What are the best over-the-counter treatments for toenail fungus. How effective is toenail removal surgery for fungal infections. When should you see a doctor about toenail fungus. What are the prescription medicines available for treating toenail fungus. How can you prevent toenail fungus from recurring.

Understanding Toenail Fungus: Causes and Symptoms

Toenail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis, is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. This fungal infection can cause discoloration, thickening, and deformation of the toenails, often leading to discomfort and embarrassment.

The primary causes of toenail fungus include:

• Warm, moist environments (like sweaty shoes)
• Walking barefoot in public areas (gyms, swimming pools)
• Poor foot hygiene
• Weakened immune system
• Certain medical conditions (like diabetes)

Common symptoms of toenail fungus include:

• Yellowing or browning of the nail
• Thickening of the nail
• Brittle or crumbly texture
• Distorted nail shape
• Foul odor

Over-the-Counter Treatments for Toenail Fungus

For mild cases of toenail fungus, over-the-counter (OTC) treatments can be effective. These options are readily available and can be a good starting point for treating the infection.

Antifungal Creams and Lotions

Antifungal creams and lotions are widely available at local drugstores. While they are affordable, their effectiveness can be limited due to their inability to penetrate the nail deeply. In some cases, the infection may clear up temporarily but return later, necessitating alternative treatments.

Mentholated Salve

Research has shown that mentholated salve can be effective in treating fungal infections. Apply a small amount to the affected nail daily for best results.

Snakeroot Extract

Derived from the sunflower family, snakeroot extract is a natural antifungal remedy. Some studies suggest its efficacy is comparable to prescription antifungal creams for certain individuals.

Tea Tree Oil

Known for its natural antiseptic properties, tea tree oil can be applied to the affected nail twice daily. However, its effectiveness in treating toenail fungus remains unclear. It’s crucial to note that tea tree oil should never be ingested, as it can be toxic when taken orally.

Listerine or Vinegar Soaks

Some people report success with soaking the affected nails in Listerine or vinegar for 5 minutes daily. This method is believed to help dry out the infected nails, potentially inhibiting fungal growth.

When to Seek Professional Medical Help

While home remedies and OTC treatments can be effective for mild cases, it’s important to know when to consult a healthcare professional.

Seek medical attention if:

• Home treatments are ineffective after several weeks
• The infection is causing pain or discomfort
• You have diabetes or a weakened immune system
• The infection appears to be spreading
• The nail becomes severely discolored or deformed

Early intervention by a doctor or podiatrist can prevent the infection from worsening and potentially spreading to other nails.

Prescription Medicines for Toenail Fungus

When OTC treatments fail to resolve the infection, healthcare professionals may prescribe stronger medications.

Oral Antifungal Medications

Oral antifungals, such as terbinafine (Lamisil) and itraconazole (Sporanox), are often the most effective treatments for toenail fungus. These medications work by helping a new, fungus-free nail grow, gradually replacing the infected portion.

Medicated Nail Polish

Ciclopirox (Penlac) is a prescription antifungal nail polish that you paint on the infected nails and surrounding skin once a day. You may need to use this type of polish daily for almost a year to see results.

Medicated Nail Cream

Your doctor may prescribe an antifungal cream to rub into your infected nails after soaking. These creams may work better if you thin the nails first. This helps the medication get through the hard nail surface to the underlying fungus.

Toenail Removal Surgery: A Last Resort

In severe cases where other treatments have failed, or if the infection is particularly painful, your doctor might suggest nail removal surgery.

The Surgical Procedure

Nail removal surgery is typically performed in a doctor’s office under local anesthesia. The procedure involves:

1. Numbing the area around the nail
2. Removing the entire nail or just the infected portion
3. In severe cases, destroying the nail matrix to prevent regrowth
4. Applying antibiotic cream and bandaging the nailbed

The surgery usually takes less than an hour to complete.

Recovery and Aftercare

Post-surgery recovery typically involves:

• Keeping the affected limb elevated for 48 hours to reduce pain and swelling
• Regular bandage changes as instructed by your doctor
• Application of antifungal medication to the nailbed
• 2-3 weeks for the nailbed to heal
• 6-18 months for the nail to fully regrow

Alternative Treatments for Toenail Fungus

In addition to traditional medical treatments, there are alternative therapies that some people find helpful in managing toenail fungus.

Laser and Light Therapy

Some medical professionals offer laser or light therapy treatments for toenail fungus. These procedures use specific wavelengths of light to kill the fungus. While promising, more research is needed to determine their long-term effectiveness.

Natural Remedies

Although scientific evidence is limited, some people report success with natural remedies such as:

• Oregano oil
• Olive leaf extract
• Garlic
• Probiotics

It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before trying any alternative treatments, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.

Preventing Toenail Fungus: Tips for Healthy Nails

Prevention is key when it comes to toenail fungus. Here are some strategies to keep your nails healthy and fungus-free:

• Keep feet clean and dry, especially between toes
• Wear breathable footwear and moisture-wicking socks
• Use antifungal powder in shoes
• Avoid walking barefoot in public areas
• Trim nails regularly and keep them short
• Disinfect nail clippers and other pedicure tools
• Choose nail salons that sterilize their equipment
• Avoid sharing shoes or socks with others

By incorporating these preventive measures into your daily routine, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing toenail fungus.

Living with Toenail Fungus: Coping Strategies and Support

Dealing with toenail fungus can be challenging, both physically and emotionally. Here are some strategies to help you cope:

Emotional Impact

Toenail fungus can cause embarrassment and affect self-esteem. Remember that it’s a common condition and nothing to be ashamed of. If you’re feeling self-conscious, consider speaking with a therapist or joining a support group for people with similar concerns.

Clothing and Footwear Choices

While treating your toenail fungus, you may want to choose footwear that conceals your toes. Open-toed shoes can be replaced with closed-toe options. For beach or pool activities, water shoes can provide both protection and coverage.

Nail Cosmetics

If appearance is a concern, discuss with your doctor whether it’s safe to use nail polish or artificial nails. In some cases, these may trap moisture and worsen the infection. Antifungal nail polishes may be a suitable alternative.

Lifestyle Adjustments

You may need to temporarily avoid activities that expose your feet, like swimming or going barefoot. Focus on activities that don’t put your toes on display while you’re undergoing treatment.

Patient Education

Learn as much as you can about your condition. Understanding the causes, treatments, and prevention strategies can empower you to take control of your health and reduce anxiety about the infection.

Remember, with proper treatment and care, most cases of toenail fungus can be effectively managed. Be patient with the treatment process, as it can take several months to see significant improvement. If you’re struggling with the impact of toenail fungus on your daily life, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for additional support and guidance.

Fungal Nail Surgery: Do I Need It?

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• What Happens During the Surgery?
• How Do I Get Ready?
• What’s Recovery Like?
• When Will I Be Back to Normal?

If you’ve tried everything to get rid of your fungal nail infection, but it just won’t go away (and it really hurts), it might be time for surgery.

There are procedures that use lasers or light therapy to kill the fungus, but doctors need more research to find out how well they really work.

So, at this point, your doctor may suggest surgery to remove the nail. It’s not a common surgery, but it’s an option when all else fails. When you have your nail taken out, a new one usually grows back. But nails grow slowly. It could take up to 18 months for yours to grow all the way back.

Nail surgery can be done in your doctor’s office. Before it starts, your doctor numbs the area around your nail. If you’ve ever had your gums numbed at the dentist’s, it’s very similar. You’ll be awake for the surgery, but you won’t feel any pain.

Once the area around the nail is numb, your doctor uses special tools to remove the entire nail or just the infected piece.

In severe cases, they may have to destroy the nail matrix, which is what makes your nail grow back.

After the surgery, your doctor usually applies antibiotic cream and a bandage around your nailbed, which is the area under where your nail used to be. The antibiotic helps make sure you don’t get a bacterial infection.

The surgery usually takes less than an hour.

Before the surgery, your doctor will probably give you a physical exam and talk to you about your medical history, such as other illnesses and surgeries you’ve had. They will also want to know if you have:

• Allergies to latex or tape
• Bleeding disorders
• Diabetes
• Drug allergies
• Medicines you take on a regular basis, including over-the-counter supplements and pain relievers like aspirin

On the day of your surgery, you can shower, eat, and take your usual medicines, unless your doctor has said not to.

In the first few hours after the surgery, expect the area around your nail to feel numb. After that, you may feel pain and throbbing. You may also notice swelling, bleeding, or fluid coming from your wound.

For 48 hours after the surgery, keep your arm or leg elevated above the level of your heart as much as you can. This helps with the pain and keeps the swelling down.

As you heal, you’ll need to change your bandages on a regular basis. Your doctor will show you how to do this and may also give you an antifungal medicine to put on your nailbed to kill any fungus that’s left.

People heal at different rates, but expect at least 2-3 weeks for the nailbed to heal. Your doctor will let you know when you can get back to your normal physical activity.

Fingernails usually come back in six months, and toenails in 18 months, but it could take longer.

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Fungal Nail Infections and Toenail Removal Surgery

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• Best Over-the-Counter Toenail Fungus Treatment
• Can You Scrape Out Toenail Fungus?
• When Should I See a Doctor About Toenail Fungus?
• Prescription Medicines for Toenail Fungus
• What Are Some Other Treatments for Toenail Fungus?
• How Do I Prevent Toenail Fungus?
• More

A fungal nail infection (known as onychomycosis) isn’t pretty, but hiding it and hoping it goes away on its own won’t help. Sometimes you can get rid of a nail fungus without a trip to the doctor. Here’s what you need to know.

Some treatments that you can get without a doctor’s prescription might work well.

Antifungals. Your local drugstore has antifungal creams and lotions you can try. They’re not expensive, but often they’re not strong enough to get rid of the fungus. Sometimes, an infection treated this way will clear up for a while, then come back. If that happens, you’ll need to try something else.

Mentholated salve. Some research has shown that a mentholated salve can get rid of a fungal infection. Swab a small amount on the nail every day.

Snakeroot extract. Snakeroot is a natural antifungal from the sunflower family. For some people, it works about as well as a prescription antifungal cream.

Tea tree oil. Because it’s a natural antiseptic, you can try applying this oil to your affected nail twice a day. Never take tea tree oil by mouth because it can be toxic. Still, it’s unclear how well this treatment works.

Listerine or vinegar. Some report soaking the affected nail(s) in Listerine or vinegar for 5 minutes a day to dry out the affected nails.

No. You may be able to scrape a bit off the top of or from under your nails, but that won’t cure the infection.

Anytime you think you have a fungal nail infection or any nail problem, and treating it at home doesn’t help, see your doctor or podiatrist (foot doctor). The sooner you go, the sooner your doctor can help.

Fungal nail infections can get worse over time. See your doctor ASAP if your nail has turned brown or black, if it suddenly hurts, or if it pulls away from the nail bed.

If you have diabetes and you notice that the look of your toenails has changed even a little, see your doctor right away to keep the problem from getting worse.

If your fungus doesn’t clear up at home, you should check in with a dermatologist (a skin, hair, and nail specialist) or podiatrist (a foot doctor. ) They may gently scrape under your nail to get rid of some of the fungus or send it to the lab for diagnosis. They can also prescribe stronger medicines.

Topical medicines. If you have a mild infection, your doctor can give you an antifungal skin cream or solution to rub into the nail or nail lacquer to paint on the surface of the nail. You’ll want to trim your nail and soak the area first. This can help the drug attack the deepest layers of the fungus. (It can also lessen pain by reducing pressure on your nail.)

Your doctor may also suggest that you thin your nail first with a file or urea lotion. That can help the medicine work better, too.

There are topical drugs that work to get rid of nail fungus:

• Ciclopirox (Ciclodan, Penlac, Loprox)
• Efinaconazole (Jublia)
• Naftifine (Naftin)
• Tavaborole (Kerydin)
• Terbinafine (Lamisil)

You may have side effects like redness, swelling, or stinging and burning when you apply them.

Medicines you take by mouth. For a severe infection, your doctor can give you an antifungal pill that you’ll take for as long as 12 weeks. Studies show that drugs like itraconazole (Sporanox) and terbinafine (Lamisil) work best to help a new, healthy nail grow in to replace the infected one.

These pills are not usually given to people with liver disease or heart problems. They may interact with other medicines you’re taking, such as antidepressants and beta-blockers. 

Laser treatment. High doses of light may help destroy stubborn fungus. This treatment is fairly new. We need more studies to know how well it works. Laser treatments are also costly and usually not covered by insurance.

Nail removal. If other treatments don’t work or you’re in a lot of pain, your doctor may want to remove the infected nail. This allows a new healthy nail to grow in, which can take more than a year. Your doctor will either remove the nail by putting a strong chemical on it or with surgery. Both can be done in your doctor’s office or clinic. You won’t need to stay in the hospital.

Once you get rid of the infection, do your best to avoid getting the nail infected again. Disinfect your bathroom tiles with bleach. Wear socks with your shoes. Don’t go barefoot, especially in public places. Use shower shoes instead.

The best thing to do is avoid getting nail fungus in the first place. It’s worth the extra bit of time and effort to keep them fungus-free. Follow these steps:

• Keep your hands and feet clean and dry.
• Keep your nails trimmed short and cut your toenails straight across.
• Don’t walk barefoot in locker rooms or on pool decks.
• Change your socks and shoes when your feet get sweaty.
• Have more than one pair of sneakers so your sweaty pair can dry out before you wear them again.

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Laser nail fungus treatment | Price in Moscow

Fungal nail infection, or onychomycosis, is an infectious disease caused by dermatophyte fungi. The disease is widespread among the adult population, develops slowly, but in the absence of proper treatment leads to the complete destruction of the nail plate. There are several treatments for onychomycosis, but when pills and topical products are ineffective, doctors recommend laser treatment for nail fungus. The procedure is safe and very effective, subject to certain rules, it allows you to permanently get rid of the infection.

The laser treatment of onychomycosis destroys the structure of parasitic fungi, which prevents their further reproduction and spread. The method belongs to gentle procedures, has no side effects, but before it is carried out, a consultation with a dermatologist is needed.

Symptoms of the fungus

Nail fungus develops slowly, goes through several stages of development. Pathogenic bacteria infect the subungual bed, plate or matrix, destroy tissues, which cause characteristic signs. After infection, symptoms do not appear immediately, the first changes on the nails of the hands or feet can be noticed after 1-3 weeks:

• excessive sweating of the legs, bad smell;
• the nail plate loses its natural shine, color, becomes rough;
• white or yellow stripes appear on the nail;
• the skin around the plate is inflamed, reddened;
• pruritus, fissures around diseased nail;
• the nail exfoliates, thickens, deforms.

When such symptoms appear, it is important to contact a dermatologist as soon as possible, who, after an examination, will prescribe a series of tests. If onychomycosis is confirmed, the doctor will prescribe the necessary antifungal agent or laser treatment. The price of the procedure depends on the number of sessions, the extent of the damage to the nails.

Factors contributing to the development of onychomycosis

Onychomycosis is an infection transmitted by household and contact routes. The main cause of fungal infection is dermatophyte fungi, but an important role is played by the state of immunity. With strong immune protection, the body is able to resist infection, but when immunity is reduced, pathogenic parasitic fungi quickly become active. Factors that increase the risk of developing the disease include:

• contact with a source of infection: rubber shoes, towel of a sick person, use of manicure or pedicure scissors;
• baths, pools, showers;
• wearing tight shoes;
• nail injuries;
• diseases of the endocrine system;
• immunodeficiency diseases.

Infection occurs more often when using the things of a person who has a fungal infection, therefore, in order to prevent infection, it is important to adhere to the prevention of onychomycosis.

Benefits of laser fungus nail treatment

Unlike standard pharmaceutical preparations for internal or external use, laser treatment has a number of advantages:

• does not have a toxic effect on the body;
• fast curative result;
• the procedure is painless, as the laser is equipped with a cooling system, which eliminates the heating of soft tissues;
• one procedure does not exceed 30 minutes;
• does not cause allergies;
• is effective against all types of parasitic fungi.

It takes a long time to cure nail fungus with medication, while laser treatment allows destroying fungal spores in 1-3 treatments. Despite the effectiveness of the method, it is contraindicated in pregnant women, people with diabetes, oncological diseases.

Risk group

People with the following characteristics are at risk for the development of onychomycosis:

• reduced immunity;
• mycosis of the foot;
• circulatory disorders;
• age after 45 years;
• poor care of the nails and skin of the feet;
• history of diabetes mellitus;
• venous insufficiency;
• wearing tight shoes;
• visits to swimming pools, saunas, gyms.

If a person is at risk for developing onychomycosis, it is necessary to monitor foot hygiene, avoid places and contact with possible sources of infection.

Laser treatment for nail fungus

It takes 3 to 8 sessions of laser therapy to treat nail fungus. The procedure is carried out in a clinic, performed by a dermatologist. Conventionally, the procedure is divided into 3 stages:

1. Preparation. Special preparation is not required, but the doctor may prescribe a series of tests that will help identify the type of pathogen and eliminate contraindications. Before the procedure, it is recommended to clean the nail plate, steam the skin.
2. Treatment. The laser unit is aimed at the affected area of ​​the nail, the beam penetrates into tissue cells, destroys the chromophores of fungi, which eliminates the further spread of infection, and regenerates tissues. The duration of the procedure is 15-20 minutes, after which the patient goes home.
3. Care after treatment. After removing the fungus with a laser beam, the doctor gives the patient a number of recommendations for caring for the nail plate, which include treating the affected nail with antifungal agents, removing the deformed nail as it grows, and hygiene of the feet and shoes. After passing through all stages of therapy after 4-6 months, it is recommended to visit the doctor again for a follow-up examination.

The treatment course for onychomycosis in Moscow is determined by a dermatologist individually for each patient. Based on medical practice, 4–8 procedures with an interval of 1–2 weeks are sufficient.

Possible complications

A nail affected by a fungus is a source of infection that can enter the bloodstream, spread throughout the body, and lead to the development of other diseases:

• bronchial asthma;
• allergic skin reactions;
• vasculitis.

If a person has diabetes, the fungus increases the risk of developing a diabetic foot, promotes the formation of trophic ulcers, and can lead to gangrene.

The consequence of onychomycosis is also a violation of the aesthetics of the nail, as well as its complete destruction, an unpleasant smell of the feet. All this causes psychological discomfort.

The result of laser treatment of fungus

The effectiveness of laser therapy for onychomycosis can be seen as the healthy nail plate grows, on average it takes 5-8 months.

To prevent further spread of the infection, your doctor may prescribe an effective medical antifungal drug to treat other nails.

Prevention

Prevention of fungal infection should begin long before the first symptoms appear:

• exclude contact with a possible source of the disease: do not walk barefoot in the bath, sauna, gyms.
• avoid tight shoes;
• keep the feet clean, wipe the skin of the feet dry;
• change socks daily;
• disinfect manicure and pedicure products;
• enhance immunity;
• eat right;
• timely and correctly treat concomitant diseases.

By following simple rules, the risk of contracting a fungal infection is minimized. In case of infection with a fungus, doctors recommend abandoning home treatment. A timely appeal to a specialist will stop the disease at the earliest stages of its development.

How do I make an appointment?

Treatment of nail fungus in our clinic is performed using a modern laser system. We offer affordable prices, high quality service, advice from dermatologists with extensive experience. You can learn more about the clinic’s capabilities or make an appointment with a dermatologist by phone or online by filling out and submitting the form on the clinic’s website. The administrator will contact you as soon as possible, answer your questions, select a convenient time to visit the clinic and receive competent medical advice.

The site has a price list with prices for our services. The doctors of the center work by appointment, so if you need a consultation with a dermatologist, please contact us!

Removal of the nail plate: the price of treatment in Moscow

If the nail is deeply affected by the fungal process, grows in or is injured, the doctor recommends removing it. This procedure will help to quickly remove the problem, speed up the treatment.

After removing the old plate, a new one is formed, this takes time, about 6 months.

Indications

Removal of the entire nail plate is recommended for:

• Ingrown nails;
• history of trauma;
• Fungal attack.

Ingrown lamina leads to inflammation and infection. With a timely visit to the doctor, there is a chance to avoid complete removal.

Only part of the nail may be excised as a treatment. If there is a risk of an upward spread of infection, a complete removal is prescribed.

Symptoms

Patients often experience discomfort or pain when walking. There is tissue change. Edema and local temperature increase are possible. It is with such complaints that they turn to the doctor.

After trauma to the nail bed, there is a violation of the growth of the nail plate. This is manifested by a change in appearance. There are pain, discomfort when wearing shoes. Additional infection often penetrates.

The fungus infects a large area rather quickly. Under its influence are the nails of the hands and feet. They change color. They become gray or pale yellow. The surface looks rough with small longitudinal waves. The nail itself acquires a fragile structure and a void forms under it. The adjacent nail plates are involved in the process. It is contagious and can be transmitted through personal hygiene items, clothing, shoes.

How to remove the nail plate

You can get rid of the affected area with:

• Surgery;
• Medicinal products;
• Radio wave technique;
• Laser Therapy.

The surgical method is used to completely remove the modified nail with a scalpel. Apply local anesthesia. To prevent infection, the wound is treated with an antibacterial agent. Then apply a bandage.

Surgical treatment has a long rehabilitation period. The patient will need to regularly carry out dressings and take painkillers.

There is a way to remove the nail plate using medicines. Apply forms in the form of ointments and patches. They contain lysing agents. There is a softening of the nail plate, its separation from the surrounding tissues. The method itself is painless and can be done at home.

Exposure to radio waves destroys the nail plate. As a result, it is painlessly removed. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. The wound surface is covered with a sterile napkin. Discomfort disappears after 48 hours.

Laser therapy allows you to remove the nail almost painlessly. The laser destroys pathogens, bacteria. This is an important factor, especially if the cause of the disease is a fungus. The procedure is quite fast. The risk of relapse is minimal.

Contraindications

For patients who suffer from decompensated diabetes, it is better to postpone the operation.

A contraindication would be a decrease in the regenerative capacity of tissues, and bloodless methods of treatment should be used. This is a hardware, medical method. Consider the option of radio wave or laser therapy.

Surgical, laser and radio wave methods are contraindicated for people who suffer from a coagulation disorder.

Manipulation is undesirable for ARVI, exacerbation of chronic diseases.

Recovery period

There is a recovery period after removal of the plate, regardless of the method.

Wound surface healing takes from several weeks to a month. Rarely, this period is delayed up to 60 days. If the patient follows the recommendations of the doctor, the recovery period will go smoothly, without complications.

The main task is to carry out regular dressings. An ointment or gel, antibacterial, fungicidal agent can be placed on the wound area. After a while, the wound should be ventilated. This allows a crust to form and prevent bacteria from entering.

If the operation was performed on the arm, the patient should wear rubber gloves when in contact with water. The less moisture gets on the wound, the better.

Rehabilitation involves the use of orthopedic shoes. It allows you to evenly distribute the load on the foot and reduce discomfort.

Socks, stockings must be made only from natural materials. They should be completely updated, especially if the fungus was the cause of the disease.

The first 1-2 months the patient should refuse to visit saunas, swimming pools, baths.