There is a wide range of options with varying success ratesThere is a wide range of options with varying success ratesOther than keeping your toenails trimmed and perhaps painted, you may not pay much attention to them — unless a problem develops. Healthy toenails are pink, shiny and smooth, but a fungal infection can cause them to become discolored, thick, brittle and even painful. Show Toenail fungal infection, known as onychomycosis, is a common but challenging condition; toenail fungus treatments include a wide range of options with varying success rates.
Causes of toenail fungusFungal nail infections are usually caused by fungi called dermatophytes that infect the skin beneath the nail; yeast is another common culprit. Toenails are especially vulnerable to infection when your bare feet contact damp surfaces such as showers, swimming pools and locker rooms. If you have athlete’s foot, the infection can spread to the nails. Wearing closed shoes such as athletic shoes for extended periods also can contribute to infection if your shoes and/or socks are damp from perspiration or heat. Moreover, if your shoes fit snugly enough to put pressure on your toes, they can damage the nail bed, making it more susceptible to infection. People with chronic diseases, such as diabetes or circulatory problems, also may be more prone to toenail infections.
Symptoms of toenail fungusToenail fungus symptoms can develop slowly over time and may go unnoticed at first. Symptoms can include:
“If your symptoms are severe or cause pain, or your toenail turns brown or black, it’s best to make an appointment with your primary care doctor or podiatrist instead of trying to treat it yourself,” says Stacie Ly, MD, an internal medicine physician at Scripps Coastal Medical Center Carlsbad.
Toenail fungus treatmentsToenail fungus infections often require diligent treatment to be successful. Early-stage toenail fungus may respond to home treatments, such as those listed below. Apply the treatment to the affected nail several times daily; you may need to treat for six months or more to clear the infection.
Over-the-counter treatments for toenail fungus include creams, ointments, sprays and liquids. Ask your pharmacist for a recommendation or look for these ingredients, and follow the directions carefully:
When to see a doctor for toenail fungusIf your symptoms do not get better with home treatment, make an appointment with your primary care physician or a podiatrist. They may recommend a prescription-strength topical medication, or an oral anti-fungal pill that you take for two or three months. Oral treatment is usually more effective but may interact with other medications. Also, oral treatment can affect the liver, so you may need to have liver function tests while taking the medication. Toenail fungus laser treatment can temporarily improve the nail but has a lower cure rate than oral medication. In severe cases that do not respond to treatment, the infected nail may be surgically removed in order to treat the nail bed; a healthy nail can then grow back. A chronically infected and painful nail may be permanently removed. Unfortunately, toenail fungus can be stubborn — the recurrence rate can be as high as 40 percent. “If your toenail fungus keeps coming back despite taking preventive measures, see your primary care doctor or podiatrist,” says Dr. Ly. “Something else may be causing it, or you may need a different approach. Your doctor can get to the root of the problem and determine the best course of action.”
Preventing toenail fungusFollow these guidelines to help keep your toenails healthy:
What is the most effective over the counter treatment for toenail fungus?Try nonprescription antifungal nail creams and ointments.
Several products are available, such as terbinafine (Lamisil). If you notice white markings on the surfaces of the nails, file them off, soak your nails in water, dry them, and apply the medicated cream or lotion.
What kills under toenail fungus fast?Hydrogen peroxide can kill fungus that grows on toenails. You can directly wipe hydrogen peroxide on your infected toes or toenails with a clean cloth or cotton swab. Hydrogen peroxide can also be used in a foot soak.
What is the best fungicide for toenail fungus?Effective products include efinaconazole (Jublia), tavaborole (Kerydin) and ciclopirox (Penlac). All require daily applications, and it may take as long as a year to see noticeable improvement. These products may work for early, superficial fungal infections because they kill fungi on the surface of the nail.
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