How Do Dermatologists Treat A Fungal Nail Infection
Treatment usually begins with your dermatologist trimming your infected nail, cutting back each infected nail to the place where it attaches to your finger or toe. Your dermatologist may also scrape away debris under the nail. This helps get rid of some fungus.
To completely get rid of the infection, most people also need one or more of the following treatments:
Medicine you apply to the nail: If you have a mild infection, a medicine that you apply to your nails may get rid of the infection. This treatment helps keep new fungus out while the nails grow. Fingernails typically grow out in four to six months. Toenails take longer, usually takes 12 to 18 months.
Probably the most difficult part of this treatment is remembering to use it as often as prescribed. Some treatments must be applied every day. Others you apply once a week. To get the best results, its essential that you apply these medicines exactly as directed.
The US Food and Drug Administration has approved the following medicines that you apply to the nail to treat nail fungus:
Side effects from these medicines are generally mild. Possible side effects include redness and swelling, an ingrown toenail, and stinging or burning when you apply the medicine. In clinical trials, none of these side effects caused patients to stop using the treatment.
Antifungal pills, however, can cause side effects. Your dermatologist will watch you closely. Youll also need to have blood tests every month to check for problems.
Keravita Pro Where Can I Buy It
Keravita Pro can only be purchased online via the official website. It is impossible to find the product anywhere else, including on marketplaces like Amazon. They wont be sold in stores, supermarkets, or pharmacies. This is to ensure its authenticity and value, and you wont have to fall for any scam.
One bottle of Keravita Pro is priced at $69, while 6 bottles will cost you $49 per bottle . The most popular bundle, which costs $59 per bottle , is the 3-bottle bundle. Upon purchasing through the official store, you not only get sweet discount offers especially for first-time users, but also free shipping and no additional charges. Be aware that supplies are limited and can sell out quickly!
Read Also: How To Make Your Own Acrylic Nails
Topical Nail Fungus Medicines
Topical nail fungus medicines are available in several forms, including nail polishes and solutions applied by dropper. Prescription topicals include ciclopirox , efinaconazole , amorolfine and tavaborole . Youll have to you use them every day or every week for up to a year.
Using topical anti-fungal products alone isnt always effective, however, because nails are thick and difficult to penetrate. Unless your infection is mild, your dermatologist may suggest you combine a topical medicine with a prescription oral anti-fungal medication.
There are some exceptions. Topicals alone may be prescribed if you have a fungal nail infection caused by a mold, or if you have a less common form of nail fungus called white superficial onychomycosis, which affects only the surface of the nail and causes white spots that eventually become powdery.
You May Like: Best Stick On Gel Nail Polish
Oral Medications To Treat Toenail Fungal Infection
- JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association
You’ve saved your first item
You can find your saved items on your dashboard, in the “saved” tab.
You’ve recommended your first item
Your recommendations help us improve our content suggestions for you and other PracticeUpdate members.
You’ve subscribed to your first topic alert
What does that mean?
Is Toenail Fungus Painful
Toenail fungus doesnt typically cause pain. However, in some cases, a severe fungal infection may become painful. As the fungus grows and the toenail thickens and turns brittle, the nail may lift off the nail bed, which can cause pain, especially when youre wearing shoes. Additionally, the jagged edges of a thickening toenail can cause pain when youre wearing closed shoes, making it difficult to walk.
People who have diabetes or a weakened immune system have an increased risk of developing a bacterial infection of the skin surrounding the affected toenail. This infection can be painful and can lead to more serious complications. You should see your healthcare provider if you develop a toenail fungus, especially if you have a chronic health condition.
Read Also: Best Pedicure In Colorado Springs
Keravita Pro: The Results
How long the effects will come into fruition will depend on personal experience and health condition some may expect fast results within 3 weeks, while others may wait up to 6 months. It is better to use Keravita Pro in a consistent and continuous manner for long-lasting results. If you decide to stop taking the supplement after the first 3 to 6 months, though, the results can last you up to 2 years. It is possible to re-initiate the supplement after a while.
Toenail Fungus Treatment Options
Treatment of onychomycosis will vary, depending on the severity of the infection and the type of fungus that initially triggered the infection. Topical treatments like antifungal creams and medicated nail lacquers are among the most effective treatment options for toenail fungus.
Laser treatment or the surgical removal of the toenail may be necessary in more severe cases of toenail fungus. Over-the-counter products and home remedies are also methods used alone or in conjunction with prescription drugs to treat nail fungus and prevent reinfection.
Also Check: How To Take Off Dipped Nails
How Is Toenail Fungus Diagnosed
Nearly 3 million people in the United States are diagnosed with toenail fungus each year. Men are up to three times more likely to develop toenail fungus than women. You are also at a higher risk for a toenail fungus infection if you smoke or have diabetes. Also, individuals with compromised immune systems may experience toenail fungus that can turn into an infection.
When feet remain moist or damp, the fungus can grow, causing discoloration and thickening of toenails. Infection can cause discomfort and pain. The spread of fungus and infection can go from toe to toe, hand, fingernails, or skin on other parts of the body.
The toenail may become warped, cracked, or loosen itself away from the nail bed. Often the nail appears yellowish and may have white spots. Your doctor will examine your feet and potentially take a small sample of skin or nail to be sent off to a laboratory for testing. Your doctor may refer you to a dermatologist, podiatrist, or other healthcare professional if your condition is unusual or needs special care. Other foot conditions such as psoriasis can look similar to a fungal infection. Lab reports can indicate if the problem is fungal, helping the doctor prescribe the best medication for effective treatment.
Alternatives To Oral Medicines
With the side effects that come with taking oral medications, its understandable why many people prefer other alternatives in treating finger and toenail fungus infections. These include topical treatments, essential oils, surgery, and laser therapy.
Anti-fungal topical ointments are traditionally used for mild to moderate nail fungus infections. These are applied on the nails and the skin surrounding them. The main criticism of topical medicines is that they are apparently not as effective as oral drugs because they cannot penetrate the nails to get to the fungus.
However, there are modern and improved topical ointments that address this concern. Products with 10% undecylenic acid effectively heal nail fungus infection with the help of penetrating agents, usually essential oils.
Surgical removal of the nail, on the other hand, is used for severe or recurring fungal infections. After the infected nail is removed, a topical anti-fungal ointment is applied to the nail bed to prevent the regrowth of the fungus.
As for laser treatment, it takes about six months before visible results can be seen. The treatment is expensive as it takes several sessions of therapy during the prescribed period.
Recommended Reading: Best Way To Get Rid Of Fungus Gnats
How To Use Terbinafine Cream Or Gel
Put the cream or gel on the infected area once or twice a day for 1 to 2 weeks.
If youre using the cream or gel on the area between your toes, or on your bottom or groin, you can cover the skin with a clean strip of gauze afterwards. This type of light dressing is available to buy at pharmacies and is especially helpful to use at night.
Dosage Frequency And Duration
The oral tablet contains 500 mg of active griseofulvin.
An adult should take 1,000 mg 14 times daily. The usual duration is 4 months for fingernails and 6 months for toenails.
The dosage for children of any age is 10 mg per kilogram of body weight per day.
Doctors will recommend continued treatment for at least 2 weeks after all signs of infection have cleared.
Don’t Miss: Best Vitamins For Healthy Hair Skin And Nails
Treating Fungal Nail Infection
Treatment may not be necessary in mild cases of fungal nail infection. For more severe or troublesome cases, antifungal medication may be recommended.
A fungal nail infection is unlikely to get better without treatment, but if youâre not bothered by it you might decide itâs not worth treating because treatment can take a long time, may cause side effects, and isnât always effective.
Whether or not you decide to have treatment, you should still follow the self-help advice below to help stop the condition getting worse or spreading to others.
Recommended Nail Fungus Treatment
If you are looking for over-the-counter medication for nail fungus, we recommend Funginix. Like other treatments available without a prescription, its a topical treatment that you apply to your infected nails twice a day. Whats special about Funginix, though, is that it contains a unique combination of antifungal ingredients, including many natural ingredients like tea tree oil and lavender essential oil, that work together to kill nail fungus and restore nails to health. To learn more and see if Funginix is right for you, just follow the link.
Recommended Reading: Nail Polish Bottle Filling Machine
What Side Effects And Drug
The possible side effects of itraconazole include headaches, dizziness, stomach and bowel problems, and rashes. Itraconazole can also interact with a number of other drugs. These include cholesterol-reducing and blood-sugar-lowering medications, as well as certain sleeping pills. It is therefore important to let your doctor know about any medication you take. Itraconazole is not an option for people with heart failure . It also isnt suitable for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Terbinafine can cause gastrointestinal problems and a temporary loss of taste and smell. It can also interact with certain antidepressants and heart medications. Overall, terbinafine has far fewer drug-drug interactions than itraconazole. Nevertheless, its still important to tell your doctor if you are taking any other medication. As a precaution, this medication should not be taken during pregnancy or if you are breastfeeding.
The studies only rarely reported on how often the different side effects occurred. But most people tolerate nail fungus medications well. Only a few people in the studies stopped treatment because of side effects.
But there is a very small risk of liver damage from taking itraconazole or terbinafine. For this reason, people with a liver disease are only given these medications if its absolutely necessary.
There Is A Wide Range Of Options With Varying Success Rates
Other 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.
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 fungus
Fungal 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 athletes 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 fungus
Toenail fungus symptoms can develop slowly over time and may go unnoticed at first. Symptoms can include:
Toenail fungus treatments
When to see a doctor for toenail fungus
Preventing toenail fungus
You May Like: Where Can I Buy Chanel Nail Polish
How Is Toenail Fungus Treated
Toenail fungus is notoriously tricky to treat. You may need to treat tinea unguium for several months to get rid of the fungus. Still, toenail fungus often comes back.
A skin specialist or foot doctor can explain your treatment options. If you have a mild case that doesnt bother you, your healthcare provider may recommend no treatment.
Tinea unguium treatment options include:
Oral antifungal medication
You can take a prescribed oral antifungal medication to treat the fungus. Options include terbinafine , itraconazole or fluconazole . Youll need to take the medication every day for several months . Your healthcare provider may use blood tests to check for potential medication side effects. These medications can affect your liver and interact with other medications, so oral antifungals arent for everyone.
Topical medication
You can regularly apply a topical medication right onto your nail. The medication treats the fungus over time. Topical medications are most effective when paired with oral medications.
Laser treatments
Your healthcare provider will direct a high-tech laser beam and special lights at your toenail to treat the fungus. Lasers are U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved for temporary increase of clear nail in nail fungus, but theyre not a cure. Cure rates for laser treatment are lower than oral and topical mediations. Your healthcare provider wont typically use lasers as first-line treatments for nail fungus.
How Should This Medicine Be Used
Ciclopirox comes as a solution to apply to nails and the skin immediately surrounding and under the nails. It is usually applied once a day. To help you remember to use ciclopirox, apply it around the same time every day, usually at bedtime. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use ciclopirox exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Ciclopirox is used to improve the condition of nails, but may not completely cure nail fungus. It may take 6 months or longer before you notice that your nails are getting better. Continue to use ciclopirox daily as directed. Do not stop using ciclopirox without talking to your doctor.
Ciclopirox topical solution will work best if you trim your nails regularly during your treatment. You should remove all loose nail or nail material using a nail clipper or nail file before you begin treatment and every week during your treatment. Your doctor will show you how to do this. Your doctor will also trim your nails once each month during your treatment.
Do not use nail polish or other nail cosmetic products on nails treated with ciclopirox topical solution.
Do not take a bath, shower, or swim for at least 8 hours after applying ciclopirox topical solution.
Ciclopirox topical solution may catch fire. Do not use this medication near heat or an open flame, such as a cigarette.
Recommended Reading: Best Way To Fill In Nail Holes
What Is The Most Effective Treatment For Toenail Fungus
The most effective toenail fungus treatment for you will largely depend on your symptoms and situation. Your healthcare provider will consider several factors before recommending a treatment plan. Theyll customize a treatment plan for you.
Overall, oral antifungal medications may offer the most treatment potential. Pairing oral drugs with topical antifungal medication may make treatment more effective.
The Initial Causes Best Non Prescription Nail Fungus Treatment
If you suspect that your nails are infected with fungus, it is best to consult your doctor and get a diagnosis. Your doctor will ask you about the symptoms and conduct a thorough examination of your nails. A biopsy is required to determine the cause of the infection. Various types of fungus are found in the skin, including the toenails. Among the most common forms of nail fungus are yellow and black, with white patches surrounded by dark brown or white spots.
The infection is caused by fungus. It can spread to the skin and other parts of the body. It is very common to find a nail fungus on the foot in elderly people, and it is often not treated until the condition gets worse. The disease can even be spread to the skin. The afflicted person should see a doctor immediately if they notice any changes in the color of his or her nails.
Nail fungus can occur in the toenails. The infection occurs due to a variety of factors, including excessive moisture, soaking your hands in water, and a lack of hygiene. If the afflicted person is prone to infection, the fungus will grow in the toenails and may spread to other parts of the body. Consequently, it is essential to prevent the nail fungus from spreading to the skin
> > > This Unusual Morning Habit Helps Me Keep My Fungus In Check .
You May Like: Nail Tech Table With Vent
