An alternative choice is Dr.'s Remedy Enriched Nail Polish. This nontoxic polish beautifies and heals toenails without the dangerous chemicals. It is safe for people who have fungal nails and want a polish with anti-fungal properties.
Topical treatment (polish or cream) isn't likely to get rid of a fungal nail infection. Treatment with tablets is considerably more effective and takes less time. But some people can't take tablets because of the very rare, yet serious risks.
Revolutionary nail fungus laser therapy has an 80% success rate. Instead of medications or debridement, Dr. Frankel offers a laser therapy treatment with an 80% success rate at permanently treating nail fungus. It's painless and performed in-office with three 10-minute procedures every four weeks.
Terbinafine for toenail fungus treatment
The best pill for toenail fungus is terbinafine. Evidence suggests it works better than the alternatives with the fewest side effects. Terbinafine results in resolution of toenail fungus 76% of the time.
Medications like Lamisil are not effective against yeast in the nails. This is why nail samples are important to properly diagnose what is causing the infection.
Taking antifungal pills for two months can cure an infection under the fingernails. Usually three months of treatment cures a toenail fungal infection. Antifungal pills, however, can cause side effects. Your dermatologist will watch you closely.
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. Many topical antifungal medications have this issue.
Often, you can take care of a fungal nail infection at home: Try nonprescription antifungal nail creams and ointments. Several products are available, such as terbinafine (Lamisil).
If contact with an active nail infection were to occur accidentally, the nail polish should be discarded.
Don't Go Barefoot in Public Places
This means that places like public pools, locker rooms, gyms, shower facilities, bathrooms, etc. have an increased risk of harboring fungi—which can then be transmitted to you. When in communal areas, always wear something to protect your feet, such as sandals or shower shoes.
It's possible to spread toenail fungus through nail polish, but it's not very likely. It's much easier to spread toenail fungus with other nail care tools such as clippers and nail files. Still, painting your toenails when you have a fungal infection can make the problem worse and harder to treat.
You absolutely can get a pedicure with a fungal infection, but it is important to honestly address the situation with the salon ahead of time. When doing so, find out if the salon has the proper sterilization practices and necessary tools to handle fungal nails.
“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…”
Many people pick up the fungi when they have skin-to-skin contact with someone who has a fungal infection such as athlete's foot or ringworm on their hands. Another common way to get a fungal nail infection is by walking barefoot in a warm, moist area such as a pool deck or locker room.
Lamisil Terbinafine Hydrochloride AntiFungal Cream 1%
It works by killing the fungus and preventing its growth. If you're looking for something stronger to treat your infection, Terbinafine is also available as a prescription oral medication–a recommended route for more severe toenail fungus.
Although the fungus affects the appearance of the nails, it actually lives on the layer directly beneath the toenail. That's why it's so difficult to treat. Your nails are made up of keratin, a tough, fibrous protein. The same hard shell that protects your toes is giving shelter to the fungus.
Baking soda: Researchers found that baking soda prevented fungal growth in 79 percent of the specimens tested. Apply a paste of baking soda and water directly to the affected nail and let it sit for at least 10 minutes before rinsing.
The toenail might slowly start getting less and less yellow, white, black, or brown. Additionally, another important sign to look for is the diminishing thickness of the toenail. Lastly, a sign that a case of toenail fungus is dying is that a new nail is growing in a healthy state.
What Are the Dangers of a Toenail Fungus Infection? The problem with not treating toenail fungus goes beyond continued discomfort and discoloration. If the fungus is allowed to continue growing, it can penetrate the skin under the nail and ultimately infect the toe itself.