Nail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is a common infection that can affect your fingernails, but it’s more often found in toenails. If you have it, you’re not alone. It’s estimated that nail fungus affects as much as 10% of the adult population. Nail fungus can be more than a cosmetic problem. It can be painful and impact your quality of life.
While there are several ways to treat nail fungus, including prescription medications, some people are exploring alternative methods like UV light. But can UV light kill nail fungus? That’s what we’ll explore in this article.
We’ll review what the current research says about using UV light and nail fungus, including the potential benefits and the risks.
Understanding Onychomycosis
Onychomycosis. It’s a mouthful, right? It’s also the medical term for a fungal infection of the nail, and it’s pretty common. You might also hear it called tinea unguium.
What is Onychomycosis?
Fungi are the main cause of onychomycosis. Dermatophytes are the most common culprits, but yeasts and molds can also be to blame. These microscopic organisms thrive in warm, moist environments, which is why you’re more likely to get a nail fungus if your feet are often sweaty or you frequent public pools or showers.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
How do you know if you have onychomycosis? Here are some common signs:
- Discoloration of the nail (yellowing, whitening, or browning)
- Thickening of the nail
- Nails that are crumbling or brittle
- An unpleasant odor
- Separation of the nail from the nail bed
If you suspect you have nail fungus, your doctor will likely perform a physical exam of the nail. They may also take a clipping of the nail to send to a lab for testing to confirm the diagnosis and identify the specific type of fungus involved.
Risk Factors
Certain factors can make you more susceptible to developing nail fungus:
- Having athlete’s foot (since the fungus can spread from the skin to the nails)
- Having diabetes
- Experiencing a nail injury
- Having poor circulation
- Being older
- Having a weakened immune system
- Having psoriasis
- Having hyperhidrosis, a condition that causes people to sweat more than usual
Traditional Treatments for Nail Fungus
Before we dive into UV light treatments, let’s take a look at the traditional ways doctors treat nail fungus.
Topical Antifungal Medications
These are creams, gels, or lacquers you apply directly to the affected nail. Some common names include ciclopirox, efinaconazole, and tavaborole.
The problem with topical treatments is that they often take a long, long time – months, usually – to work. And they’re not always effective, especially if the infection is severe or involves the nail matrix (the area where your nail grows from).
Oral Antifungal Medications
These are pills you take by mouth to fight the fungus from the inside out. Common examples are terbinafine, itraconazole, and fluconazole.
Oral medications tend to be more effective than topical treatments. However, they come with a risk of side effects, including liver damage, gastrointestinal problems, and interactions with other medications you might be taking. Doctors usually monitor you closely while you’re on these drugs.
Surgical Nail Removal
In severe cases, or when other treatments haven’t worked, your doctor might recommend removing part or all of the affected nail.
The procedure involves detaching the nail from the nail bed, and recovery can take weeks or even months. It’s not a fun process, but sometimes it’s necessary to get rid of the infection.
How UV light kills germs
There are different types of UV light. They all have different properties.
Types of UV light
- UVA: UVA light has the longest wavelength of all the UV lights, and it can penetrate your skin deeply. It’s the type of UV light people use in tanning beds.
- UVB: UVB light has a shorter wavelength than UVA. It can cause sunburn. It also has some antimicrobial properties.
- UVC: UVC light has the shortest wavelength, and it’s also the most dangerous. It’s the one with the strongest antimicrobial power.
The shorter the wavelength, the more potent the antimicrobial properties. UVA has the longest wavelength and penetrates the deepest into your skin, but it’s the least powerful at killing germs.
How UV light kills microorganisms
UV light damages the DNA and RNA of microorganisms, which keeps them from replicating. When microorganisms can’t replicate, they can’t survive.
UVC light is generally the most effective at killing microorganisms. However, it’s not safe to use on your skin, so it’s not a practical treatment for nail fungus.
The effectiveness of UV light varies depending on the type of fungus and how long it’s exposed to the light.
Safety tips
It’s important to be careful when you use UV light because it can damage your skin and eyes. Too much UV light can cause:
- skin cancer
- premature aging
- eye damage
When you use UV light, be sure to protect your skin and eyes. Wear UV-protective eyewear and clothing, and limit how long you’re exposed to the light.
Does UV light therapy work for nail fungus?
Can shining ultraviolet light on your toenails really clear up a stubborn fungal infection? Let’s take a look at the research.
Studies on UV light and nail fungus
Some studies have looked at whether UV light can treat onychomycosis (nail fungus). These studies look at clinical trials and lab experiments to see what specific UV wavelengths and doses might be effective.
Unfortunately, these studies often have limitations. They may have a small number of participants, lack a clear treatment plan, or use different kinds of UV light or doses of UV light. More large-scale studies are needed to draw firm conclusions.
Types of UV light devices
If you’re shopping for a UV light to treat nail fungus, you’ll find several different devices. Some are portable wands. Others are nail dryers with UV lamps, and still others are specialized UV light therapy units.
These devices use different UV wavelengths, such as UVA, UVB, and UVC, and they deliver different dosages of light. Some are stronger than others.
It’s important to know that UV light devices have not been approved or cleared by the FDA to treat nail fungus. Be sure to discuss the risks and benefits with your health provider before trying one of these devices.
What to expect
If you and your doctor decide to try UV light therapy, here’s what you can expect:
- First, you’ll need to clean and prep the nail.
- Then, you’ll expose the nail to UV light for a specific amount of time and at a specific frequency.
- After treatment, you’ll need to follow your doctor’s care recommendations.
Some people report skin irritation or redness during UV light treatment for nail fungus. Be sure to talk to your doctor about your comfort level and any side effects you experience.
UV light vs. other treatment options
So, how does UV light stack up against other nail fungus treatments? Let’s take a quick look:
- Topical medications: These are easy to get and apply, but they’re not always super effective, especially for serious infections.
- Oral medications: These work better than topical treatments but can have side effects.
- Laser treatments: Lasers, such as the Lunula Laser, are another option that’s more effective than topical treatments, but they can be pricey.
UV light is still pretty new, so we don’t know as much about how well it works compared to these other options. It might be that the best approach is to combine UV light with a topical or oral medication. It’s also worth noting that laser treatments are a more established technology with more supporting research than UV light for nail fungus. Talk with your doctor about the best approach for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can UV light help toenail fungus?
While some specialized UV light devices are marketed for toenail fungus, the evidence supporting their effectiveness is limited. The UV light used in these devices is different from the UV light used in nail salons. Consult with a podiatrist or dermatologist to determine the best treatment options for your specific case.
What happens if you have nail fungus for too long?
If left untreated, toenail fungus can worsen, potentially leading to nail dystrophy, causing the nail to thicken, crumble, and become discolored. It can also spread to other nails or even the skin. In severe cases, it can cause pain and difficulty walking, and potentially lead to secondary bacterial infections. Prompt treatment is always best.
What dries out nail fungus?
Certain topical antifungal medications can help dry out the nail fungus and inhibit its growth. Keeping your feet dry and well-ventilated is also important. Avoid wearing tight-fitting shoes and socks that trap moisture. Consider using absorbent foot powders to help keep your feet dry throughout the day.
What kills toenail fungus permanently?
Complete eradication of toenail fungus can be challenging, but several treatments can be effective. Oral antifungal medications are often prescribed for more severe cases, while topical treatments may be sufficient for milder infections. Laser therapy is another option to consider. It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and be patient, as treatment can take several months.
Does sunlight get rid of nail fungus?
While sunlight has some antifungal properties, it’s unlikely to be effective in treating toenail fungus. The UV rays in sunlight are not strong enough to penetrate the nail and reach the fungus effectively. It’s best to rely on proven medical treatments prescribed by a healthcare professional.
Key Takeaways
Currently, UV light therapy is a promising but unproven treatment for nail fungus. While some studies suggest it could be effective, especially when combined with other treatments, the evidence isn’t strong enough to recommend it widely.
More research is needed to understand exactly how UV light affects nail fungus and to determine the best way to use it. Future studies should focus on identifying the most effective UV wavelengths, the right dosage, and the ideal treatment schedule.
While it’s too early to say for sure, UV light might play a bigger role in treating onychomycosis in the future, but only after more rigorous research confirms its safety and effectiveness.