Topical Treatment Of Nail Fungus
There are three topical medications on the market that are approved by the FDA for treatment of onychomycosis ciclopirox nail lacquer , tavaborole and efinaconazole . Topical treatments are safe but not very effective by themselves. In fact, when used alone, even the best topical medications only work 8 20% of the time. We do use these medications, however, to help prevent recurrence of nail fungus after treatment with laser or oral medications.
Things To Consider When Buying Toe Fungus Treatment Over The Counter
The best way to get a quality product is to do your research. If you are looking for a new toe fungus treatment over the counter, or have been considering upgrading an old one, then you will want to know what is available on the market to choose the best product for your needs. Many different products are available on the market today, so it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. To help make your decision easier, we have put together a list of things that you should consider when buying any type of product:
Here are some questions you should ask yourself before buying:
- How much do I want to spend?
- What features do I need?
- What do other people think about this product?
- What is the best brand for this type of product?
- What is the purpose of your purchase?
- Are you buying it for personal use or for business purposes?
- Do you have any budget constraints?
- Is it easy to use?
- What kind of warranty does it come with?
Easier To Clean And Use
Everyone loves a good product that will last longer without breaking or needing maintenance to keep it running smoothly! We all have busy lives, so its best to buy something that will save you time on daily tasks instead of wasting hours weekly.
This best over counter nail fungus treatment is easy to maintain because of its simple design, making it very easy to clean! You can wash your best item in about 10 seconds or less! And best of all, if you do run into any trouble with your product, you can take advantage of the products warranty and get it replaced for free.
Read Also: How To Treat Fungus In Crawl Space
What Are The Symptoms Of Nail Fungus
The first signs and symptoms of fingernail or toenail fungus is a white or yellow spot appearing underneath the tip of the nail, which then thickens and distorts the nail as the infection progresses. As fungi grow under and into the nail, crusting, discoloration, and darkening begin. Moreover, infected nails often separate from the nail bed, which can cause pain in the tips of fingers and toes, as well as a slightly foul-smelling odor.
How To Prevent Nail Fungus
Even though the fungi responsible for these nail infections are pretty much everywhere, there are a few universal things you can do to aid in prevention. Both derms warn that its important to be cautious at the nail salon. A client with fungus can spread it to other clients if proper disinfection precautions arent followed when it comes to porous tools such as emery boards and toe separators, as well as pedicure footbaths, says Dr. Stern.
Not picking at your nails is also paramount, as well as wearing footwear in wet communal areas, such as locker rooms and swimming pool decks, points out Dr. Chen. And since most fungal infections of the toenails start with a fungal skin infection that spreads to the nail, its important to protect the skin.
Also Check: Where Can I Buy Antifungal Nail Polish
Oral Medication For Treating Toenail Fungus
Oral medications are well studied and have a higher success rate than laser, but have potential side effects. Terbenafine , an oral medication, has been shown to clear up fungal nail infection 70% of the time. 59% of patients had better looking nails and 38% had great nails .
We check liver function on our patients before starting terbenafine treatment and then six weeks after treatment starts because about 3% of patients see an elevation in liver enzymes indicating the liver may be working too hard to remove the drugs from your body. Interestingly, 1.4% of those taking a placebo developed the same problem.
Stopping the treatment usually returns liver function to normal. Lamisil is safe for the vast majority of patients. Everyone must weigh the advantages and disadvantages and decide for themselves if they wish to take these drugs. For patient information on taking Lamisil . To find a LabCorp location .
Which Prescription Products Treat Nail Fungus
The best products for nail fungus are prescription medicines you take by mouth or topical liquid medicines you apply to the nail.
Prescription medicines commonly used to treat nail fungus include oral and topical treatments, such as:
- topical efinaconazole
- topical ciclopirox
- oral terbinafine
- oral itraconazole
Oral antifungal medicines tend to work better than topical ones, but are associated with greater side effects and drug interactions. In some cases, your doctor may decide to combine treatments, or use laser or photodynamic therapy. Speak with your podiatrist about these techniques.
In the most severe cases, your doctor may recommend you have surgery to remove part or all of the nail.
Recommended Reading: How Much Do Nail Techs Make
What Really Causes Thick And Ugly Toenails Nail Fungus Vs Nail Dystrophy
There are two primary causes of thick toenails. The first is nail fungus and the second is a condition called nail dystrophy. Nail dystrophy is a thickening of the nails caused by repeated micro-trauma to the nail, for example from the nail hitting the top of the shoe over many years. The most common causes of thick, yellowed and ugly nails include:
- Shoe pressure on the nail
- Poor circulation
- Some disease conditions
Call or use our Patient Portal to schedule an appointment for an evaluation and treatment recommendations.
When Are The Different Treatments Considered
Most doctors recommend treating nail fungus with nail polish or cream if
- not much more than half of the nail is affected by the fungus,
- the base of the nail is not infected, and
- only some nails are affected.
Topical treatment is also usually recommended for children. One reason for this is that most oral medications arent suitable for children. Another reason is that children have thinner nails that grow more quickly, so its assumed that treatment with nail polish or creams is more likely to work in children than in adults. White superficial onychomycosis is also often treated with a nail polish or cream.
If several nails are infected by the fungus, or if the infection has spread out more on the affected nails, its usually necessary to take oral medication. And if the infection started at the base of the nail, its highly likely that only tablets will help.
Don’t Miss: How Much Does Essie Nail Polish Cost
What To Look For In A Toenail Fungus Treatment
Severity
Toenail fungus, if left untreated, can become a tough problem to treat and will greatly influence what medications you need. If the toenails are thick, yellowed, and left untreated for a long time, that could indicate you need a prescription for oral medication.
Location
Fungal infections can start on the nails and transfer to this skin, or start on the skin and transfer to the nails. It is important to treat both as they will continue to spread.
Ingredients
Zinc undecylenate and undecylenic acid are both FDA-approved ingredients to treat toenail fungus Also, if you seek help from a professional, they will likely prescribe medications in the azole family. This compound interferes with the synthesis of the fungal cell membrane, which essentially kills the fungus.
Type
Toenail fungus treatments can come in a variety of forms, but oral, topical, and homeopathic medications are the most commonly used for treating toenail fungus.
Also Check: How To Cure Fungus Nail Fast
A Closer Look At The Zetaclear Nail Fungus Treatment
ZetaClear has plenty of competition on the OTC market but yet it continues to remain one of the most popular of all so lets take a closer look at the treatment, its claims, and its usage.
Zetaclear is a product manufactured by Health Buy, a company founded in 2002 which specializes in natural and homeopathic health and beauty products. The treatment features a proprietary blend of ingredients and consists of a two part approach with no side effects.
The nail solution, which is painted onto the affected nails with the included applicator brush, contains a list of natural ingredients such as clove, lavender, lemongrass, and tea tree oils along with vitamin E. The solution should be used twice per day, once in the morning and once again at night.
Since 2009 many nail fungus sufferers got rid of their ugly nail fungus thanks to Zetaclear. Since shipping is free and that you can enjoy up to 40% OFF on volume purchase, its easy to understand why this product is still one of the best choices to solve this embarrassing issue.
The only serious drawback we found with Zetaclear is its customer service department which is very slow to address consumer issues when needed. This is the main reason why we arent giving it out top recommendation anymore despite the efficiency of this nail fungus formulation.
We advise you to read our in-depth review to learn more about Zetaclear and other treatment options before you make any decision.
Related articles:
Also Check: Take Off Shellac
Read Also: Best Hair And Nail Vitamins Reviews
Kerassentials Reviews Do Not Buy Yet
2. ClavusinClavusin is a health supplement that helps manage the symptoms of onychomycosis. It is the brainchild of Mark Thompson and Dr. Larson. Together, they developed a powerful formula that can help fight fungal infections.Clavusin uses natural ingredients that Dr. Larson discovered when working in Africa. This formula can show reliable and promising results with regular use.
What Goes Into This Health Supplement?Clavusin uses several potent natural ingredients, including herbs and minerals. Here are some of the main ingredients: Plantago Ovata: It is a type of shrub that grows in parts of Africa. It can help rid the body of fungal infections. Lactobacillus acidophilus: It is a type of bacteria that helps purify the blood. It can help rid the body of toxins that feed the fungal infection.
What Benefits Can Users Expect?Clavusin uses completely natural and organic ingredients to help manage fungal infections. People who use it regularly claim to see good results over time. They also claim that these results are permanent and long-lasting. Here are some of the common benefits of using Clavusin regularly: It can help improve nail health by improving its strength and color. It helps boost the bodys immunity and clear up fungal infections. It can help flush out infectious fungi from within the body too.
Disclaimer : The above is a sponsored post, the views expressed are those of the sponsor/author and do not represent the stand and views of Outlook editorial.
What Kills Toenail Fungus Fast
The best way to figure out how to get rid of your toenail fungus as quickly as possible is to see your healthcare provider at the first sign of changes in the nails. Your healthcare provider can examine the affected toenail and take a sample if necessary, then make a recommendation on the best treatment for you. Even though treatments can help, the nail may take up to 18 months to grow out. Unfortunately, although there are many remedies to try, whether natural, over-the-counter, or prescription, it can take a while for the affected toenail to return to normal.
Dont Miss: Best Toenail Fungus Topical Treatment
Read Also: How To Do Marble Nails With Gel
How Many Competitors Does It Have
Many different factors go into answering this question. The number of competitors can vary greatly depending on the best over counter nail fungus treatment you are dealing with and the scope of your business model. Knowing how these factors can affect your market share is important when deciding whether or not you should enter a new market.
What Is The Treatment For Fungal Nails
Oral antifungal therapy has a high cure rate, depending on the medication. It can take nine to 12 months to see if it has worked or not, because that is how long it takes for the nail to grow out. Even when therapy works, the fungus may come back. Currently, an oral antifungal therapy is considered the best treatment for toenail fungus because of higher cure rates and shorter treatment duration compared to topical therapy.
Prescription oral medications that are effective against nail fungus include the following:
There are several innovative treatments that are still being tested:
- Laser therapy or uses application of light-activated agents onto the nail followed by shining light of a proper wavelength on the nail.
- Use of electrical current to help absorption of topical antifungal medications into the nail: This is also called iontophoresis.
- Use of a special nail lacquer that changes the micro-climate of the nail to make it inhospitable for the fungus to grow: If this works, it may be an inexpensive way to treat this problem in the future.
One way to definitively get rid of toenail fungus is by surgery. Surgical treatment of onychomycosis involves nail removal. However, this often only provides temporary relief, and recurrence is common unless additional antifungal medication is simultaneously used. However, surgical removal may be warranted when the affected nail is associated with other factors such as trauma and or infection.
You May Like: Can Dermatologist Treat Nail Fungus
When Home Remedies Make Sense:
For most people with mild to moderate nail fungus, home remedies are an option, especially when a trip to the doctor seems intimidating. Readers of our syndicated newspaper column have been sharing their success stories for over 40 years.
Lisa points out that patience is a critical component for overcoming nasty nail fungus:
I fought toenail fungus for several years. It seemed like I had two different kinds. One made the surface of the nail white and rough, and the other turned the nail yellow or orange. That one also caused the nail to crumble over time.
After reading about it on the Peoples Pharmacy, I tried tea tree oil first. It was very effective on the white toenail fungus. The nails grew out clear and stayed that way.
I tried Vicks next, and it worked on the yellow toenails. That was a slower process, as there was more damage. Several times when I was just getting one nail finished, the fungus would start on another one. It took about three years to get every nail clear, but I have had no new fungus for over a year now. The treatments were inexpensive and easy, but patience is required!
Lisa is absolutely on target. Even pricey prescription nail fungus treatments are tested for about a year. You can read about a pricey prescription anti-fungal liquid at this link:
FDA Approves Jublia for Fighting Nail FungusJublia is a topical liquid for treating nail fungus. How good is Jublia? Not that great. How pricey is Jublia? Very! Is it worth the cost?
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.
Read Also: Can You Use Roofing Nails For Siding
When To Contact A Doctor
Toenail fungus is typically not a significant problem for most people. However, if there are no improvements or complications occur as a result of home remedies, people should speak with a doctor and stop using the home remedy as soon as possible. It is also advisable to contact a podiatrist if a person notices any discoloration, thickening, or abnormality of the toenails.
Furthermore, people at higher risk for complications should seek medical treatment for their toenail fungus and avoid home remedies altogether. This includes those with diabetes or with weakened immune systems.
You May Like: Vicks Salve For Toenail Fungus
Epsom Salt For Toenail Fungus
You must have heard about Epsom salt if you love to use the bath bombs. The Epsom salt is a compound of Magnesium and Sulphate and it is an amazing detoxifier. It kills all the toxins residing on your body.
The magnesium in Epsom salt is fantastic to kill the itchiness and the redness on your skin.
The next main ingredient is the sulfate ion, what will it do for the nail fungus? It simply reinforces the effects of the min magnesium ion.
If you are someone who does not want the bad looking and damaged nail, this is the treatment for you.
It can be the best home remedy for nail fungus. It is easily available, and you do not need a prescription for it.
The Epsom salt can be added to the daily routine if you want presentable nails, it is not very effective for a ruined nail, you can use it as the onset treatment for nail fungus.
How to use Epsom salt for nail fungus?
Pros of using Epsom salt for nail fungus as a homemade remedy
- It works fine for the healthy skin.
- It also helps in reduces stress.
- Cleans the infected spots nicely.
Cons of using the Epsom salt
- It can cause irritation on sensitive skin when used in higher concentrations.
- Will take so many months to treat the toenail fungus.
Note: For a detailed guide on using the Epsom Salt for treating the toenail fungus and also to know how did it perform for one of the patient with toenail fungus, you can check our complete case study and review guide below:
Recommended Reading: How To Make Nails Healthy
