It’s summer, and with the warm weather and humidity comes the perfect breeding ground for nail fungus. Are you noticing any discoloration in your toenails? Is a nail loosening with chalky debris underneath? These could be tell-tale signs of a fungal toenail infection.
What Exactly is Nail Fungus?
A fungal nail infection, medically known as onychomycosis, is caused by microscopic organisms called dermatophytes. These fungi thrive by feasting on keratin, a protein that makes up your skin, hair, and nails.
Symptoms to Look Out For
Fungal nail infections can manifest in various ways. Keep an eye out for:
- Thickening of the nail
- Discoloration (brown, gold, yellow, green, or black)
- Changes in texture, such as brittleness or crumbling
- Nails loosening from the nail bed or surrounding skin
- Changes in nail shape, including ridges, incurvation (ingrown), or splitting
- Pain in the nail or the skin around it
- In rare cases, drainage from under the nail or an unpleasant odor
Diagnosis: How We Confirm the Infection
Diagnosing a fungal nail infection often starts with a clinical examination of your nail. In some cases, to confirm the diagnosis and identify the specific type of fungus, we might send a small portion of the nail to a lab for testing.
Effective Treatment Options
While nail fungus can be persistent, several effective treatment options are available to help you achieve clear, healthy nails:
1. Oral Medications
Oral antifungal medications have been a cornerstone of treatment for decades. Among them, terbinafine is often considered one of the most effective and safest options. Once known by its brand name Lamisil, it’s now widely available in a more affordable generic form. Terbinafine boasts a high success rate, ranging from 70-80% in clearing fungal nail infections. Historically, this treatment required regular blood tests to monitor liver enzymes, but with newer guidelines, monitoring frequency may vary.
2. Topical Treatments
While there’s a wide array of topical treatments available, their success rates are generally lower than oral medications. This is because it can be challenging for topical solutions to penetrate through the nail plate to reach the fungus hiding underneath. We’ve found excellent results with Tolcylen, a product that combines the right ingredients to effectively target the infection site.
3. Laser Therapy
Laser treatment involves a series of sessions where a specialized laser is used on the infected nail plates. The laser works by creating a thermal injury to the fungus, effectively destroying it. When combined with a high-quality topical like Tolcylen, laser therapy can achieve success rates comparable to oral antifungal treatments. This option is safe and non-toxic, but it’s important to note that it is typically not covered by insurance.
Beware of Unproven Remedies
You might come across numerous unverified “cures” online, such as essential oils (tea tree oil, oil of oregano, etc.), Vicks VapoRub, vinegar soaks, and even bleach. It’s crucial to understand that there is no scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of these treatments, and some can even be harmful to your skin. Always consult with a podiatrist before trying any at-home remedies.
Preventing Recurrence
Unfortunately, even after successful treatment, fungal nail infections can recur. This is often due to a combination of factors, including individual susceptibility and environmental conditions like warm, humid environments (think sweaty work boots).
To help keep your toenails healthy and fungus-free, be sure to check out our “Recommendations for Fungal Infection Prevention” for practical tips and advice!
Ready to get your nails summer-ready? Don’t let nail fungus keep you from enjoying the season. CLICK HERE to contact us today to schedule an appointment and discuss the best treatment plan for you!