The 7 Best Toenail Fungus Treatments Of 2022
The Lamisil Terbinafine Antifungal Cream treats fungus all over the body
Sarah is a freelance writer with a focus on health and wellness. She has written for publications like Women’s Health, Healthline, and Parents. She taught creative writing for five years, and has a bachelor’s degree in English from Southern Connecticut State University.
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Toenail fungus is a common fungal condition that often starts after a rash on the foot spreads to the nails. When mild, it looks like white and yellow spots growing under the nail beds. If left untreated, the fungus can grow severely by hardening the nails and spreading to other toes.
Podiatrist For Nail Fungus
Podiatrist for nail fungus? What do podiatrists do is a common question patients ask? Not a lot of people know that podiatrists exist. Some people say that they trim toenails and calluses, but thats not all. Podiatry has a broader scope than that. Podiatrists are foot doctors that treat everything below the knee. Patients they see on a regular basis are those who have diabetes, neuropathy, or have poor circulation. They also treat patients who have high arches, flat feet, and foot or ankle pain. Podiatrists deal with issues such as ankle fractures, ingrown toenails, hammertoes, bunions, and toenail fungus.
Ive Tried Everything And Still Am Not Getting Anywhere
One of the newer concepts to fighting nail fungus is laser therapy that is cleared by the FDA for treating nail fungus. Our doctor does laser therapy for fungal nails in our office. Laser therapy is painless and fast with no recovery time needed. It is also very safe and does not use any chemicals on the nails. Laser therapy is performed in the office setting during your office visit. The laser penetrates through the nail into the nail bed region where the fungus is causing the infection and kills the fungal organisms so your nail can grow normally again. Sometimes, laser therapy is treated in combination with other treatments. The longer you have had fungus of the nails, usually, the longer it is to get rid of the fungus. Laser therapy is performed by our doctor and staff in the office who is certified in laser therapies and treatments. This is a great option for fungal nails that dont respond to other treatments.
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Can I Wear Nail Polish If I Have Toenail Fungus
You may feel tempted to cover up a discolored toenail with nail polish. But if youre using a topical antifungal, you probably shouldnt use polish. Your healthcare provider may tell you not to wear it in any case.
Nail polish traps in moisture from your nailbed . Because fungi thrive in moist environments, wearing nail polish may make a fungal infection worse. However, your nail continues to grow with or without polish.
Treatment For A Fungal Nail Infection From A Gp
A GP can prescribe antifungal tablets. But before they give you tablets they should take a sample of your nail and have it tested, to find out what type of infection you have.
You may need to take antifungal tablets for up to 6 months.
The tablets can have side effects, including:
- feeling sick and diarrhoea
You cannot take antifungal tablets if you’re pregnant or have certain conditions. They can damage your liver.
Badly infected nails sometimes need to be removed. It’s a small procedure done while the area is numbed .
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Laser Treatment For Fungal Nail Infections
Laser Treatment for fungal nail infections is now available at Podiatry Care. The team at Podiatry Care are the first to incorporate leading German laser technology to deal with fungus affecting toe nails and have over 5 years experience in administering laser treatment.
You may have spoken with your Podiatrist in the past about treating fungal nail infections. Without doubt it is one of the more difficult conditions to successfully treat. Until now messy and ineffective topical creams and ointments along with hazardous oral anti-fungal medications have been the only treatment available.
Often the side effects of the drugs and the inability of the medication to penetrate the nail and nail beds have meant poor compliance and subsequently very poor outcomes. The introduction of the 1064 Diode laser has meant we can now treat this embarrassing and often extremely stubborn condition with a success rate of up to 80%.
The treatment is safe, requires no anesthesia, there are no side effects and is a walk in, walk out procedure.
The patients love the ease of the procedure. The technology is so advanced that the only perceivable sensation is a slight warming effect. Even the most affected nails can be treated, with a great improvement in the appearance of the nails in 3 to 4 months following laser treatment.
Call Podiatry Care and ask about our special GAP FREE* assessment to see if you qualify for Laser treatment of your toe nail fungus.
How Can A Podiatrist Treat My Nail Fungus
posted: Aug. 25, 2020.
Is it time that you turned to a podiatrist to treat your nail fungus?
Has one of your toenails become brittle and yellow? Is the nail starting to thicken, making it uncomfortable to wear your everyday shoes? If so, then you could be dealing with a nail fungus. This is a common problem that occurs more often in older adults. While you may choose to try over-the-counter medications first, if you arent getting relief from your symptoms then you must turn to our Fort Walton Beach and Crestview FL podiatrists Dr. Cosimo Ricciardi and Dr. Neil Patel.
When should I see a podiatrist about toenail fungus?
Some people can get the results they need from over-the-counter medication however, this isnt always the case. Antifungal creams are unable to penetrate through the nail, which means that the medication often doesnt get to the infection. Therefore, if youve been trying to treat this problem on your own and you dont notice any changes then this is a sign that its time to see a podiatrist.
How can a podiatrist treat my nail fungus?
One way your podiatrist may treat your nail fungus is with an oral antifungal medication, that works systemically rather than being applied locally to the infected area. This makes it far more effective than an over-the-counter cream designed to treat nail infections .
What should I expect from laser treatment?
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What Is The Outcome For Someone Who Has Nail Fungus
With treatment, many people can get rid of nail fungus. Even when the fungus clears, your nail 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.
To clear the fungus, its important to:
-
Use the treatment exactly as prescribed
-
Apply the medicine for as long as prescribed
-
Keep all follow-up appointments with your dermatologist
Nail fungus can be stubborn. If you had a severe infection, its possible to clear the infection. A healthy looking nail, however, may be unrealistic, but you can expect the nail to look better and feel more comfortable.
Even with clearing, nail fungus can return. Youll find steps to reduce your risk in Tips: 12 ways to prevent another nail infection.
ImageGetty Images
ReferenceGold LFS and Rosen T. Onychomycosis: Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies. Dermatology News . March 2016:2-15.
What Are Common Kinds Of Nail Fungus
Distal subungual infection
This is the most common type of nail infection, it is where the outer edge of the nail is jagged and has yellow or white streaks across the nail. The fungi invades the nail bed and underside of the nail.
White superficial infection
This is where the fungi attacks the top layers of the nail and creates white spots on the nail. It can then become white patches across the entire nail which may be pitted and flaky. This is a common infection from wearing nail polish.
Proximal subungual infection
This type of fungi causes yellow spots at the base of the nail and spreads upward. Usually seen in people with minor injury to the nail or who are immunocompromised.
Candida infection
This type of infection is caused by yeast and it invades the nail by prior infection or trauma to the nail. They usually start around the cuticle of the nail and can become swollen, red and tender to touch.
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Podiatry Treatment For Fungal Nails
There are a few different treatment options for fungal nails, the treatment which may be best suited to you is dependent on the severity of the infection and a number of factors following the assessment.
With any fungal nail treatment intervention, it can take anything from 6-18 months for the infection to fully clear. This is because the anti-fungal treatments stop further growth of fungal elements, which allows a healthy nail to regrow, and toenails grow slower than finger nails.
Antifungal nail paints/lacquers
Can be beneficial for mild/moderate fungal nail infections, there are many different options when it comes to topical anti-fungal nail medicaments, a podiatrist can let you know which one to use. The treatment is used until the infection has fully grown out.
Oral anti-fungal medication
A course of oral anti-fungal medication may be advised if the infection is severe or has failed to clear with using other methods. The medication can only be obtained through your GP at their discretion, if a podiatrist deems this is suitable, they can write a prescription request to the GP practice. Oral anti-fungal medication is the most effective anti-fungal treatment, a tablet is taken daily for anything from 3-18 months until the infection has cleared.
Lacuna method
Nail reconstruction
PACT
Nail surgery
If you have a problem with your foot or lower limb, and you are unsure whether or not podiatry can help you, then why not contact us.
Home Remedies For Toenail Fungus Generally Do Not Work
You may have read some claims about home remedies that can be used to cure nail infections. This may include the use and application of Tea Tree Oil, VaporRub, or soaking your toe in Listerine, Peroxide, Vinegar, even Beer makes the list, and other products rumored to provide relief. However, there is little to no evidence that these products are an effective anti-fungal treatment. In addition, these products do not claim to be useful for nail infections even though some individuals may use them for that purpose. If you engage in using a home remedy, the problem could become worse and it is suggested you seek professional treatment to avoid a more serious problem.
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How Can Clear Toes Clinic Help
At Clear Toes Clinic we are committed to providing our patients with the best possible treatment. We use the latest in laser technology to properly treat toenail fungus. With minimal discomfort and only a few quick sessions, we will assist in completely eliminating the problem. Our patients are not required to take any unnecessary medication or administer any topical lotions.
We truly can promise our patients that healthy looking toenails are just a few minutes away.
Podiatrists & Foot And Ankle Surgeons Located In Chicago Schaumburg Elmhurst Lombard Il & Highland In
Toenail fungus is more than just a nuisance it can cause serious infections and lead to permanent nail damage. At the Center for Podiatric Medicine in Chicagoland, the board-certified podiatrists use the PinPointe laser as a noninvasive way to kill toenail fungus and promote clear nail growth. Schedule an appointment at one of the four Illinois offices in the River North neighborhood of Chicago, Lombard, Schaumburg, and Elmhurst, or the one other location in Highland, Indiana. Call or book an appointment online today.
- Request Appointment
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Ask Your Foot Doctor: Is Toenail Fungus Contagious
Fungal toenail infections can be highly contagious and spread easily in public and at home. Toenail fungus is easily contracted in public places like pools, gym showers and locker rooms, and saunas. At home, it can be spread through sharing towels, foot care tools like nail clippers, and socks, and in the shower. You can even spread a toenail fungus to the skin on your foot causing Athletes Foot. For these reasons, wear rubber sandals in public pools and gyms, disinfect your shower at home after use, and do not share personal items like socks and shoes. Most importantly, see your foot doctor for diagnosis and treatment of toenail fungus.
Laser Treatment Compared To Other Options
Laser treatments are typically more effective than other ways of treating onychomycosis. This infection can be treated with topical antifungal medications or oral antifungals, and there are over-the-counter, as well as prescription options. Oral antifungals cause systemic side effects and are not totally effective for curing onychomycosis. Topical treatments tend to be safe, but are not very effective.
Research shows there’s an approximately 45% improvement of onychomycosis with topical medicine and approximately 40% to 66% improvement with oral medication.
However, there does seem to be a range in the efficacy with all of these treatments. Using them consistently while avoiding side effects can be tedious. And combining treatments may be more effective than using a single treatment approach.
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Toenail Fungus Home Care
Sometimes itâs possible to treat your toenail fungus at home. You can try:
- Over the counter antifungal creams or ointments. File or cut off any white markings on your nails. Soak your nails in water and dry off before you put on the medicated cream.
- Special nail care. If you keep your nails trimmed, it can reduce the pressure and pain you feel. You can also thin your nail bed by filing it down. This can help antifungal creams get to the problem easier.
What Causes Tinea Unguium
A type of mold called a dermatophyte causes tinea unguium. Dermatophytes are fungal microorganisms . They feed off of keratin, a protein found in your fingernails and toenails. Keratin makes nails hard.
Dermatophytes are the cause behind 90% of toenail fungal infections. But other types of fungi can infect your toenails as well.
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Are There Preventative Steps Or Measures To Avoid Toenail Fungus
Proper foot hygiene is an important component of preventing fungal infections from taking place. Wash your feet regularly with soap and water, drying thoroughly afterward. You can minimize potential contact with fungi and bacteria by keeping your shower and toenail clippers clean and by wearing flip flops in communal showers, pool areas, and similar public spaces. You shouldalso wear appropriate, well-fitted footwear in order to avoid blisters and other foot injuries.
How To Identify Nail Infections
Fungal nail infections can be easily identified by the appearance of the nail. Most of the time, the infection begins closer to the edge of the nail and then spreads in towards the center. It would appear discolored and often a lighter shade than the healthy nail. The nail may get thicker and crack at some parts, and it might also get separated from the nail bed. At later stages, the nail becomes brittle, and fragments off, sometimes resulting in falling off of the entire nail.
Bacterial nail infection mainly involves the skin surrounding the nail. Therefore, you should inspect the skin in this area and see if you can see any swelling, redness or pus collected underneath the skin. Pus is a yellowish liquid formed by the infected tissue, that may contain dead immune cells, tissue debris and microorganisms that caused the infection, which in this case, is bacteria. It is common to see an abscess with pus collected inside, on the skin where the nail meets the nail bed. Also, the skin in the infected area would be tender, painful and warm to touch.
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Laser Treatment For Nail Fungus
If you have caught nail fungus, it can be easily treated using the FDA-approved PinPointe laser, which typically only takes on treatment. Other treatments like topical solutions and oral medication are not as effective. Topical solutions have a very low cure rate. This is because the solution does not penetrate all the way through the nail bed. This is because it can lead to liver toxicity. You would need to have consistent blood tests throughout the course of taking the medication.
Our nail doctor in Charlotte, NC recommends this treatment for toenail fungus. The PinPointe Laser treatment has the highest cure rate in the market. It has no side effects and no recovery period. As a result, you can go about your daily activities right after the treatment. Also, theres no pain.
If you have any signs of nail fungus, call us at 274-1822 our Charlotte, NC location, or visit our website for more information on our doctors at one of our over 150 locations.
How To Get Rid Of Nail Infection And Foot Fungus Fast
If you suspect you have an infected nail, it is very important you reach out to your dermatologist and start treatment as soon as possible. People tend to neglect toenail infections, as they can be painless and present with a minimum number of symptoms. But it can exacerbate into very serious conditions including cell death, and ultimately require amputation. The latter can be seen with diabetic patients with long neglected toenail infections.7
If your infection is not severe, you can try some over the counter medication, such as antifungal creams. But it is not guaranteed to cure the fungal infection altogether. It is possible for the infection to flare up again after a brief period of absence.
A recent study has brought about a novel treatment option for fungal infection, which is easy and cost effective.8 They suggest Vicks VapoRub which is a salve containing menthol, as an effective treatment for fungal infection. Natural antiseptic oils such as tea tree oil, and vinegar are also considered effective options of treatment. However, it is important to seek medical advice if those methods are not improving the symptoms.
Once you approach a medical professional, they would extract some samples and send them for lab tests to identify the exact cause of the infection. Best treatment is determined based on the results of these tests.
Consult with a board-certified dermatologist and treat your nail infection today!
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