Which nail fungus treatment works best is a query that justifies both traditional as well as holistic medicine as its perfect answer. Even before we start to decide which nail fungus treatment is best, it is best to first understand what nail fungus really is.
Nail fungus is a fungal infection that occurs right under the toenail. It may also spread in the finger nails as well. The infection can be identified via yellowish layer of brittle substance over the nail. It can also be under the nail and above the skin.
The color of the nail is not off-white any longer when you develop fungal infection. It usually turns either dark or yellowish in color. Nails tend to become brittle owing to the fungal infection. They may even break if they are too brittle.
Some have even complained that their feet smell awful owing to the fungal infection. So, walking with a toe nail fungal infection is not a comfortable ordeal. Treating fungal infections is therefore a priority.
Let us discuss which nail fungus treatment works best. Read the article to learn more:
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Which Nail Fungus Treatment Works Best Article Contents:
1) What are 3 Most Popular Nail Fungus Treatments Available Today?
2) How to Select the Most Effective Nail Fungus Treatment?
3) How to Find the Best Nail Fungal Treatment Near Me?
4) What is the Best Ointment for Treating Nail Fungus?
5) What are the Best Toe Nail Fungus Drops?
6) What are the Best Toe Nail Fungus Tablets?
7) What is the Best Toe Nail Fungus Spray?
8) What is the Best Toe Nail Fungus Ointment?
9) What is the Best Oil for Treating Nail Fungal Infection?
10) What is the Best Nail Fungus Quick Treatment?
11) Nail Fungus Treatment at Walmart
12) Takeaway
What are 3 Most Popular Nail Fungus Treatments Available Today?
It is first vital to understand whether you really suffer from nail fungus or any other infection. Usually, an identifier for the same is brittle toe nails, discoloration of nails (yellowish from white) and pain in the nail bed.
If you are still skeptical about the infection then, you need to contact a dermatologist. The specialist shall take a sample of your brittle nail and send it for medical examination.
Don’t worry! The dermatologist shall not slice off your nail. A small portion of the brittle nail shall be scraped via a filer for the same. This sample shall then be dispatched for further examination.
The lab test shall reveal whether yeast, bacteria or any other infection is bothering your nail. Fungal infections are often deep rooted in nature. They take several months to heal if you are following correct treatment methodology.
The 3 Most Popular Methods to Treat Nail Fungus Today:
Contrary to the popular belief, you do not need to indulge in overtly expensive medications and treatment procedures to cure your fungal infection. First, get a correct diagnosis of the infection before opting for a suitable treatment.
OTC Medicine (The Oral Medicine Option):
Well, there are several anti-fungal drugs out there that can get your infection treated. One of the most common fungal infection drug is Sporanox.
It has been widely used to effectively treat fungal infection in the nails. It has also been noticed that this medicine tends to assist the elderly to get relief from their toe nail fungus. So, it is an age-friendly medicine for the senior citizens.
While these tablets do help in treating fungal infection, they can be harsh on your liver. In certain cases, anti-fungal medicines have been terrible for your heart health as well.
So always seek medical advice before taking the medicine.
Efinaconazole Cream (The Topical Cream Option):
This is a very popular topical solution that is applied on the infected toenail. The cream contains purified water, alcohol, butylated hydroxytoluene, cyclomethicone, efinaconazole and citric acid.
These are the main ingredients that help remove the fungal infection from its very root. This cream simply stops the fungus from spreading further. The active ingredients present in the cream further treat the existing fungus.
Terbinafine is also an effective anti-fungal cream. It has displayed positive results on people infected with toe nail fungus. Another topical application worth mentioning is clotrimazole.
Ciclopirox (The Nail Paint Option):
This is a hydroxypyrimidine medication that tends to en-wrap the infected nail. Basically, Ciclopirox is a nail polish that contains almost 8 grams of ciclopirox.
The other active ingredients in this nailpolish include sodium hydroxide NF, octyldodecanol NF and carbomer 980. It also contains purified water and alcohol.
Ciclopirox mainly inhibits the promotion of iron within the fungal infection. When the fungus does not receive iron, it tends to die out on its own. Another topical application to treat nail fungus includes tavaborole.
It is suggested that you apply this anti-fungal nail polish for 3 to 6 months to avail the best results. If your nail fungus infection is severe in nature then, you may require a surgical removal of the same.
How to Select the Most Effective Nail Fungus Treatment?
There is not one way to treat nail fungus infections. Today, several diverse methods for curing and healing nail fungal infections are available. You simply need to select the treatment method that is in sync with your infection-type.
While treating the fungal infection, it is best to do so when it is in its primitive stages. If the infection is allowed to flare then, it becomes harder to treat. Brittle and thick nails also take time to heal. So, ‘nip the evil in the bud’.
How to Pick the Best Nail Fungus Treatment?
In order to select the best nail fungus treatment method, you need to keep the following points in mind:
Where is Your Infection?
The first thing to keep in mind is the location of the fungal infection. Weather it is in the hand or the feet, pinpointing the fungal infection is of vital importance.
Basically, fungal infection is common in the toes. But it is also present on the fingernails. In case the skin around your toes have developed a rash then, treating it is easier. Simply apply ointment, spray or dress it in an antiseptic solution.
If on the other hand, the fungal infection has seeped inside the toenails then, treating it is difficult. It shall also become time consuming in nature.
In such a scenario, you might need to take medications for the same (besides of course, carrying on with the topical applications). The first line of treatment is via ointments meant to cure this infection.
How Bad is It?
The next factor to keep in mind is the level of infection. If the fungal infection is in the shape of a minor rash then, it is in its initial stages. On the other hand, if the fungal infection has slipped into the nail bed and caused brittle nails then, it is severe.
In case your nail fungus is minor and has yet to spread to the nail bed then, medicated nail polish and ointments are recommended. On the other hand, if it is severe and your nails are brittle, yellow in color and painful then, oral medicines are suggested.
The final outcome on which treatment works best for you is usually determined by a skin specialist.
What does it Contain?
Last but not the least, the ingredient list within a nail fungal cream, lotion or oral medicine is worth a consideration. It is important to make note of the fact that the active ingredient in any treatment should be approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
So, regardless of whether you pick a nail-paint, medicated ointment, anti-fungal soap, soak, special anti-nail fungus solution or cream, the ingredients of each of these products needs to be first checked. They should be approved by the concerned legal authorities.
What are the Different Types of Nail Fungus Treatments Available Today?
There are several methods to cure fungal infections in the nail. Of the many treatment methods, some work while others do not. Nonetheless, here is a quick look at which of these treatment methods has earned the respect and trust of its users the most.
Natural Healing Methods:
Also known as holistic treatment methods, Ayurveda and Homeopathy are the two streams that have indeed won the accolade of users.
Healing methods include tea tree oil, snakeroot extract, vinegar, olive leaf extract or oregano oil. Natural healing methods are fast gaining popularity across the globe.
It is because natural treatments are free from adverse side effects. Traditional medications tend to lay stress on the liver and heart of the individual. Natural methods do no such harm. They may take more time but eventually, they get the job done.
Creams, Ointments & Nail Paints:
The second method of treating toe nail fungal infections is via creams and lotions. The creams, ointments and even lotions need to be FDA approved. Their application procedure is topical in nature.
Some of the most popular anti-fungal creams include ciclopirox, Terbinafine, Butenafine and Miconazole. They tend to treat the infection in a slow yet steady manner.
If you suffer from ‘not so complicated’ toe nail fungal infection then, you need to make use of topical medications. Nonetheless, if your infection is of the severe category then, topical creams alone may not be sufficient to get you the desired cure.
You may need to apply these creams for a period of one whole year before getting the desired results. So, it is a slow treatment method for nail fungus infections.
Medications to be Taken Orally:
Last but not the least, the most effective way to cure fungal infections on the human nails is tablets. These need to be taken orally with a sip or two of water.
Oral medications for treating toe nail fungus that are effective include efinaconazole, itraconazole and Lamisil. These medications need to be taken for a few weeks.
The duration could range in between 4 weeks to 24 weeks (and even more). It all depends on the severity of your infection and the type of oral medicine that you choose to go with.
Foot Soak for Treating Nail Fungus:
Soaking your foot in a solution made from natural ingredients is also popular for treating nail fungus. The active ingredients of such a foot soak include Epsom salt, hydrogen peroxide, essential oils and vinegar.
These ingredients are mixed in warm water. The water is then placed in a tub. You now need to soak your infected foot into the water. The duration of this soak may be anywhere in between 15 to 25 minutes.
Thereafter, you simply need to remove your foot from the water and allow it to dry. You may make use of a dry and clean towel to dry your foot with. Do not rub any cream of chemical of any sort after the foot bath.
How to Find the Best Nail Fungal Treatment Near Me?
In order to locate the best medical practitioners for treating nail fungal infections, you need to use the internet effectively. Locate dermatologists that have been known to treat this infection successfully.
It is best to rely on Google search bar to get you the desired results. Always try and pick dermatologists that belong to your local area. Doing so shall ensure that you do not have to spend a lot of time in traveling to and from the clinic.
To streamline your quest, always rely on google reviews. Previous patients would usually leave behind reviews for a particular dermatologist. So, always pay attention to such reviews before finalizing your doctor.
Apart from the reviews, you also need to lay emphasis on the cost factor. The dermatologist’s fee should be in sync with your budget.
What is the Best Ointment for Treating Nail Fungus?
The ointment that works best in treating fungal infections in nails includes tavaborole. It also needs to be noted that efinaconazole is equally effective in removing fungus from your nails.
You need to first wash your foot and then soak it in warm water. Make a solution from natural ingredients such as vinegar, Epsom salts and hydrogen peroxide to make the soak an anti-septic one.
After about 20 minutes of soaking the foot in the medicated solution, it is time to dry it using a towel. Thereafter, you should apply anti-fungal cream onto the infected nail.
Side Effects of Anti-Fungal Ointments or Nail Paint:
@ There are no known side effects of applying anti-fungal creams.
@ In certain cases, your skin may suffer from redness and swelling. This is however temporary in nature.
@ It is quite possible that in the initial stages of its application, anti-fungal creams may lead to itching. This too shall subside soon enough.
@ It can take one year for infections of the nail to heal via topical creams and lotions.
What are the Best Toe Nail Fungus Drops?
Toe nail fungus drops for treating nail fungal infections are usually made from natural ingredients. These could either be homeopathic or Ayurvedic in nature. Some of the most popular ones included in my list are:
Melaleuca:
This is an extract from tea tree. The oil of tea tree has excellent anti-fungal properties. It is also a natural antiseptic. You can apply the oil directly onto the infected nail.
A drop or two of tea tree oil daily is sufficient to get the job done. Alternatively, you may also soak a cotton bud in tea tree oil and apply it onto the nail that has fungal infection.
The affected area needs to be kept clean. You may want to avoid getting it wet. So, avoid showering immediately after applying tea tree oil onto your nail.
Ageratina Pichinchensis:
Another natural medication is ageratina pichinchensis. It is a natural antiseptic and has antibacterial properties. Derived from sunflower, snake root extract works wonders for treating nail fungal infections.
For the first month, ageratina pichinchensis should be applied once every 3 days. On the second month, the dosage needs to be reduced to just 2 times a week.
In third and final month, the dosage of ageratina pichinchensis is further reduced to once a week. It has been noted that fungal infections of severe category tend to get cured via this treatment.
Ozone Infused Natural Oils:
Drops made from olive oil or sunflower oil that has been infused with ozone is the next on line. These have anti-fungal properties owing to the infusion of ozone.
It is best to apply olive oil that has been ozonized at least once daily for a couple of weeks. You may also start applying the oil twice a day followed up by ‘once a day’ application.
Vinegar Drops:
Vinegar is made in such a manner that it develops anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. So, if a few drops of vinegar are placed into a warm bath then, placing your infected nail within the bath is a great idea.
If you do so every day for a few weeks then, vinegar infused warm water dip shall diminish the infection considerably. 20 minutes a day in such a foot bath is perfect to get the job done.
The Oil of Oregano:
The oil derived from oregano extract is perfect for treating nail fungal infections. It is highly recommended that you apply a drop onto the affected area two times a day. It is the thymol element in oregano that does the trick.
You may want to continue this treatment for a few weeks to get the desired results. Nonetheless, the fact of the matter remains that clubbing it with other natural treatments is a wiser option. For example, clubbing it with ageratina pichinchensis drops.
Oil derived from Eucalyptus Plant:
If you suffer from nail matrix infection then, the oil derived from the Eucalyptus Plant is ideal. It possesses strong anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.
You can apply a drop or two of this oil onto your infected nail. An ideal application is twice daily. In a few weeks’ time, you should witness a dramatic change in your fungal infection.
What are the Best Toe Nail Fungus Tablets?
There are a couple of oral tablets that you can take to cure your toe nail fungal infection. I shall discuss the top 3 oral medications to treat fungal infections:
Terbinafine:
A single tablet of Terbinafine is to be taken daily for 3 months to treat fungal nail infection in the toes. The dosage is 250mgs of terbinafine per tablet.
If you are pregnant or suffer from liver disease then, avoid this medicine. Start taking it only when the doctor has approved of it. It may give you a rash, cause indigestion or headaches.
Consume this medicine after food to avoid complications with the liver.
Griseofluvin:
This is yet another oral medicine that promotes the protein present within the nail to fight fungal infection. This includes keratin and tissues.
1000 mg of griseofulvin tablet should be consumed daily by an adult to treat toe nail fungus. It takes about 6 months to treat a toe nail infection. It takes half the time to treat an infected finger nail.
If a child has to be administered griseofulvin then, the dosage should be as per the body weight of the child. Ideally, the dosage should not exceed 10 milligram per 2.2 pounds of body weight (of the concerned child).
If you suffer from liver infection or are pregnant then, consult a doctor before taking this medicine. Side effects attached to griseofulvin include stomach upset, headaches, excessive thirst and tiredness.
Itraconazole:
The third and final oral tablet for curing toe nail fungus is Itraconazole. This is available in 200 mg capacity. You need to take one capsule daily for a period of 3 months.
You should try and avoid taking this tablet if you suffer from a heart disease. It is also advisable to avoid this if you are pregnant or suffer from a liver ailment.
Common side effects linked to Itraconazole tablets include dizziness, stomach upset, headaches, pressure on the cardiac muscles and pain in the stomach area.
What is the Best Toe Nail Fungus Spray?
There are not many sprays available for curing fungal infections of the nail. Most people who do suffer from such infections often resort to oral medications or topical applications.
Nonetheless, a few do opt for sprays as well. Perhaps, it is the ease of application that makes an anti-fungal nail spray popular with such individuals.
Usually these sprays are made from Clotrimazole and essential oils. Together they help you restore the natural health of your nail. Some sprays also contain ample quantities of Spiraleen.
The active ingredients in toe nail fungus sprays tend to annihilate microorganisms that are responsible for fungal infection. Moreover, these sprays contain essential oils that enable your skin to regain its lost shine and lustre.
Which is the Best Spray for Treating Nail Fungus?
@ By far the most popular nail fungus spray for curing infectious toe nails is Footlogix.
@ This spray contains Clotrimazole, which is a natural anti-fungal agent.
@ The presence of panthenol and avocado oil tends to improve skin shine and lustre.
@ Footlogix spray also treats athlete’s foot, stubbed toes, thickened toenails and brittle nails.
@ If you suffer from itching between the toes then again, Footlogix spray shall get rid of this irritation.
@ FootLogix spray is also effective in treating skin and toe related injuries caused by running or accidently bumping into a hard object.
@ This spray is effective against injuries caused by wearing tight footwear.
What is the Best Toe Nail Fungus Ointment?
Nail fungus ointments are quite popular in treating infections of the nail. These contain antifungal medications that inhibit the growth of fungus in and around the toe area.
@ Efinaconazole is by far the most popular toe nail fungus ointment that is used globally.
@ It contains butylated hydroxytoluene, diisopropyl adipate, C12-15 alkyl lactate and anhydrous citric acid. These ingredients help fight fungal infection and heal your damaged nail from the inside-out
@ Efinaconazole also contains alcohol, purified water and disodium edetate. It is sold under the brand name of Jublia.
@ It is supposed to be applied onto the infected toe nail once every day.
@ The duration of its application spans 12 months. This is the ideal time taken for healing your nail from this infection.
@ It is manufactured by Bausch Health Companies Inc. This company is located in Canada.
@ You need to lace this ointment on the nail bed, plate of the toenail and the folds of the toenail (to get the desired results).
What is the Best Oil for Treating Nail Fungal Infection?
Natural oils have been known to treat nail fungal infections in humans and even animals. Ironically, while these have been rampantly used for centuries, they are yet to be recognized by the mainstream medical science.
Most people who develop discolored and brittle nails tend to opt for Diflucan and Lamisil. These are ‘over the counter’ oral medications that can cause nagging side effects. Some even make use of topical creams, ointments and lotions.
Nonetheless, these too have side effects attached.
It is therefore best to include natural oils in treating fungal infections of the nails. They are free from side effects and they also treat the infection from the root. After all, nature is the best healer!
What are the Benefits of Using Essential Oils?
Essential oils are derived from completely natural sources. You can extract these from the leaves, bark, stem, flowers and even the resin. Some oils can be extracted from the fruit of the plant.
There have been instances wherein oil has been derived from the root or even the stem of a plant. With that being said, it is vital to know that essential oils are completely natural in nature.
Apart from treating toe nail infections, essential oils help your body in the following ways:
@ These oils are natural and they help you feel at ease. So, you automatically tend to feel less anxious and depressed.
@ You also manage to reduce strengthen your body’s natural defense mechanism.
@ Essential oils have also been known to fight common infections of the human body. These include cold, cough, runny nose, sneezing etc.
@ They are a boon for treating skin related infections. So, rashes, fungal infections and itching shall reduce or vanish completely upon its application.
@ If you suffer from internal swelling then again, essential oils shall help you combat inflammation.
@ Warts, moles and insect bites are treated via the aid of essential oils.
@ These days, most people in the world (especially in polluted cities) suffer from allergies. Essential oils help ease these symptoms.
@ If you suffer from digestive issues then, essential oils help in relieving these symptoms.
@ It has been noticed that in mild arthritis, essential oils work the best. They not only ease the discomfort but they also aid in healing the infection.
@ If you suffer from piles then, the use of essential oils helps get rid of these issues.
@ It has also been noticed that sun blocks are made from essential oils. It seems they assist in helping your skin stay protected from the wrath of harmful UV rays.
The Best Essential Oil for Treating Nail Fungal Infection:
There are so many essential oils available for treating toe nail fungus that pinpointing ‘just one’ is an almost impossible task. The most popular ones include oils derived from peppermint, tea tree, oregano, cinnamon, lavender, clove, coconut and even lemon.
Of these, in my opinion, the most popular is tea tree oil. Maybe it has been marketing furiously by companies for its anti-bacterial properties or maybe it is really that effective.
Whatever the reason may be, tea tree oil seems to be the best bet for treating fungal infections of the nails. It is popular, effective and an ideal way to treat fungal infections naturally.
Always run a patch-test though before making use of it. Place 2 to 3 drops of tea tree oil onto the skin. Wait and watch for a day. If your skin itches, swells or breaks into a rash, avoid using the oil (and vice versa).
Here is how you make use of tea tree oil to cure nail fungus:
@ Two to three drops of tea tree oil should be placed onto the infected nail.
@ Allow the oil to dry and do not wash your foot or hands (if you suffer from finger nail infection) for a while.
@ You can also soak your fingernails or toenails in a tub filled with tea tree oil. Five to ten drops of tree tea oil in one liter of warm water is ideal for a soak.
@ Soak your nails for a period of 10 to 15 minutes. Thereafter, wipe them dry with a clean cotton towel.
@ It is suggested to keep your feet and fingers clean and free from sweat.
@ It is also highly recommended that you need to trim your nails with a nail clipper to avoid complications.
The Healing Time & the Best Buying Tips:
@ It usually takes 3 to 6 months to completely heal from fungal nail infections.
@ The infected nail is broken down during the treatment and replaced with a new one.
@ The overall duration of the treatment depends entirely on how well your body responds to the treatment methodology.
@ While buying tea tree oil, do ensure that it contains a high amount of terpein. This is an antiseptic that eliminates fungal infections.
@ The oil needs to be organic and it should not be processed or refined.
@ Store the oil in its original bottle. Keep it in a cool and dry place. It should be placed away from direct sunlight.
@ You can continue using tea tree oil onto your nails even after the fungal infection has been completely eliminated. This negates any issues related to re-infection of nails.
What is the Best Nail Fungus Quick Treatment?
By far, the fastest way to treat toe nail fungus is via laser therapy. In this procedure, a beam of laser is placed into the infected nail. The infection is eliminated when the laser reaches the bed of the infected nail.
The microorganisms that infect the nail bed are eliminated via the laser beam. All it takes is half an hour for the procedure to complete.
It may take a few sitting spanning 30 minutes or more, depending upon the severity of your fungal infection. Nonetheless, this is a painless method (well, almost) that eliminated toe nail fungus from its root.
This is also a speediest way to eliminate nail fungal infection from the root. As compared to getting your nail fungus treated via topical ointment and oral medications, this is the fastest method.
The cost of a single laser session can range from $50 to $500. It all depends on how many nails have been infected and the nature of fungal infection.
How does Laser Therapy work in Treating Nail Fungal Infections?
@ The nail is heated via the laser and the fungus embedded within the nail bed is completely destroyed.
@ The treatment duration is anywhere in between 20 to 30 minutes. This is with special regards to a single session.
@ You need to have around 2 to 3 such sessions in order to eliminate fungal infection completely.
@ Each laser session for eliminating toe nail fungus takes 25 to 30 minutes. After the successful completion of one session, the other one is initiated after 45 days.
@ You have to apply a topical ointment or lotion onto the affected area in order to treat the nail completely.
@ It takes 8 weeks post the first laser session for visible results to start showing up.
@ It also needs to be noted that your toe nail shall regrow after 48 weeks post the treatment.
@ In case your fingernails have been infected with fungal infection then, new nails shall fully re-grow in about 24 weeks.
Precautions Post the Laser Treatment to Avoid Complications:
@ You should avoid allowing your infected nails to get greasy or dirty.
@ Do not get your nails all sweaty. Keep them clean and use a medicated dusting powder to avoid sweat from setting in the skin.
@ Avoid places that are damp and sweaty. Classic examples include public sauna and gyms. Even public swimming pools should be avoided.
@ Wear slippers or flip flops to allow fresh air to pass your feet.
@ If you have to wear shoes then, spray the insides of your footwear with an anti-fungal spray.
Nail Fungus Treatment at Walmart
Nail fungus treatment at Walmart is quite popular amidst the masses. The main reason why people head to Walmart to get their infected nail treated is owing to the wide array of treatment methods available at this store.
It is a well-known fact that toe nail fungus not only discolors the nail but it also makes it super brittle. In some cases, the fungus tends to elevate the nail from its bed.
This in turn forces dirt to accumulate within the open area. When dirt and foreign particles accumulated between the nail and its bed, infections of various types start to thrive. This is when a treatment is vital.
There are various topical solutions, drops, sprays and nail polishes meant to treat nail fungus displayed on Walmart. You can view them online as well. You also get lucrative discount on these products.
Probably this makes buying an anti-fungal kit from Walmart a wise option indeed. Basically, you can get a heavily discounted anti-fungal cream delivered to your doorstep (which otherwise would have costed you a lot more at a local drug store).
Takeaway
With millions of people getting infected with nail fungus infections, the need of the hour is a speedy treatment. The treatment for nail fungus infections should not only be speedy but also free from adverse side effects.
A natural herbal pill is what I would recommend everybody out there. While over the counter pills and topical ointments have always dominated the fungal niche, herbal pills is what the world actually needs.
With so many viruses surging the globe, a holistic treatment methodology is what suits the current generation. Herbal pills are free from any side effect and they also treat the fungal infection from the root.