Your health care provider may prescribe an antifungal cream, such as efinaconazole (Jublia) and tavaborole (Kerydin). You rub this product into your infected nails after soaking. These creams may work better if you first thin the nails.
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.
Terbinafine and itraconazole are the 2 medicines most commonly prescribed for fungal nail infections. These usually need to be taken once or twice a day for several months to ensure the infection has completely cleared up.
Wear socks made of synthetic fiber that “wicks” moisture away from your feet faster than cotton or wool socks do. Disinfect instruments used to cut nails.
Topical treatment with Vicks VapoRub: The combination of camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol, the three main ingredients in Vicks VapoRub, is believed to stop the growth of certain fungi. Follow the same application process as for tea tree oil. Numerous readers swear by this.
Hydrogen peroxide is widely known for its antiseptic properties, which help to kill bacteria and fungi. As a powerful oxidizing agent, it releases oxygen when it comes into contact with affected skin or nails, effectively killing the fungus that infects nails.
Don't go barefoot in public places. Use a spray or powder that fights fungus on your feet and in your shoes. Don't pick at the skin around your nails. Don't use nail polish or fake nails on your nails.
The best type of vinegar to treat toenail fungus is apple cider vinegar, a very acidic and strong solution that destroys toenail fungus at the source. To take full advantage of this, mix one cup of apple cider vinegar with at least 2 cups of water – this will dilute the vinegar so that it won't burn your skin.
Studies show that taking antifungal pills and applying medicine to your nails can be more effective than using either treatment alone. Nail removal: If you have a severe infection or other treatments just don't work, your dermatologist may recommend removing the nail(s) to get rid of the infection.
Keep your feet and toes covered
Protect your partner from being exposed to fungus by covering your feet at night. If you wear socks to bed, there's no chance your bare feet will make contact with theirs.
Complications. A severe case of nail fungus can be painful and may cause permanent damage to your nails. And it may lead to other serious infections that spread beyond your feet if you have a suppressed immune system due to medication, diabetes or other conditions.
Walk barefoot in a hot, humid place like a pool, public shower, or locker room. Wear tight-fitting, closed-toe shoes, especially if you have sweaty feet.
It's called Keryflex. Keryflex is a resin that our nail technicians put over the old, fungal, ugly toenail, and it immediately (within about 20 minutes) makes it look like a normal nail. And with Keryflex you can get pedicures, you can paint your nails, just like you would your other nails, and it looks great.
LASER THERAPY: Laser therapy is the latest method of treatment for nail fungus. Once such laser treatment is performed with three treatments over a course of eight weeks. Laser treatment of nail fungus has a high success rate when combined with a topical and/or oral antifungal to gain the maximum benefit.
Prescription toenail fungus treatments
These include creams, sprays, and gels like ciclopirox (Penlac), efinaconazole (Jublia), and tavaborole (Kerydin). These are best for surface fungus, as the products don't penetrate your nail bed. It may take a year of daily use before you see the fungus go away.
55% of patients achieved some improvement in discoloration in the first week of treatment. After 4 weeks of treatment, discoloration, thickening, brittleness and softness were each improved in more than half of patients.
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.
Terbinafine. The best pill for toenail fungus is terbinafine (Lamisil). Evidence suggests it works better than the alternatives and has the fewest side effects.
Toenail fungus happens when fungi get between your toenail and your toenail bed (the tissue right underneath your toenail). This usually happens through a crack or cut in your toe.
Both rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide kill fungi, too. Which product you use depends on what germs you're trying to kill, the surface you're trying to kill them on, and how much time you have. Rubbing alcohol works faster, but it can damage porous surfaces such as wood or granite.
For best results, repeat the hydrogen peroxide treatment daily or a few times a week until the infection clears up. Be consistent and patient, as it may take weeks or months to see results. Keep an eye on the affected nail(s) for signs of healing, such as less discoloration or thickening.