Nail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is a common infection that can affect your toenails and fingernails. It can be more than just a cosmetic problem because it can sometimes lead to other health concerns if left untreated.
Tolnaftate is an over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal medication that is used on the skin to treat fungal infections. While it’s more commonly used for athlete’s foot, some people use it “off-label” to treat nail fungus.
This article offers a complete guide on how to use tolnaftate for nail fungus, including how it works, how to apply it, what the potential benefits are, and what the limitations of using tolnaftate for nail fungus might be.
Understanding Nail Fungus (Onychomycosis)
Nail fungus is a common condition that can be stubborn to treat. Also called onychomycosis, nail fungus can cause pain and discomfort and may even lead to other infections.
Causes and Risk Factors
Nail fungus is often caused by dermatophytes, such as Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Yeasts and molds can also cause these infections.
You are more likely to get nail fungus if you:
- have poor hygiene
- have experienced nail trauma
- have diabetes
- have a weakened immune system
- are older
- wear occlusive footwear
Symptoms of Nail Fungus
If you have nail fungus, you may notice:
- thickened nails
- discolored nails (yellow, white, or brown)
- brittle or crumbly nails
- distorted nail shape
- separation of the nail from the nail bed (onycholysis)
- pain or discomfort
How tolnaftate works against nail fungus
Tolnaftate is an antifungal medication that targets nail fungus. It works by distorting the hyphae and preventing the growth of mycelial fungus. How does it do this? Tolnaftate inhibits squalene epoxidase, an enzyme that is essential for creating fungal cell membranes. Without this enzyme, the fungal cell can’t grow, and it eventually dies.
Tolnaftate works best against dermatophytes, which are a common type of fungus that causes skin infections. It’s not as effective against yeasts and molds.
Also, tolnaftate is a fungistatic, which means it mainly stops the fungus from growing rather than killing it directly.
Getting ready to use tolnaftate
Figure out how bad the nail fungus is
A healthcare professional can make a definitive diagnosis of nail fungus. While you can buy tolnaftate without a prescription, it’s important to get a diagnosis to rule out other conditions. A doctor can also tell you how severe the infection is and whether tolnaftate will be effective.
Tolnaftate works best on mild to moderate cases of nail fungus. More severe infections may need to be treated with prescription oral medications.
Prep the nail
Before you use tolnaftate, you’ll need to get the nail ready.
- Trim the nail as short as you can.
- File down any thick areas.
- Soak the nail in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes to soften it.
- Dry the nail completely.
- Clean the nail with soap and water.
Applying Tolnaftate to Treat Nail Fungus
Tolnaftate, an antifungal medication, isn’t usually a first-line treatment for nail fungus, because it’s often not strong enough to kill the fungus. Other medications, like Fungus Exodus for Toenail Fungus, are often considered more effective. Still, if you and your doctor decide to use it, here’s how:
Dosage and Application Frequency
Apply a thin layer of tolnaftate to the affected nail and the skin around it twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. Be sure to follow the directions on the package or the directions you received from a healthcare professional.
It’s important to be consistent when you apply the medication. If you skip doses, the treatment is less likely to be successful.
Application Technique
Before you apply the medication, wash your hands thoroughly and clean the affected nail and the skin around it. Be sure to dry the area completely before you apply a thin layer of tolnaftate to the entire nail surface. If you can, include the nail bed.
Gently massage the medication into the nail and the skin around it, and allow the medication to dry completely before you put on socks or shoes.
How long will treatment take?
Tolnaftate treatment can last for weeks or months, depending on how severe the infection is. Even if you start to see an improvement in your nail, keep using the medication for at least 4 weeks.
It’s important to use the medicine for the full amount of time that your doctor recommends. If you stop too soon, the infection could come back.
Precautions, Side Effects, and Limitations
Tolnaftate is a common, over-the-counter medicine, but it’s good to know what to watch out for before you use it.
Potential Side Effects
Most people don’t have side effects with tolnaftate, but some can experience:
- Mild skin irritation where you applied the medicine
- Redness
- Itching or burning
Rarely, a person might have an allergic reaction, so it is important to be able to spot false claims as advertised in nail fungus ads. If you have severe side effects, stop using tolnaftate and contact your doctor.
Precautions and When Not to Use Tolnaftate
Keep these precautions in mind:
- Avoid getting tolnaftate in your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Don’t put tolnaftate on broken or irritated skin.
- If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using tolnaftate.
Tolnaftate is generally safe for most people, but it’s always smart to be cautious.
Limitations of Tolnaftate for Nail Fungus
Tolnaftate has some limitations when it comes to nail fungus. It might not work well for severe infections or infections that go deep under the nail. It can also take a long time to see results, and the infection can come back even after successful treatment.
If you have a bad case of nail fungus, your doctor might suggest oral antifungal medicines, which can be more effective.
How to help your treatment work and prevent future infections
Taking care of yourself and your feet is an important step in healing from nail fungus.
Help your treatment work
Here are some things you can do to make your antifungal treatment work better:
- Keep your nails trimmed short and clean.
- Wear socks and shoes that allow air to circulate.
- Don’t share nail clippers or files with other people.
You might also want to ask your doctor whether an antifungal nail polish could help, too.
Prevent nail fungus from coming back
Once you get rid of a nail fungus infection, you definitely don’t want it to return. These tips can help you avoid another infection:
- Wash your feet regularly and dry them well, especially after showering or swimming.
- Wear shoes in public places such as locker rooms and swimming pools.
- Disinfect your shoes on a regular basis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you let toenail fungus breathe?
While it might seem counterintuitive, keeping the affected area clean and dry is crucial. This doesn’t necessarily mean letting it “breathe” in open air constantly. Focus on wearing breathable socks and shoes, and thoroughly drying your feet after washing to prevent the fungus from thriving in a moist environment.
How long should you use Emtrix?
Emtrix (also known as Naloc) is another topical treatment for nail fungus. The recommended treatment duration with Emtrix can vary, but it’s typically several months, potentially up to 6-9 months or longer, depending on the severity of the infection and how quickly your nail grows. Always follow the instructions provided by your doctor or on the product packaging.
Does Tolcylen affect the liver?
Tolcylen is a topical solution, meaning it’s applied directly to the nail. Systemic absorption (absorption into the bloodstream) is minimal. As such, Tolcylen is not expected to affect the liver significantly. However, if you have pre-existing liver conditions, it’s always best to consult with your doctor before using any new medication, even topical ones.
How long should you use Tolcylen antifungal solution?
The duration of Tolcylen treatment depends on the extent of the infection and how quickly your nail regrows. Typically, it takes several months to see noticeable improvement, and you may need to continue treatment for 6-9 months, or even longer, until a healthy nail fully replaces the infected one. Consistency is key!
Is Tolcylen worth the money?
Whether Tolcylen is “worth it” depends on your individual circumstances and the severity of your nail fungus. While it can be effective for many people, it’s not a guaranteed cure, and it requires consistent application over a long period. Consider the cost of the treatment, the potential benefits, and whether you’ve tried other options before making a decision. Consulting with a doctor or podiatrist can help you determine if Tolcylen is the right choice for you.
Wrapping Up
Tolnaftate can be a good over-the-counter treatment for mild or moderate nail fungus, but it’s important to explore all available options, including treatments like Jaysuing 7 Days. For it to work, you have to apply it correctly and consistently, and you may need to take other steps to get rid of the fungus.
It’s always a good idea to talk with a doctor about nail fungus to make sure it’s the right diagnosis. If your case is severe, you’ll definitely need to seek professional medical treatment.