Toenail Fungus Treatment: Can You Drink Alcohol? A Guide

Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common problem that causes your toenails to become thick, discolored, and sometimes even painful. It affects a large number of people, and if you’re reading this, chances are you’re one of them.

But what, if anything, does toenail fungus have to do with drinking alcohol? That’s what we’ll explore in this article.

We’ll also briefly touch on the many different ways you can treat toenail fungus, from prescription medications to over-the-counter remedies and even some home treatments. But first, let’s consider the connection between toenail fungus and drinking alcohol.

Understanding Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a fungal infection of the nail. It can cause your toenail to thicken, split, and change color.

If you have toenail fungus, you may notice the following:

• Your toenail is yellowish or brownish.
• Your toenail is thicker than it used to be.
• The edges of your toenail are brittle, crumbly, or ragged.
• Your toenail may be separating from the nail bed.

Causes and Risk Factors

Fungal spores love warm, damp environments, like the inside of your sweaty gym shoes.

Certain factors can increase your risk of developing toenail fungus:

• Trauma to the nail
• Poor circulation
• A weakened immune system
• Diabetes
• Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis)
• Wearing tight-fitting shoes

Diagnosing Toenail Fungus

Before you start any treatment, it’s important to get an official diagnosis from a doctor. Why? Because a lot of nail problems look like fungus but aren’t. You don’t want to waste time and money on treatments that won’t work.

A doctor can usually diagnose toenail fungus with:

• A physical exam of your nail.
• Lab tests on a small clipping of your nail.

These tests can confirm if it’s really a fungus and what kind it is, so you can get the right treatment.

Toenail fungus treatment options

If you have toenail fungus, you probably want to get rid of it as quickly as possible! Depending on the severity of your case, there are several treatment options available.

Topical treatments

Topical treatments are medications you apply directly to the affected toenail, usually in the form of an antifungal nail lacquer. Amorolfine is one example.

Topical treatments require patience because it can take months or even a year to see results. Also, the cure rates for topical treatments tend to be lower, around 35 percent.

Other topical medications, such as tioconazole, are also available, but they may not be as effective as amorolfine.

Oral medications

Oral medications, such as terbinafine and itraconazole, are antifungal tablets you take by mouth. These medications are generally more effective than topical treatments, with cure rates ranging from 55 percent to 70 percent.

However, oral medications also come with potential side effects, including liver damage and drug interactions. If you opt for oral medication, your healthcare provider will likely monitor your liver enzymes to ensure everything is functioning correctly.

Other treatment options

If topical and oral medications don’t do the trick, there are a couple of other options to consider.

Laser treatment is a newer method that involves using a laser to target and kill the fungus. The Cutera laser is one FDA-approved option, but more evidence is needed to determine the long-term effectiveness of laser treatment.

In some cases, when other treatments have failed, your doctor may recommend nail removal. This involves surgically removing the affected toenail to eliminate the fungus.

Alcohol consumption: General health impacts

It’s important to be aware of the general health impacts of drinking alcohol.

Effects of alcohol on the immune system

Drinking too much alcohol can weaken your immune system, making you more likely to get infections. Alcohol can affect how your immune cells work, especially your white blood cells, which are important for fighting off illness.

A weakened immune system means you’re more likely to get sick.

Alcohol and liver health

Your liver is in charge of breaking down alcohol. When you drink too much, it can damage your liver. Over time, heavy drinking can cause:

• liver inflammation (hepatitis)
• fatty liver disease
• cirrhosis
• liver failure

Mixing alcohol with certain medicines can make liver damage even more likely.

Alcohol and medication interactions

Alcohol can change how your body processes some medicines. This can make you more likely to have side effects or make the medicine not work as well.

It’s always a good idea to talk with your doctor or pharmacist about drinking alcohol if you’re taking any medications.

Alcohol and toenail fungus medications

If you’re receiving treatment for toenail fungus, it’s important to understand how drinking alcohol might affect your treatment.

Oral antifungal medications

Oral medications to treat toenail fungus may have concerning interactions with alcohol.

That’s because oral antifungal medications sometimes cause liver damage. Alcohol can also damage the liver. Combining alcohol and oral antifungals may increase the risk of liver problems.

Plus, alcohol may interfere with how your body absorbs or uses antifungal medications, which could mean they don’t work as well.

Topical antifungal medications

If you’re using a topical treatment for toenail fungus, there’s probably less risk of it interacting directly with alcohol. That’s because topical medications don’t get absorbed into the bloodstream the same way oral medications do.

Still, excessive alcohol use can weaken your immune system, which might make it harder for your body to fight off the fungal infection, even if you’re using a topical treatment. Consider other natural cures to support your immune system.

Recommendations and Precautions

If you’re treating toenail fungus with oral medication, you should consult with your doctor about drinking alcohol. Some antifungals can interact negatively with alcohol, potentially damaging your liver.

Here are a few general precautions to consider:

• Talk to your doctor before drinking alcohol while taking antifungal medications.
• Consider not drinking alcohol during treatment.
• Follow your doctor’s directions for medication dosage and duration.
• If you take oral antifungals and drink alcohol, get your liver function tested.
• Practice good hygiene to prevent the spread of fungal infections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Takeaways

Drinking alcohol while taking medication for toenail fungus can lead to serious side effects, including liver damage. Talk to your doctor about the risks involved before you start treatment. Lifestyle factors like keeping your feet clean and dry can also help you manage and prevent toenail fungus.