The best way to treat toenail fungus is by using a combination of topical treatments. This includes creams, polishes, and powders. There are many different types of topical treatments available, so it is important to choose the one that is right for you.
What Is Toenail Fungus?
Toenail fungus is a common infection of the nails that affects both men and women. The fungal overgrowth can cause thick, yellowed nail plates (onychomycosis) or even the entire nail bed (onychomycosis). In severe cases, toenail fungus can cause a deformity of the toe called onychoschizia.
Symptoms For Toe Fungus
Toenail fungus can cause a number of symptoms, including yellowing and brittle nails, pain when you walk or stand, and difficulty getting the toenails to grow back.
Best Nail Fungus Treatment
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best fungus nail treatment will vary depending on the severity and what type of fungus it is. However, some tips to get started include using a topical antifungal cream or ointment and soaking your hands in warm water and soap.
Health Information For Treatment Of Nail Fungus
To treat toenail fungus, people often use over-the-counter treatments, prescription drugs, and surgery.
Some common over-the-counter treatments for toenail fungus include zinc undecylenate, terbinafine, and efinaconazole.
Zinc undecylenate is a drug that is taken by mouth. Terbinafine is a drug that is applied to the nail by hand. Efinaconazole is a drug that is applied to the nail by mouth or spray.
Prescription drugs for toenail fungus include azole antifungals such as metronidazole (Flagyl) and itraconazole (Sporanox). Sulfonamides such as sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim) are also used as prescription drugs for toenail fungus. Azoles are taken twice a day for four weeks. Itraconazole may be taken once daily or twice daily divided into two doses.
Surgical options for toenail fungus treatment include:
- Surgical removal of the diseased nail with either an emery board or clipper
- Laser therapy using intense light directed at the fungal infection near the tip of the nail
- Chemotherapy using systemic agents, such as amphotericin B or itraconazole, to kill the fungus
Which Treatment Is The Best For Toenail Fungus?
The Best Treatment For Toenail Fungus: Creams
Topical creams containing urea and bifonazole are the most effective way to treat toenail fungus. After soaking the toe or finger in warm water, applying the cream, and applying an adhesive bandage, the treatment is done for 24 hours.
Toenail fungus can be treated with a variety of creams, which work by softening the layer of nail and then scraping it off. Some products that hit fungus at its source are best. There are a variety of creams and polishes available that are soothing, including those that use essential oils or menthol.
The Best Treatment For Toenail Fungus: Polishes
The best treatment for toenail fungus is a combination of oral and topical medications.
Toenail polish and cream treatments can kill fungus, while OTC products make it easy to wage war against the infection while saving you time and money.
Skip the pedicure for now – the nail will grow back without polish (although this may not be optimal).
Nail polish can trap moisture and make toenail fungus worse, so switch to socks and sneakers if you want to hide the condition without breaking the style you want.
- Toenail polish and cream treatments: Hit toenails with ingredients that kill fungus, like zinc undecylenate, terbinafine, and efinaconazole.
- Skip the pedicure for now: The nail will grow back without polish (although this may not be optimal).
- Nail polish can trap moisture and make toenail fungus worse: Nail polish can trap moisture from the nail bed, making it a welcoming environment for fungi.
- Nail polish is an obstacle to using topical treatments: The interference with topical treatments caused by nail polish.
- To hide toenail fungus, switch to socks and sneakers: A more comfortable way of hiding the condition without breaking the style you want.
The Best Treatment For Toenail Fungus: Surgery
Toenail surgery is the last resort for treating toenail fungus. It’s usually only recommended if the infection is severe and not responding to other treatments.
The Best Treatment For Toenail Fungus: Prescription Pills
One of the best treatments for toenail fungus is tablets that you take by mouth. These are usually prescription drugs. Your doctor may prescribe them for you. The most common drug is itraconazole. Another is terbinafine.
You take these drugs for several weeks. They kill the fungus. But they can have side effects. These can include stomach upset and liver damage.
- Overall, tablets are more effective than nail polishes or creams: The study results showed that tablets are considerably more effective than nail polishes or creams.
- One year after a three-month treatment with terbinafine: About 17 out of 100 people who didn’t have this treatment no longer had a detectable fungal nail infection.
- About 76 out of 100 people who had this treatment no longer had a detectable fungal nail infection.
- After one year, 7 out of 100 people who didn’t have this treatment no longer had a detectable fungal nail infection.
- In other words, the treatments with itraconazole and terbinafine were equally as effective at getting rid of fungus infections in nails after one year.
- Terbinafine is somewhat more effective than itraconazole: Terbinafine is a more effective treatment than itraconazole.
- Treatment with breaks is thought to be about as effective as continuous treatment: Treatment with breaks (e.g., taking a break from the medication, going on vacation) is thought to be about as effective as continuous treatment.
- But that has only been looked into in a few studies: Only a few studies have looked into this topic, so we don’t know for sure if this is true or not.
The Best Treatment For Toenail Fungus: Home Remedies
There are many different home treatments for toenail fungus, some of which are regulated and approved by the FDA. The effectiveness of home remedies is often enhanced by combining them with other treatments.
There is no “quick fix” for toenail fungus, as a new toenail must grow in order to replace the old one. Home remedies are most effective for mild cases of fungal infection. Here are a few:
Hydrogen peroxide: Peroxide can be used as a topical solution to treat fungal infections on the feet.
Black tea: Drinking black tea regularly has been shown to be effective in treating toenail fungus because of its anti-fungal properties.
Vinegar: Vinegar is a common home remedy for various skin conditions, including toenail fungus, due to its antibacterial properties.
Baking soda: Baking soda can be used as a topical treatment for fungal infections on the feet by soaking feet in a solution of baking soda and water overnight.
Epsom salt: Epsom salt is another popular home remedy for treating foot fungus because it is anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and detoxifying.
Essential oils: Some essential oils are effective in treating fungal infections on the feet; some examples are lavender oil, tea tree oil, thyme
The Best Treatment For Toenail Fungus: Over-The-Counter Treatments
There are many over-the-counter treatments that can be used to treat toenail fungus. OTC treatments are usually in the form of creams, polishes, or sprays.
Creams and polishes are usually the first line of treatment for toenail fungus. These treatments can be bought at most drugstores. They work by killing the fungus that is causing the infection.
If you have toenail fungus, it’s important to choose a treatment that is right for you. Some treatments are more effective than others, and some have more side effects. Be sure to talk to your doctor about which treatment is best for you.
The Best Treatment For Toenail Fungus: Laser Treatment
Laser treatments for toenail fungus are becoming more and more popular. Laser foot treatment is a quick, easy, and painless way to get rid of toenail fungus. The laser destroys the fungus without harming the nail or skin.
Most patients see a big difference after just one treatment, and the results are usually permanent. There is no need for drugs or surgery, and there are no side effects.
If you’re looking for a safe and effective way to get rid of toenail fungus, laser treatment is a great option.
Summary Of The Best Treatments For Toenail Fungus
- Treatment options include laser therapy and topical antibiotics: Three main treatment methods for professional toenail fungus.
- Laser therapy is painless and can travel through nail tissue: One of the advantages of laser therapy over other treatments for fungal toenails.
- Topical antibiotics are a preferred option for those that want fast results: Topical antibiotics work quickly to rid the nail of fungus and are less likely to cause side effects than other treatments.
- Oral antifungals are more effective than topical medications: Oral medication attacks the fungus from within the body, making it more effective than topical medications.
- Side effects of oral antifungal medications can be harmful: There may be side effects with oral medication that can be harmful to some patients.
- There are a variety of treatment options for toenail fungus: Treatment options include drug-free alternatives, OTC medicine, prescription drugs, laser treatment and surgical removal.
- There are no quick fixes for toenail fungus: These treatments take time and require replacement of the old, damaged nail.
- Home remedies can improve the appearance of your nails, but the fungus is not gone until a new, healthy nail replaces the old one.
- Some of the best home remedies for toenail fungus are as follows: weekly maintenance, cleaning socks and shoes, hydrogen peroxide, black tea, vinegar, baking soda, Epsom salt essential oils, ozonated oils olive leaf extract garlic cornmeal.
- Some of the benefits of these treatments include: relief from itching and pain due to toe nail fungus.
How Can I Prevent Toenail Fungus?
There are a variety of ways to prevent toenail fungus, including wearing shoes that fit correctly, keeping your feet dry, and avoiding going barefoot in communal areas.
If you have a family member with foot fungus or nail fungus, try to use a different shower. Trauma due to accidental or aggressive clipping of the nails can turn into portals of entry for the fungus.
Don’t tear or rip your toenails on purpose. Keep your feet clean by regularly cleaning socks and shoes, and hydrogen peroxide can help rid the area of bacteria.
Vinegar is also effective for toenail fungus. Black tea and baking soda are good for removing bacteria while Epsom salt and essential oils can help fight fungal infection. Garlic and olive leaf extract are effective against viral infections while cornmeal can help ease the pain of toenail fungus.
FAQs
What Is Toenail fungus?
If you have toenail fungus, there are several things you can do to treat the condition. Topical treatments like creams and polishes work best, but sometimes prescription medications are necessary. You can also try to prevent toenail fungus by avoiding potentially harmful situations and using preventive measures like keeping your nails dry.
What Are The Symptoms Of Toenail Fungus?
Symptoms include redness, itching, burning, and pain. If you have any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor to get the proper diagnosis and treatment.
What Causes Toenail Fungus?
Toenail fungus is caused by dermatophytes, a type of mold. Dermatophytes are the cause of 90% of toenail fungal infections. Other types of fungi can also infect your toenails, and treatments are available.
How Is Toenail Fungus Diagnosed?
To diagnose toenail fungus, your doctor will first evaluate your feet and may culture samples from the nail or skin. If it’s suspected that you have toenail fungus, they may also be able to identify the infection by looking at the affected toe.
Treatment for toenail fungus depends on the severity of symptoms and the type of fungus present. Toenail fungi can often be identified by looking at the affected toe and checking for changes in color, shape, or size.
Tests to confirm a fungal infection may also be ordered. Treatment for toenail fungus typically involves using antifungal medications.
What Are The Conventional Treatment Options For Toenail Fungus?
Home remedies, such as topical creams or using a home remedy kit, may help improve the appearance of the nail but the fungus is not gone until the new, healthy nail has replaced the old, damaged one.
Toenail fungus can be treated with a variety of conventional methods including oral and topical medications. Products that hit fungus hard at the source are best for treatment. If you are experiencing persistent or extensive toenail fungus, you may need to see a doctor for treatment with prescription-strength products.
What Are The Risks Associated With Conventional Toenail Fungus Treatments?
There are few to no adverse side effects with homeopathic treatments, but topical treatments can potentially burn or blister skin. Oral medications can cause liver or gastrointestinal damage.
Nail fungus is usually harmless, but consult your doctor if you have concerns about side effects of prescription drugs. It can take a year for healthy big toenails to grow back after treatment. Topical treatments are not likely to be effective in treating toenail fungus. Treatment with tablets is more effective, but can have serious risks. You can discuss the options with your doctor and make a decision based on personal preferences.
Are There Any Home Remedies For Toenail Fungus?
Toenail fungus is treated with topical creams, polishes, and other remedies. Tea tree oil and baking soda are two of the most common home remedies.
Weekly maintenance includes cleaning socks and shoes, hydrogen peroxide, black tea, vinegar, baking soda, Epsom salt, essential oils (such as lavender or tea tree), ozonated oils (such as those made from garlic or onion oil), olive leaf extract, and garlic.
Diet changes may include decreasing sugar intake and increasing fruit and vegetable consumption. Exercise may include walking or jogging outdoors.
What Are The Risks Associated With Home Remedies For Toenail Fungus?
Home remedies for toenail fungus can contain harmful chemicals that can irritate the skin or harm the liver. There is little scientific evidence to support the use of home remedies, and they may take longer to work than prescription medications or systemic antifungals.
People may not see results for several months, and reinfection is common. Severe cases of toenail fungus can cause pain and damage that may be irreversible. Do not use home remedies if they do not work or if they cause side effects.
Consult your doctor if you are experiencing toenail fungus symptoms and cannot find a cure using safe and effective treatments.
What Are The Risks Associated With Not Treating Toenail Fungus?
If you do not treat toenail fungus, the fungus may spread to other parts of your body. In some cases, the fungus can cause significant damage to the nail and surrounding skin. If left untreated, this damage may lead to permanent disability or death.
There are several different treatments available for toenail fungus. Many of these treatments require over-the-counter products that are available in most pharmacies. However, some treatments—such as surgery—are available only through a doctor’s office.
A majority of people who suffer from toenail fungus will experience mild symptoms that can be managed with over-the-counter products. However, if the fungus is left untreated, it can become more difficult and even impossible to treat. In these cases, most people will ultimately need surgery.
The odds of success for treating toenail fungus depend on a number of factors: the severity of the infection; how well you take care of your feet; and whether you have underlying health problems that may make treatment more difficult or even impossible
How Can I Prevent Toenail Fungus?
To prevent toenail fungus, follow a weekly maintenance routine, cleaning socks and shoes, and using hydrogen peroxide, black tea, vinegar, baking soda, Epsom salt, essential oils, ozonated oils, olive leaf extract and garlic.
Diet changes can help reduce inflammation and improve the health of the nail bed.
Exercise can help increase circulation and reduce inflammation.
No matter what route you decide to take, we hope that you find the best toenail fungus treatment for you. With this helpful guide, you’re on your way to fungus-free nails in no time. Thanks for reading!