In the 21st century, few things are as unappealing as fingernails covered in green, white, or yellow spots. Gross, right? Well, that’s because you have nails infected with fungus. Fortunately, there are a variety of treatments that can help reverse this embarrassing problem and get your nails looking clean and shiny once again. Pending the severity, your doctor may recommend one treatment over another. While all of these cures won’t necessarily work for everyone or in every case—there is no universal remedy for nail fungus—and it is worth understanding which ones will likely be best suited to your situation. Here are the top five treatments for nail fungus…
Oral Medications
Taking a pill is usually the first thing people think about when it comes to curing a medical condition these days. Oral medications to treat nail fungus are replete with a variety of active ingredients, from vitamins such as biotin and zinc, to retinol, salicylic acid, and azelaic acid. There are two primary types of oral medications used to treat nail fungus: antifungals and antifungal/anti-microbials. Antifungals – This class of medication is good for treating nail fungus that is caused by specific types of fungi (specifically dermatophytes), but not those caused by bacteria. Common antifungals used to treat nail fungus include Terbinafine, Itraconazole, and Lamisil. Antifungal/Anti-Microbials – These types of oral medications have antifungal and anti-microbial properties, and are good for treating nail fungus caused by bacteria. Common anti-microbial/anti-bacterial oral medications used to treat nail fungus include Bifonazole, Econazole, and Sulfamethoxazole.
Topical Medications
Topical medications work by killing the fungal infection on the nail bed. They are great for mild or moderate cases of nail fungus, but may not be as effective for severe cases or against certain strains of fungus. There are a number of topical medications to treat nail fungus, each coming with a different set of instructions for use. Topical Retinoids – A member of the vitamin A family, topical retinoids are most commonly used for treating mild to moderate nail fungus. They work by breaking down the keratin in the nails, thereby allowing them to shed more quickly, and clearing the area of fungi. Terbinafine-based creams – Terbinafine is a very common antifungal. It is applied topically to the area, and works by inhibiting the growth of the fungi responsible for nail fungus. It is often the first line of treatment for mild to moderate cases and works well against most strains of nail fungus. Azelaic acid-based creams – Azelaic acid works by inhibiting the growth of the fungi responsible for nail fungus. It is a very common topical treatment, and can be used for mild to moderate cases of nail fungus. It is also often used in combination with other topical treatments for more severe cases.
Light and Laser Treatments
Light and laser treatments are often used to treat nail fungus in combination with other treatments. They are designed to reduce the amount of fungus spores from the air. Depending on the type of laser used, it can also penetrate through the nail bed and into the area where the fungus is residing. Nail-painting – What may sound like a rudimentary treatment is actually very effective for fighting nail fungus. The basic idea is that painted nails trap the fungus spores, which are then removed when the nails are cleaned. While this is a low-tech method, it can be very effective. Nail polish with a high percentage of alcohol can act as an antiseptic and help to fight the fungus. There are a number of more high-tech light and laser treatments to treat nail fungus. It is important to note that while they may be effective, there is currently no data to suggest that they are any more effective than other treatments.
Natural Options
Among the natural options to treat nail fungus, tea tree oil and coconut oil have proven effective based on a number of studies. The studies have shown that when these natural oils are applied directly to the nail bed, they can reduce the amount of fungus spores. When using tea tree oil or coconut oil to treat nail fungus, you should apply a few drops directly to each nail, along the cuticle, once or twice a day. You should also be sure to wear gloves when you are doing yard work, going for a walk, or engaging in any other activities that might bring you into contact with fungus spores.
Serious Cases: Surgery or Prescription Medication
If the above treatments fail, or if the infection is widespread, your doctor may recommend surgery. In some cases, you may need to have the infected portion of the nail cut off (nail ablation). If the infection is very widespread, an oral antifungal medication may be prescribed. Before taking the drastic step of surgery or starting a prescription medication kerassentials, it is worth considering what caused your nail fungus in the first place. There may be a lifestyle or home-related factor that can be corrected to prevent it from coming back in the future. For example, if your nail fungus is caused by a moisture problem, you can correct that by improving your house’s ventilation.
Conclusion
Whether you have a mild case or a severe case of nail fungus, it is important to treat it as quickly as possible to prevent it from spreading to other nails or to other people. Keep in mind that while some treatments will work faster than others, it may take as long as six months to completely clear up. Nail fungus is relatively easy to treat, but it must be treated. If you let it go, it will only get worse, and it can spread to other nails. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions, and keep your nails dry and clean while you are treating the fungus. With the right approach, nail fungus is completely treatable, and you can get your nails healthy and beautiful again.