The Guide to Killing Nail Fungus

Nail Fungus Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options: How and Where to Start

By Dr. James Hunter
Updated on May 05, 2023

Dr. Hunter is a highly respected dermatologist with over 20 years of experience. He completed his medical degree at Harvard Medical School, his residency in dermatology, and a fellowship at the University Hospital, Cincinnati, OH. He is an active researcher and is known for his compassionate approach to patient care.

Read on if you are experiencing the following:

Discolored Nails
Thickened Nails
Crumbly or Brittle Nails
Foul Odor
Painful Nails
Itching or Burning Sensation
Thick Skin Around Nails

How are you? My name is Dr. James Hunter, and I’m a professional in the field of nail fungus treatment. I’ve been in this line of work for over 20 years, and I’ve seen all kinds of nail problems and treated them all. In fact, I’ve even had nail fungus myself, so I know what you’re going through.

As a professional in the field of topical nail fungus treatment, I understand how frustrating and uncomfortable it can be to deal with this common issue. Discolored, thickened, and painful nails can have a significant impact on your daily life, causing embarrassment and discomfort.

That’s why I’m here to help you understand the symptoms, causes, and treatment options available for nail fungus, so you can take control of your nail health and feel confident in your skin.

If you’re feeling hopeless about your nail fungus, I want to assure you that there are effective treatments available that can help. While nail fungus can be a persistent and difficult-to-treat condition, it is not an insurmountable problem.

One of the most important things to keep in mind is that early detection and treatment are key. The sooner you seek treatment for your nail fungus, the better your chances of successfully eradicating the infection and preventing it from causing further damage to your nails and surrounding tissues.

About Nail Fungus You Need To Know First

Did you know that nail fungus is not just a cosmetic problem, but it can also lead to serious health complications? While many people may view nail fungus as an unsightly inconvenience, it can actually cause significant damage to the nails and surrounding tissues. In severe cases, nail fungus can even lead to permanent nail damage or the need for surgical intervention.

Additionally, some people may not realize that nail fungus is highly contagious and can easily spread from person to person. This means that if you share nail clippers or other personal grooming tools with someone who has a fungal infection, you may be at risk of developing the infection yourself.

Another little-known fact about nail fungus is that certain medical conditions and medications can increase the risk of developing the infection. For example, people with diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, or a weakened immune system may be more susceptible to nail fungus. Additionally, certain medications such as antibiotics and corticosteroids can increase the risk of developing a fungal infection.

What is Nail Fungus Really?

Nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common fungal infection that affects the nails of the hands and feet. It can be caused by several different types of fungi, including dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds. Here’s how nail fungus starts:

Fungal spores are introduced to the nail: Fungal spores can be found in various environments, such as soil, water, and air. When these spores come into contact with the nail, they can penetrate the nail plate and begin to grow.
Fungal growth: Once the fungal spores have penetrated the nail, they begin to grow and spread. The fungi feed on the keratin in the nail, causing it to break down and become brittle.
Inflammation: As the fungi grow and spread, they can cause inflammation and swelling around the nail bed. This can lead to pain, discomfort, and other symptoms.
Discoloration and deformation: As the fungal infection progresses, the nail can become discolored, thickened, and deformed. The nail may also become crumbly and brittle, making it more susceptible to further infection.
Spreading: If left untreated, nail fungus can spread to other nails or even to other parts of the body.

How Do I Know If I Have Nail Fungus?

Nail fungus is a common infection that affects millions of people worldwide. Some of the common symptoms of nail fungus include discolored nails, thickened nails, crumbly or brittle nails, foul odor, and itching or burning. In severe cases, nail fungus can cause pain and discomfort, making it difficult to walk or wear shoes.

Discolored Nails – Nail fungus can cause discoloration of the nails, typically in shades of yellow, brown, or white. The discoloration may appear in spots or streaks, and can gradually spread across the entire nail.
Thickened Nails – As the fungal infection progresses, the nail may become thicker and harder to trim or shape. The affected nail may also feel heavier than normal.
Crumbly or Brittle Nails – As the nail becomes thicker, it may also become more brittle and prone to breaking or crumbling. The nail may also feel rough or uneven to the touch.
Foul Odor – A nail fungus infection can produce a strong, unpleasant odor. This odor is caused by the buildup of debris and bacteria under the nail.
Painful Nails – In some cases, a nail fungus infection can cause pain or discomfort. This may be due to pressure from the thickened nail or from the separation of the nail from the nail bed.
Itching or Burning – Some people may experience itching, burning, or other forms of discomfort around the affected nail.
Spreading Infection – Nail fungus can spread from one nail to another or from person to person. It’s important to treat the infection promptly to prevent it from spreading.
Embarrassed or Self-Conscious – Nail fungus can be unsightly and may cause people to feel embarrassed or self-conscious about the appearance of their nails. This can impact their social lives and make it difficult to participate in activities that require exposing their nails.

Causes of Nail Fungus

Nail fungus is typically caused by exposure to moisture or a weakened immune system. This infection can be prevented by keeping your nails clean and dry, avoiding nail polish or artificial nails, and wearing protective shoes in public areas. It’s also important to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle, as a weakened immune system can increase your risk of developing nail fungus:

Exposure to Moisture – Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, which is why nail fungus is more common in people who frequently expose their nails to moisture. This can include athletes, people who work in humid environments, or individuals who wear tight-fitting shoes or socks that trap moisture against the skin.
Weakened Immune System – A weakened immune system can increase your risk of developing nail fungus, as it can make it more difficult for your body to fight off infections. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including age, underlying health conditions, and certain medications.
Poor Hygiene – Poor hygiene habits, such as failing to wash your hands or feet regularly, can increase your risk of developing nail fungus. This is because fungi can thrive on skin that is not kept clean and dry.
Trauma to the Nail – Trauma to the nail, such as a sports injury or a nail that has been repeatedly stubbed, can create small openings in the nail bed that allow fungi to enter and take hold.
Genetics – Some people may be genetically predisposed to developing nail fungus, making them more susceptible to this type of infection.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions – Certain pre-existing medical conditions, such as diabetes or psoriasis, can increase your risk of developing nail fungus. This is because these conditions can weaken the immune system or create an environment that is more conducive to fungal growth.

Treatment Options Available

Good thing, there are many treatment options available for nail fungus, including topical medications, oral medications, and laser therapy. Topical treatments are often the first line of defense against nail fungus, as they are easy to use and can be applied directly to the affected area. They work by penetrating the nail and killing the fungus, allowing healthy nail growth to occur.

Topical Medications: Topical medications are applied directly to the affected nails and surrounding skin. They typically come in the form of creams, lotions, or nail lacquers. Topical treatments usually contain antifungal agents like terbinafine, ciclopirox, or amorolfine, which work to kill the fungus causing the infection. These treatments are most effective for mild to moderate cases of nail fungus and may need to be used for several months to achieve the desired results.

Antifungal agents work to eliminate nail fungus by disrupting the fungal cell membranes and inhibiting their growth. These agents target the ergosterol, a major component of the fungal cell membrane. By blocking the production of ergosterol, antifungal agents make the fungal cell membrane more permeable, causing leakage of essential cell components and eventually leading to fungal cell death.

The antifungal properties of these medications are further enhanced by the ability of the active agents to penetrate the nail plate and reach the site of infection.

Oral Medications: Oral medications are taken by mouth and work from the inside out to treat nail fungus. The most commonly prescribed oral medications for nail fungus are terbinafine, itraconazole, and fluconazole. Oral medications are generally more effective than topical treatments, but they do carry a risk of side effects.

One of the most significant risks of oral antifungal medications is the potential for liver damage. These medications can cause liver enzyme levels to rise, leading to liver damage or failure. Oral medications may also interact with other medications the patient is taking, leading to adverse effects. Patients with a history of heart or liver disease or who are pregnant or breastfeeding may not be candidates for oral antifungal medications.

Finally, oral antifungal medications are often expensive and may not be covered by insurance. As a result, they may not be a practical or feasible treatment option for some patients.

Laser Therapy: Laser therapy is a relatively new treatment option for nail fungus. It involves using a laser to heat and destroy the fungus causing the infection. Laser therapy is safe and generally painless, but it may not be effective for all types of nail fungus. It’s also more expensive than other treatment options and may require multiple sessions to achieve the desired results.

While it may seem like a promising solution, there are some significant downsides to this option. First and foremost, laser therapy is not always covered by insurance, which means that patients may have to pay out of pocket for treatment. Additionally, it can be quite expensive, with some treatments costing thousands of dollars.

Another downside of laser therapy is that it can be quite painful. Patients may experience a burning sensation during the treatment, and the heat from the laser can cause damage to the surrounding skin. There is also a risk of infection following the treatment, as the laser can create small openings in the skin that can allow bacteria to enter. Finally, laser therapy is not always effective, and some patients may see little to no improvement in their condition even after multiple treatments.

Here is a comparison table of the different treatment options for nail fungus:

Treatment Option	Pros	Cons
Topical Medications	Easy to use, minimal side effects	May take longer to see results
Oral Medications	Fast-acting, effective	Can have serious side effects
Laser Therapy	Non-invasive, high success rate	Expensive, may require multiple treatments

Home Remedy For Nail Fungus

There are several home remedies that may be effective in treating nail fungus, but it’s important to note that these remedies are not scientifically proven and may not work for everyone. However, one popular home remedy is a vinegar soak. Here’s how to make and use a vinegar soak for nail fungus:

Ingredients:

1 part white vinegar
2 parts warm water
A basin or bowl

Steps:

Mix equal parts of white vinegar and warm water in a basin or bowl.
Soak your affected nails in the solution for 20-30 minutes.
Rinse your nails with clean water and dry them thoroughly.
Repeat this process daily until the nail fungus clears up.

It’s important to note that vinegar soaks may take several weeks or even months to be effective, and they may not work for everyone. Additionally, it’s essential to keep your nails clean and dry, avoid sharing nail clippers or other personal grooming tools, and wear clean socks and shoes to prevent the spread of nail fungus.

If your nail fungus is severe or does not respond to home remedies, it’s important to seek medical treatment from a healthcare provider. They can recommend a variety of effective treatment options, including prescription medications, topical treatments, and laser therapy.

Remember

Dealing with nail fungus can be frustrating, but there are many effective treatment options available to help you restore the health of your nails. By maintaining good hygiene habits and seeking treatment as soon as possible, you can eliminate the fungus and feel confident in your skin. Remember, prevention is always the best medicine, so be sure to take care of your nails and avoid sharing personal items with others to reduce your risk of developing nail fungus.