Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common infection that can be difficult to get rid of. There are many ways to treat it, from creams and lacquers you put on your nails to pills you take by mouth and even surgical procedures.
One treatment you may have heard about is urea cream. But is urea cream good for toenail fungus? What does it do, and how does it compare to other treatments?
This article will explore the role of urea cream in treating toenail fungus, the pros and cons of using it, and how it stacks up against other options.
What is urea and how does it work?
Urea, also known as carbamide, is a jack-of-all-trades chemical compound that can be used for many different things, including medical and industrial purposes.
When it comes to dermatology, urea is prized for its keratolytic and humectant properties. In plain English, that means urea can soften and break down keratin (the main protein in nails and skin) while also helping your skin retain moisture.
Urea creams can come in different strengths, but you’ll often see 40% urea creams being used to soften the nails.
How urea cream helps with toenail fungus
Urea cream can make it easier to treat toenail fungus by:
Softening the nail and removing debris
Urea cream softens thick, infected nails, so you can trim and file them more easily. When your toenails thicken because of a fungal infection, it can be hard for antifungal medications to penetrate the nail and get to the infection.
Urea cream with a concentration of 40% can remove diseased parts of the nail, cutting down on the amount of fungus present. When you remove some of the infected nail, antifungal medications can reach the nail bed more effectively.
Helping antifungal medications work better
By softening the nail, urea cream can help other antifungal medications, such as creams or solutions, reach the source of the infection, similar to how some explore if fingernail fungus & vinegar is an effective remedy. Some products combine urea with antifungal ingredients like tea tree oil.
Using urea cream for toenail fungus: Application and considerations
If you want to try using urea cream to treat your toenail fungus, here’s how to do it:
- First, make sure the affected toenail is clean and dry.
- Next, apply a generous amount of urea cream to the nail, but try to avoid getting any on the surrounding skin.
- Then, cover the treated nail with a bandage so the cream stays in place.
Be sure to follow the product instructions, as the frequency of application can vary. You can also use urea cream to soften your nails before trimming or filing them. If you have blood flow problems, consult with a podiatrist. And be patient! It can take weeks or months to see results.
Urea cream as part of a comprehensive treatment plan
As an antifungal adjunct, urea cream is often used alongside other toenail fungus treatments, like topical or even oral antifungal medications. You might be able to knock out early-stage fungal infections with just a topical treatment, such as ciclopirox 0.77% gel, but more advanced cases may require you to mechanically remove dead tissue with a nail cutter first — and then apply a 40% urea cream.
Your doctor may prescribe oral antifungal drugs like itraconazole as a first-line treatment. Keep in mind that these drugs may not be as effective in older adults.
Trimming your nails regularly can also help in your fight against toenail fungus.
The bottom line? See a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan that’s tailored to your specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What worsens toenail fungus?
Several factors can exacerbate toenail fungus, including warm, moist environments (like sweaty shoes), poor foot hygiene, nail injuries, and conditions like diabetes or a weakened immune system. Tight-fitting shoes and shared public showers can also contribute to the problem.
How to use urea cream for toenail fungus?
Urea cream is typically applied to the affected toenail(s) after cleaning and drying the area thoroughly. It’s often recommended to file down the thickened parts of the nail before application. The cream helps soften and dissolve the damaged nail, allowing antifungal medications to penetrate better. Follow the specific instructions on the product label or as advised by your doctor.
What kills toenail fungus the fastest?
There’s no magic bullet for instantly eliminating toenail fungus. Oral antifungal medications, prescribed by a doctor, are generally considered the most effective and fastest treatment option. However, they can have potential side effects. Topical treatments, like antifungal nail polishes or creams, take longer but have fewer systemic risks. Laser treatments are also an option, but their effectiveness is still being studied.
What creams to use for fungal toenails?
Over-the-counter antifungal creams containing ingredients like clotrimazole, miconazole, or terbinafine can be helpful for mild cases of toenail fungus. However, for more severe infections, prescription-strength topical or oral medications are often necessary. Urea cream, while not an antifungal itself, can aid in the penetration of other antifungal treatments.
What do I put on my toenails for the fungus to go away?
The best approach depends on the severity of the infection. For mild cases, over-the-counter antifungal creams or nail polishes might suffice. More stubborn infections often require prescription antifungal medications, either topical or oral. Urea cream can be used in conjunction with antifungal treatments to improve their effectiveness. Consult with a doctor or podiatrist for personalized recommendations and treatment plans.
In Closing
Urea cream can be a helpful tool in dealing with toenail fungus, especially when it comes to softening the nail and helping remove dead tissue. While it probably won’t cure the infection by itself, it can help other antifungal treatments work better.
The best thing to do is talk to your doctor to figure out the best way to treat your toenail fungus.