Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a very common problem. In fact, fungal infections account for about half of all nail abnormalities. Every year, thousands of Americans find themselves dealing with discolored, thickened, or even crumbling toenails.
Getting rid of toenail fungus isn’t always easy. Traditional treatments can take a long time, cost a lot of money, and sometimes come with unwanted side effects. That’s why people are always looking for new and better solutions.
One of the more interesting options gaining attention is red light therapy. This treatment claims to be quick, painless, and safe, offering a potentially more effective way to tackle toenail fungus.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at toenail fungus: what causes it, what the symptoms are, and how it’s usually treated. Then, we’ll dive into the world of red light therapy, exploring the science behind it, its potential benefits, and how you might use it to combat that pesky toenail fungus.
Understanding fungal nail infections (onychomycosis)
Toenail fungus is a common condition that can cause the nail to thicken, discolor, and even crumble. It’s not pretty, and it can be stubbornly difficult to get rid of.
What causes nail fungus?
The most common culprits are dermatophytes, which are a type of fungi. But yeasts and molds can also cause these infections. Some examples are Fusarium, Acremonium, and Candida.
Several factors can increase your risk of developing a fungal nail infection:
- Age: About 10% of the general population has toenail fungus, but that number goes up to 50% for people over 70.
- Poor hygiene
- Trauma to the nail
- Certain medical conditions
Types of onychomycosis
There are a few different types of toenail fungus:
- Distal subungual onychomycosis: The most common type, it affects the nail bed and the underside of the nail.
- White superficial onychomycosis: This type affects the surface of the nail, causing chalky white spots to appear.
- Proximal subungual onychomycosis: Less common, this type often shows up in people with weakened immune systems. It starts at the cuticle and spreads down the nail.
- Candidal onychomycosis: Caused by Candida yeast, this type is more common in fingernails but can also affect toenails.
Recognizing the symptoms of nail fungus
If you think you might have toenail fungus, here are some things to look for:
- Discoloration of the nail. The nail might turn yellow, brown, white, or even black.
- Thickening of the nail. It may become difficult to trim your toenail.
- Brittleness or crumbling of the nail. The nail might become fragile and break easily.
- Distorted nail shape. The nail may become misshapen or even detach from the nail bed.
- Pain or discomfort. You might especially notice this when wearing shoes or walking.
Conventional treatments for nail fungus: limitations and challenges
You may have heard of other ways to treat toenail fungus, including treatments like Ivermectin, but they all have their problems. Here’s a look at some common treatments and their drawbacks:
- Topical antifungal medications: These medications, or even topical treatments such as Kerassentials toenail oil, are applied directly to the nail. However, they often don’t work for severe infections because they can’t penetrate the nail deeply enough.
- Oral antifungal medications: These medications are taken by mouth. While they can be effective, they can also cause side effects, such as liver damage. Plus, treatment can take months, or even years, to complete.
- Nail removal: This is a more drastic measure that’s usually reserved for severe cases.
Beyond the issues with the treatments themselves, there are other concerns to be aware of. Fungal infections can become resistant to conventional antifungal medications, which means they won’t work anymore. And even after successful treatment, the infection can often come back.
Could red light therapy be a new way to treat toenail fungus?
Toenail fungus is stubborn, and treatments can be long and frustrating. But red light therapy might offer another option.
What is red light therapy?
Red light therapy uses red and near-infrared light, usually between 660 and 850 nanometers. It’s non-invasive, which means it doesn’t break the skin, and it’s also painless for most people.
In red light therapy, you expose the area affected by fungus to red or near-infrared light. The light helps your cells work better. It’s kind of like photosynthesis for people.
How red light therapy works for nail fungus
The light in the red and near-infrared spectrums (between 660nm and 850nm) can directly kill bacteria or fungi. This is something scientists call “photoablation,” which basically means using light to blast the fungus directly.
Photodynamic Antimicrobial Therapy (PACT)
Another way to use light to kill fungus is called photodynamic antimicrobial therapy, or PACT. In PACT, you use special dyes that make the fungus more sensitive to the light. Then, you shine the light on the area, and the fungus dies.
How PACT works
First, you apply a photosensitizing agent, or dye, to the nail. Then, you shine red light on the nail. The light activates the dye, which then destroys the fungal cells.
The Multifaceted Benefits of Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy is gaining a lot of attention, and you may be wondering why. Here are some of the ways it can help your body heal.
Healing at the Cellular Level
Red light therapy seems to have an effect on your cells. When you expose them to red light, the cells respond in ways that could make a difference in your health.
Cellular Energy (ATP Production)
Your cells have structures called mitochondria that produce energy. Red light stimulates the mitochondria to produce more ATP, or cellular energy. Andrei Sommer identified the way red light stimulates ATP production back in 2015.
Increased Circulation
Red light promotes the production of endothelial cells, which line your blood vessels. When you have more endothelial cells, blood flow improves in the area being treated. In a 2017 study, a team of researchers from Austria discovered that red light encourages the production of endothelial cells.
Reduced Inflammation
Red light therapy has anti-inflammatory properties, and it seems to be pretty good at reducing inflammation. Michael Hamblin highlighted the effectiveness of red light in reducing inflammation in a 2017 research paper.
Collagen and Keratin Production
Keratin is a protein that’s a key component of nails. Red light therapy supports the body’s immune response by stimulating keratin production. It also stimulates collagen production, which supports healthy nails.
How to use red light therapy at home for toenail fungus
If you decide to go the at-home route, here’s how to treat your toenail fungus with red light therapy:
- Choose the right device. You’ll find a lot of different red light therapy devices marketed for home use. To get the most bang for your buck, make sure you choose a high-quality LED panel.
- Prep your toenail. Wash and dry your feet thoroughly. Then, trim your toenails as short as possible.
- Treat your toenail. The average treatment time is 10 to 15 minutes per day. Be sure that your feet are bare during treatment and that they receive sufficient light. Treating your feet with the red light just after a shower helps thoroughly kill treatment-resistant fungi and bacteria.
You may need to repeat these treatments several times a week.
Prevention strategies and complementary measures
Even if you’re doing red light therapy, there are things you can do to prevent toenail fungus or keep it from coming back. Here are some tips:
- Practice good foot hygiene: Wash your feet every day with soap and water. When you’re done, dry them really well, especially in between your toes.
- Wear the right shoes: Choose shoes and socks that let your feet breathe. And don’t walk around barefoot in public places, like locker rooms or public showers.
- Keep your nails trimmed: Trim your toenails straight across and keep them short.
- Use antifungal products: You can use antifungal powders or sprays, or even explore natural remedies such as jojoba oil, to help prevent fungus from growing.
- Disinfect: Disinfect your shower or tub floors to kill any fungus that might be lurking.
- Rotate your shoes: Don’t wear the same shoes every day. Give them a chance to air out.
- Wash socks thoroughly: Wash your socks in hot water to kill any fungus that might be on them.
- Silver-impregnated socks: These socks may help prevent fungal growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the quickest, most effective way to get rid of toenail fungus?
There’s no single “quick fix” for toenail fungus. Effective treatment often involves a combination of approaches, including prescription antifungal medications (oral or topical), laser therapy, and consistent nail care. The best option depends on the severity of the infection and individual factors, so consulting a podiatrist is key.
What kind of light kills toenail fungus?
Laser therapy, typically using Nd:YAG lasers or diode lasers, is the most common light-based treatment for toenail fungus. These lasers generate a specific wavelength of light that penetrates the nail and targets the fungus, destroying it without harming surrounding tissue. Red light therapy, while beneficial for nail health, isn’t typically used to directly kill the fungus itself.
Do nail fungus lights really work?
Laser therapy for toenail fungus has shown promising results, with many studies demonstrating its effectiveness. However, success rates vary, and it may take several sessions to see improvement. It’s also important to maintain good foot hygiene and consider other treatment options in conjunction with laser therapy.
Is red light therapy good for nails?
Yes, red light therapy can be beneficial for nail health. It’s believed to stimulate collagen production, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation, potentially leading to stronger, healthier nails. While it doesn’t directly kill fungus, it can support overall nail health during treatment.
Does sunlight destroy fungus?
While sunlight has some antimicrobial properties, it’s unlikely to effectively destroy toenail fungus. The amount of UV radiation that reaches the nail bed is limited, and the fungus is often deeply embedded. Sunlight exposure alone is not a reliable treatment for toenail fungus.
Summary
Red light therapy can be a safe, effective, and convenient treatment option for toenail fungus. It’s important to remember that treating toenail fungus isn’t just about killing the fungus you already have; you also need to prevent future infections by practicing good hygiene and wearing proper footwear.
If you think you might have toenail fungus, talk to your doctor to get a diagnosis and treatment plan. They may also recommend PACT (photodynamic antimicrobial therapy) as a treatment option. If you decide to try red light therapy, your doctor can advise you about whether it makes sense in your situation.