Onychomycosis (nail fungus) in fingernails or toenails is more common than most people think, and many nail salons will provide a manicure and pedicure despite any nail infections you may bring with you.
If you've noticed some discoloration or disfiguration of your toenails, you might be tempted to cover it up with bright red nail polish so nobody will notice. We hate to break it to you, but that's not a great idea. The reasons are that nail fungus grows in moist, dark environments, and can spread through nail polish.
Beauty pedicures should be avoided if standards for sterilisation haven't been followed. If you think you have a fungal infection of the toenails, don't share nail clippers and files, or attend for pedicures, as you could spread the infection.
Once diagnosed with a fungal infection, you'll need to apply a prescription-strength antifungal liquid, or take an oral antifungal pill. Topical over-the-counter antifungal creams usually don't penetrate deeply enough into the nail.
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.
Oral antifungal drugs.
You typically take this type of drug daily for 6 to 12 weeks. But you won't see the end result of treatment until the nail grows back completely. It may take four months or longer to eliminate an infection.
Toenail fungus treatment options
After a gentle evaluation of your nails, a podiatrist may prescribe an antifungal medication, administer laser therapy, or surgically remove affected nails. Medications could include a topical cream or nail lacquer, as well as prescription pills.
If you do have a toenail fungus, your doctor will likely recommend one or more of the following treatment options: Trimming the Toenail Trimming the toenail is usually combined with medication, but having a podiatrist periodically trim the nail down is helpful and allows the medication to work better, says Sundling.
Toenails and fingernails protect your skin, but you might lose a nail due to trauma, fungus, or other reasons. Most nails grow back, although the rate of regrowth can vary from person to person. It might take several months or a year to grow back.
If the toenails are being treated with oral medicine, the nail paint will not interfere with the treatment. If you're using a topical antifungal medicine like Formula 3, it's better not to apply toenail polish at all since the drug can't penetrate the lacquer and won't reach the toenail.
Topical antifungal treatments
There are several antifungal nail lacquers available that can be used to treat fungal nail infections, such as amorolfine (Loceryl), ciclopirox (RejuveNail Antifungal Nail Lacquer) and miconazole (Daktarin tincture).
Outright removing your toenails, however, is the absolute last resort option for treating toenail fungus, and only performed in very rare cases.
Fungus thrives in moist and dark places so give it some light. Keep them naturally dry by exposing them to the sun whenever you can.
Don't go barefoot in public.
Fungus loves to grow in warm, wet places. It also spreads easily from person to person. That's why it's key to wear shower shoes or flip flops around public pools, locker rooms, and showers.
The fastest way to eliminate the infection is through toenail laser treatment. Laser nail therapy specifically targets the microorganisms under your nail while leaving the keratin intact. In just a few treatments, the infection can be entirely eliminated.
“What I have used for nail fungus, with great success, is a foot soak of 1 cup Listerine, 1 cup white vinegar and 2 cups warm water. I soak for 15 to 20 minutes and towel dry the feet but don't rinse them.
Medicare will cover treatment for fungus within your toenail. Another term for this treatment is nail debridement. To be eligible, you must have severe, debilitating pain. Evidence of several infections caused by the fungus may also qualify you.
Treatment isn't always needed for a mild fungal nail infection because it's unlikely to cause any further problems and you may feel it's not worth treating. Whether you decide to have treatment or not, you should still practise good foot hygiene (see below) to stop the infection getting worse or spreading to others.
The truth is that you can go to either a dermatologist or a podiatrist to have your nail fungus treated, but it is especially important to see a podiatrist when it affects your toenails specifically.
Nail fungus can be resistant to treatment and nails take a long time to grow out, so it can take several weeks or months for an infection to be fully resolved. You will know that the treatment is working and the infection is clearing up when you see growth of a new, healthy nail from the base of the nail bed.
“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…”
Tea tree oil is commonly used to treat acne, athlete's foot, lice, nail fungus and insect bites.
Fungal spores can live on all kinds of surfaces, including metal toenail clippers for months. When you cut your fungal nail with your clippers, you can easily transmit the fungi to your other toenails or reinfect yourself. In fact, the CDC recommends properly disinfecting all nail tools before every use.
Soaking your feet and toes in a bath containing Epsom salts can help dry out fungal infections by killing fungal spores. Add 1–2 cups of Epsom salt to a footbath of warm water and soak for 30 minutes.
Added sugars (examples: cane sugar, honey, syrup) Natural sugars (examples: fresh and dried fruit, fruit juice) Refined starches (examples: white bread, pastries) Starchy vegetables (examples: potatoes, carrots, peas, beans)