly treats nail fungus.
There are several antifungal treatments available, including serums like Orly’s Fungus MD containing tolnaftate, as well as over-the-counter options like Fungi Nail. This serum can treat toenail fungus, athlete’s foot, ringworm, and jock itch.
Orly also has a line of Breathable Treatment + Color polishes that promote healthy nail growth. The Orly Gel Color polishes help maintain nail health while you’re rocking a gel manicure, too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you cut down toenails with fungus?
Yes, gently trimming toenails affected by fungus is generally recommended. This helps to remove excess nail that may be harboring the infection and allows topical treatments to penetrate more effectively. Be sure to use clean clippers and disinfect them afterward to prevent spreading the fungus.
How many coats of breathable nail polish should I use?
Follow the instructions on your chosen breathable nail polish. Typically, 2-3 thin coats are sufficient to achieve full coverage and allow the nail to “breathe.” Applying too many coats can negate the breathable properties of the polish.
Should I throw out nail polish if I have toenail fungus?
It’s highly recommended to discard any nail polish you used while you had a toenail fungus infection. Fungus can survive in the polish, potentially leading to reinfection of your nails or spreading the fungus to others. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
What worsens toenail fungus?
Several factors can worsen toenail fungus, including wearing tight-fitting shoes, having sweaty feet, not drying your feet thoroughly after washing, having minor nail or skin injuries, and having certain medical conditions like diabetes or a weakened immune system. Maintaining good foot hygiene is key.
Does OPI make breathable nail polish?
While OPI is a well-known nail polish brand, they don’t specifically market a line as “breathable.” However, other brands focus on breathable formulas that allow air and moisture to reach the nail. Always check the product description to confirm if it’s a breathable polish.
In Summary
If you have toenail fungus, using regular nail polish isn’t a good idea. It can trap moisture and make the infection worse.
If you want to cover up infected toenails, you should use antifungal nail polish. This kind of polish contains medication that can help treat the fungus while you’re wearing it.
Breathable nail polish might be a better choice than regular polish since it allows more air and moisture to reach the nail, but more research is needed to know for sure.
The best thing to do is to see a healthcare professional for a diagnosis and treatment plan. They can recommend the best course of action for your specific situation.