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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.
Best Medication For Nail Fungus: Types And Benefits
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 athlete’s 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.
“If your symptoms are severe or cause pain, or your toenail turns brown or black, it’s best to make an appointment with your primary care doctor or podiatrist instead of trying to treat it yourself, ” says Stacie Ly, MD, an internal medicine physician at Coastal Medical Center Carlsbad.
Black Toenail Fungus: What It Is And How To Treat It
Toenail fungus infections often require diligent treatment to be successful. Early-stage toenail fungus may respond to home treatments, such as those listed below. Apply the treatment to the affected nail several times daily; you may need to treat for six months or more to clear the infection.
Over-the-counter treatments for toenail fungus include creams, ointments, sprays and liquids. Ask your pharmacist for a recommendation or look for these ingredients, and follow the directions carefully:
If your symptoms do not get better with home treatment, make an appointment with your primary care physician or a podiatrist. They may recommend a prescription-strength topical medication, or an oral anti-fungal pill that you take for two or three months. Oral treatment is usually more effective but may interact with other medications. Also, oral treatment can affect the liver, so you may need to have liver function tests while taking the medication.
Nail Fungus Treatments
In severe cases that do not respond to treatment, the infected nail may be surgically removed in order to treat the nail bed; a healthy nail can then grow back. A chronically infected and painful nail may be permanently removed.
“If your toenail fungus keeps coming back despite taking preventive measures, see your primary care doctor or podiatrist, ” says Dr. Ly. “Something else may be causing it, or you may need a different approach. Your doctor can get to the root of the problem and determine the best course of action.”
In severe cases that do not respond to treatment, the infected nail may be surgically removed in order to treat the nail bed; a healthy nail can then grow back. A chronically infected and painful nail may be permanently removed.
“If your toenail fungus keeps coming back despite taking preventive measures, see your primary care doctor or podiatrist, ” says Dr. Ly. “Something else may be causing it, or you may need a different approach. Your doctor can get to the root of the problem and determine the best course of action.”
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