How To Treat Nail Fungus On Fingernails

Are There Home Remedies For Toenail Fungus

The Internet is filled with anecdotal information on how to cure toenail fungus using home remedies. Vinegar is a commonly recommended home remedy. Some people apply various oils such as tea tree oil, coconut oil, essential oils, and oil of cedar leaf to their nails as well. The effectiveness of these home remedies is highly doubtful. Application of household bleach and hydrogen peroxide is also not recommended due to lack of evidence that these treatments work. These agents can also cause unwanted skin irritation. Thickened nails that have been affected by fungus can be difficult to trim. Using topical urea cream will soften the nail and make it easier to trim. These creams do not require a prescription.

Fingernail Fungus From Acrylic Nails: Causes Treatment More

• Get link

In fungal infections, invasive fungi grow in or on your body. Many types of fungi occur naturally in your body in small amounts. Some infections occur when these fungi grow out of control while other infections are caused by types of fungi not normally present in your body.

Fungal infections are a relatively common complication of getting acrylic nails, which are plastic nails that are glued atop your real fingernails. In most cases, these infections aren’t serious and clear up with home remedies or with antifungal medications.

Let’s look at why acrylic nails sometimes cause fingernail fungal infections, how you can treat these infections, and how to prevent them.

Fungal infections make up more than 50 percent of all nail disorders and are particularly common in people with acrylic nails. One study found that out of a group of 68 women who developed nail concerns after removing acrylic nails, 67 of them had fungal infections.

Acrylic nails are attached to your real nails with an adhesive. If they become loose or aren’t put on properly, moisture can get trapped between them and your fingernails. Fungi thrive in moist environments and may start to grow around the trapped water.

A group of fungi called dermatophytes are most commonly responsible for nail fungal infections, particularly the fungus Trichophyton rubrum.

Causes Of Toenail Fungus

• Onychomycosis stems from a number of fungal pathogens, primarily a certain group of fungi known as dermatophytes. Other relatively less common carriers of this infection are yeast and mold.
• Your susceptibility to this type of infection increases with age as older people tend to have increasingly brittle and dry nails that may allow the fungus to slip in through the cracks.
• Direct skin-to-skin contact with people grappling with fungal infections like athletes foot or ringworm on their hands can transmit the fungus onto you, paving the way for a toenail infection.
• A warm, moist environment such as a pool deck or a locker room provide the ideal breeding grounds for these infection-causing fungi. Therefore, people who walk barefoot in such areas tend to pick up this infection quite easily.
• Another common way of catching a fungal nail infection is by sharing an infected nail clipper or towel.
• Moreover, people who are prone to having moisture-ridden nails or often wear sweaty socks and shoes are increasingly predisposed to getting a fungal nail infection all by themselves.

Recommended Reading: How To Cure The Fungus Nails

Side Effects Of Toenail Fungus Medication

One of the many benefits of using a homeopathic remedy is that there are little to no adverse side effects. Topical treatments often prescribed to treat toenail fungus can potentially burn or blister the skin. Oral medications for treating onychomycosis can cause liver or gastrointestinal damage. Be sure to read your medications list of potential side effects. Consult your pharmacist, physician, or specialist if you are concerned about side effects of prescription drugs.;

Living With A Nail Fungal Infection

If you have a nail fungal infection, some things can help:

• Keep your nails cut short and file down any thick areas.
• Dont use the same nail trimmer and file on healthy nails and infected nails. If you have your nails professionally manicured, bring your own nail file and trimmer from home.
• Wear waterproof gloves for wet work . Wear 100% cotton gloves for dry work.
• Wear socks made of wicking material . This pulls moisture away from the skin. Change your socks when they are damp from sweat or if your feet get wet. Put on clean, dry socks every day. Put over-the-counter antifungal foot powder inside your socks to keep your feet dry.
• Wear shoes with good support and a wide toe area. Dont wear pointed shoes that press your toes together.
• Avoid walking barefoot in public areas, such as locker rooms.

You May Like: Is It Hard To Do Dip Nails At Home

Stop This Skin Infection In Its Tracks With These Over

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the bestproducts; youcan learn more about ourreview process here.We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.

Verywell / Sabrina Jiang

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. But if left untreated, the fungus can grow severely by hardening the nails and spreading to other toes.

The fungus often begins in the form of athlete’s foot between the toes or on the soles of the feet. At this stage, the fungal infection is easier to treat with over-the-counter medication. But Shari Lipner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medicine, told Verywell Health toenail fungus can be difficult to treat because of how slow the nails grow. The more severe the toenail fungus, the thicker the nail, and the more nails involved makes it that much harder to treat the nails even with effective therapies, she says.;

Diagnosing the fungal infection early is key to make treatments effective. Dr. Lipner recommends visiting a board-certified dermatologist to properly treat the infection if it grows to be too severe.;

Here are a few of the best over-the-counter toenail fungus treatments on the market.

What Tests Might I Have For Toenail Fungus

Your provider will probably take a small sample from underneath your nail to further analyze it. Viewing the cells under a microscope can confirm a toenail fungus diagnosis. If the initial test is negative, a scraping can be sent to see if the fungus grows out in a culture. It also helps your provider identify the type of fungus.

Don’t Miss: What Do You Need To Start Doing Nails

What Is The Anatomy Of The Nail

To have a better understanding of how fungal nail infection affects the nail, a general knowledge of the anatomy of the nail is helpful . The nail, or nail unit, consists of the following parts:

• The nail matrix is where nail cells multiply and keratinize before being incorporated into the fingernail or toenail. Most of the matrix is not visible. The matrix starts under the skin 5 mm below the nail fold and covers the area called the lunula, or half moon .
• The cuticle is a fold of modified skin where the finger or toe meets the nail. The cuticle protects the matrix from infection.
• The nail plate is the nail itself.
• The nail bed is the soft tissue underneath the nail, anchoring the nail plate. The nail plate protects the nail bed.

How Effective Are Topical Treatments

So far, only a few studies have looked into topical nail fungus treatments with nail polishes or creams. Because these studies had weaknesses, the results should be interpreted with caution. Amorolfine has not yet been well studied. Ciclopirox polish and treatment sets with urea and bifonazole cream were tested in a few studies.

Research on the effectiveness of nail polish containing ciclopirox showed that, after one year:

• About 10 out of 100 people who did not use ciclopirox no longer had a detectable fungal nail infection.
• About 32 out of 100 people who used ciclopirox no longer had a detectable fungal nail infection.

In other words, treatment with ciclopirox got rid of the fungal infection in about 22 out of 100 people. But even if the fungus had gone away, the cosmetic result wasnt always satisfying. The nails only looked healthy after treatment in 7 out of 100 people.

Treatment with sets containing urea and bifonazole cream was tested in one study. It was compared with a treatment in which only urea cream was applied and the nail was removed, but without applying bifonazole cream afterwards. Three months after treatment was completed, it was found that:

• No fungus was visible or detectable in about 41 out of 100 people who only used urea cream.
• No fungus was visible or detectable in about 51 out of 100 people who used both urea and bifonazole cream.

Also Check: How To Get Nail Polish Off Fabric

Best Ways To Treat A Nail Fungus

Nail fungus can cause thick, discolored nails, and, for some patients, it can even be painful. An Internet search will bring up plenty of ways to treat the condition, but which ones are best? Dermatologist Dr. Christopher Hull discusses what nail fungus actually is, why its so hard to get rid of, and which treatments work best.

When Should I Call The Doctor

In rare cases, toenail fungus can cause an infection called cellulitis. Without prompt treatment, cellulitis may pose a serious danger to your health.

You should seek treatment guidance from a trusted healthcare provider if you have:

• Circulation problems.
• Redness, pain or pus near the toenail.
• Weakened immune system.

Read Also: Is Collagen Good For Nails

Hydrogen Peroxide To Kill Fungus On Nail From Acrylics

Hydrogen peroxide is an active ingredient that can make the skin unfit for the fungal growth. Gradually killing the ingrown fungus within a period of months.

For some people with chronic fungal infection it can take almost an year. But for newly grown fungus it will take almost 6 months.

The Hydrogen peroxide is not a safe ingredient and users need to be extremely careful while using it. For sensitive skin using Hydrogen peroxide directly on the infected nail can be risky, the best way then is to use a diluted solution.

For faster results, you need to apply it twice a day, and then let it dry. After that cover your nail with a glove or socks.

As, Hydrogen peroxide works as a bleaching agent, you can also use Bleach for killing nail fungus.

For many years, baking soda has been an effective treatment for nail fungus, even if it is caused by the acrylic nails.

All you have to do is make a hand or foot soak mixed with a tablespoon of baking soda. It will gradually heal the nail fungus. The estimated healing time with the baking soda is almost 7 months.

If you find the nail fungus treatment with baking soda tough, think of using the baking soda paste. Mix the baking soda with an essential oil like the snakeroot extract, or any other ionized oil, and apply it twice a day.

Another amazing thing to treat nail fungus is putting a few pinches of baking soda in the gloves, and killing the already present fungus spores.

Treatment With Topical Creams

Topical creams are the most famous treatment for every nail and skin infections. They are effective but not completely. We cannot claim the topical creams as the best solution for nail fungal infection.

You can use the topical creams, when your diet is under check. Proper diet is extremely important for fast results. Otherwise, any probiotic supplement can also help along with the topical creams.

The best time to use topical creams for nail fungus, is the time you feel a slight redness or pain. The best topical creams for nail fungus will take almost 48 weeks. Users may feel it difficult to use topical creams.

The main side effects of topical creams are burning, and a slight itching, which is really uncomfortable for a lot of women.

Recommended Reading: How Do You Get Dip Nails Off

Nail Anatomy And Onychomycosis Infection

Figure 1 shows the composition of the nail, including the nail plate , nail bed and nail matrix.

Figure 1: Nail anatomy and physiology

The nail plate and nail bed are joined by layers of hard, translucent, keratinised cells. The nail bed and nail matrix are vascular components of the nail, with nail cells located within the nail matrix where the nail plate is formed. The thickness of the nail plate determines the length of the matrix

• Apply cosmetic nail varnishes or artificial nails;
• Walk without footwear in public areas ;
• Cut nails too short.;

What Causes Nail Fungus With Acrylic Nails

I often got questioned from women like do acrylic nails cause fungus. So, the answer is Yes, it can. Acrylic nails may look great, but if not taken care properly or fixed with care, they can lead to nail fungus. Which will be a nightmare for most of the women.

There could be several reason because of which Acrylic nails can cause fungus on your nails.

Below are the common causes of such fungus.

The moisture under the fake nails

The thin moisture layer, under the acrylic nail provides shelter for the fungus. Fungus can only grow when there is moisture on your skin. Moreover, if somebody is not hygiene conscious.

Another primary factor that can cause nail fungus through acrylic nails, is the duration.

Keeping acrylic nails for more than two months is risky. They are more likely to develop nail fungus.

Dirty manicure tools can cause fungus

Dirty manicure tools may have bacterial or fungal spores on them. Always choose a reliable salon, with the clean tools.

Sanitized tools are the best for manicures. Fungus spores are invisible but they are the most strongest living cells, and can survive in various situations.

Many professional salons ensure to use new manicure tools for every new customer.

The last a customer can ask for is to check if the tools are clean, and they have sterilized them live in front of them; keep in mind that prevention is better than cure. ;

Other factors contributing for nail fungus

We cannot blame the tools only.

Also Check: Where Do You Nail Shingles

How To Treat Thick Toenails

According to the different causes shown above, treatments for thick toenails are also various. Both home care and medical treatment can be applied to cope with this condition.

1. Trim toenails carefully. You will need to trim your toenails carefully once they have become thicker. Thick toenails are easier to split and irritate if pressure is put on them incorrectly. Start by soaking your feed in warm water for approximately ten minutes. Using nail nippers rather than standard nail clippers to ensure that you are able to cut through the nail without putting too much pressure on the nail. Take your time and cut straight across the nail to avoid developing a crack or ingrown toenails later. You can also reference the table below to learn about appropriate treatment options based on the nature of your condition.

2. Try natural remedies. In less severe cases, natural remedies can be used to help treat a thickened toenail. A mixture of tea tree oil and olive oil applied to the nail can help soften the nail so it becomes less thick. Apply the mixture to the toenail with a cotton ball twice a day until the nail returns to normal.

4. Use acidic gels to remove excessive layers.;Some acidic gels such as Nonyx gel can be used to remove the excessive layers of the nails that have built up. The high Ph of the gel will help kill off any infections in the area when gently removing the debris that has built up on the top of the nail.

Table 1 Treatments for Thick Toenails

What Is The Big Deal With Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus can easily be diagnosed. In fact, you don’t have to be an expert to notice discoloration on your toenails. The fungus often goes deep under your nails, which makes it nasty.

People hate this issue because of the visual effect. However, the fact it is hard to remove makes it so much more troublesome. It also quickly spreads, which means that it needs constant attention.;

Unfortunately, antifungal drugs are powerful and can cause various side effects.

Perhaps the biggest issue is how these drugs impact the liver. They are very dangerous for people who have any liver issues, which is why you have to test your blood before taking drugs for toenail fungus. Even if everything looks fine, there is still a chance complications will occur.

As an alternative, doctors will often recommend topical creams. These products are much better as they don’t cause severe side effects. However, they are not as strong as regular oral drugs, which prolongs the whole treatment. Patients usually have to apply topical cream for several months until they notice any progress.

Home remedies are also a popular alternative.;

Besides various oils and vinegar, many people use baking soda for toenail fungus.

Also Check: How To Make Nail Stickers

Visit A Dermatology Or Podiatry Healthcare Practice

If you suspect you have developed a skin condition such as fungal growth that has affected your nail beds, a dermatologist or podiatrist may be needed to help. In some cases over-the-counter treatment or topical may be needed to help the affected nail. Topicals help stop the growth of nail fungus or candida. Topical treatments may be recommended by a dermatologist. If you experience any side effects to any treatment options, see your doctor to prevent any severe cases or worsening of the fungus. Check with your dermatologist or podiatrist on what the best treatment options are for you.

Prevention Of Toenail Fungus

Adopting a few preventive measures can mitigate your chances of getting infected by nail fungus or reinfections as well as athletes foot :

• Keep your hands and feet clean by washing them regularly. Be especially mindful of avoiding contact with an infected nail, and in case you do, wash your hands thoroughly. Moisturize your nails after washing.
• Keep your nails properly trimmed, file the rough edges to make them smooth, and file down thickened areas. Make a habit of disinfecting your nail clippers thereafter.
• Wear socks that absorb perspiration or change your socks throughout the day.
• Wear shoes made of materials that breathe.
• Let go of any old shoes or treat them with disinfectants or antifungal powders. Alternatively, consider using a medicated shoe spray after every use.
• Either carry your own manicure tools when visiting a nail salon or opt for a salon that uses sterilized tools for each customer.
• Abstain from using nail polish and artificial nails.
• Wearing shower footwear in hotels, gyms, public pools, and showers is essential to prevent reinfection.

You May Like: How To Prevent Nail Biting