Toenail fungus is a foot condition that can be unsightly. Patients who have this ailment are often embarrassed by the appearance of their feet.
Nail fungus is not a health risk to most people. But anyone with a compromised immune system, such as a diabetic who contracts nail fungus, is at risk of developing serious complications like foot ulcers.
Most fungal nail infections are not serious. However, some people may experience pain or be bothered by the appearance of their nails. Fungal nail infections may cause nails to become discolored, thick, fragile, or cracked. The nail may also become separated from the nail bed.
Even if you have fungus, nail salons should still do your nails, and many won't turn you down for a manicure. This shouldn't surprise technicians or prevent them from being able to operate on them because they see and work on all different kinds of nails, including ones with problems.
Prescription topical treatments.
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.
It's called Keryflex. Keryflex is a resin that our nail technicians put over the old, fungal toenail, making it look like a normal, healthy nail. You can get a pedicure and polish your Keryflex nail, just like you would your other nails, and it looks great.
With treatment, many people can get rid of nail fungus. Even when the fungus clears, your nail(s) may look unhealthy until the infected nail grows out. A fingernail grows out in 4 to 6 months and a toenail in 12 to 18 months.
Regular nail paint may look beautiful when used to hide diseased toenails, but doing so might exacerbate infections. It is wet and dark where fungus thrives. Fungus can flourish in environments created by nail polish. Antifungal nail polish can be covered with non-medicated nail polish.
If your condition is mild and not bothering you, you may not need treatment. If your nail fungus is painful and has caused thickened nails, self-care steps and medications may help. But even if treatment is successful, nail fungus often comes back.
Oral antifungal drugs.
These drugs are often the first choice. One option is itraconazole (Sporanox). These drugs help a new nail grow free of infection, slowly replacing the infected part.
You don't have to have have crumbly, discolored, unhealthy nails forever. Toenail fungus is more treatable, maybe even curable, than you think. True, it can take a while to get rid of, depending on what treatment you choose.
When Should I See a Doctor About Toenail Fungus? Anytime you think you have a fungal nail infection or any nail problem, and treating it at home doesn't help, see your doctor or podiatrist (foot doctor). The sooner you go, the sooner your doctor can help. Fungal nail infections can get worse over time.
If toenail fungus is left untreated, it can spread to the surrounding skin on the foot, causing another condition known as athlete's foot. An athlete's foot is a condition resulting in itchy, red, and cracked skin, which can become very uncomfortable.
If a toenail fungus spreads to the skin and causes it to crack, bacteria can get in. This may cause cellulitis, a condition that produces swollen, red, tender skin and must be treated with antibiotics, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Who gets nail fungus? Nail fungus is common, and anyone can get it. However, some people have a higher risk of developing a fungal nail infection. Your age, health, and even your lifestyle can increase your risk.
“Applying Vicks VapoRub to fungus-infected toenails can clear up the notoriously hard-to-treat condition. Michigan State University clinicians found that applying the product daily to the infected nail cleared the condition in 32 of 85 patients, though it took anywhere from 5 to 16 months…”
Yes, toenail fungus is contagious. Typically toenail fungus spreads through: Direct contact with the infected person. Common household objects, such as towels or clothing.
Nail polish traps in moisture from your nailbed (the tissue below your toenail). Because fungi thrive in moist environments, wearing nail polish may make a fungal infection worse.
Toenails may take 12 to 18 months to grow back. The area exposed by the nail removal should be kept clean. You may cover the area with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, and a nonstick bandage.
Vicks has a little impact on toenails. Vicks Vaporub softens and lightens toenails. This makes it look like the fungus is being treated. Vicks may have some antifungal qualities, but it is unable to penetrate the toenail well enough to cure the infection.
Best Overall
We chose the Lamisil Terbinafine Hydrochloride AntiFungal Cream as our top pick because it works to address a variety of infections, including toenail fungus. The prescription-strength cream comes highly recommended by Dr. Lipner because it can treat athlete's foot before it spreads to the toenails.
Here are some things you can do to take care of your nails while you have a fungal nail infection: Keep your nails cut short and file down any thick areas. Don't use the same nail trimmer or file on healthy and infected nails.
Nail fungus is very common. It is estimated that 3 to 12% of the population are affected. Older people are more likely to have it than younger people.
Essential oils are also a way to clear the fungi from your nails. Most contain antibacterial and antifungal properties. Some of the best include Tea Tree oil, Clove oil, Jasmine oil, Lavender oil, Eucalyptus oil, Cinnamon oil, and more.