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Is Your Toenail Infected? How To Spot The Signs - Fox News
Spotting the signs of an infected toenail can be pretty easy, but that doesn't mean that everybody knows just what to do when they see them.
"A lot of people have ingrown toenails that become infected," Dr. Ebonie Vincent, of TLC's "My Feet Are Killing Me," told Fox News. "Usually the signs of infection are pretty easy. It's like fire-engine red around your toe, if it's warm, if it's draining pus, if it's painful to touch – those are all signs of infections."
DOCS ON TLC'S 'MY FEET ARE KILLING ME' DEAL WITH 'A LOT OF SMELLS, PUS' IN BID TO EDUCATE US ABOUT FEET
Other symptoms may include pain with pressure on the toe, swollen, tender skin, bleeding, or skin that is growing over part of the toenail. Vincent said it's a pretty common ailment among her patients, and that she sometimes removes up to two infected toenails per day at her own practice
"Usually if you remove the offending nail border, take that out, the infection usually clears out pretty quickly," she said.
Some patients may require oral antibiotics to rid of the infection, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). Patients who have the nail removed have an increased likelihood of it growing back deformed, and it may take up to four months for it to regrow.
WHAT CAUSES A BUNION?
For those with chronic, recurrent infected ingrown toenails, permanent removal of the offending nail may be advised.
And unfortunately, not every infection or ingrown toenail is preventable. Ingrown toenails can be caused by shoes, the way you walk, certain activities, or even genetics. Cutting your nails can also cause an issue, and as Vincent points out, "nobody is safe."
"But, there is a solution for everyone," she said.
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Not every patient will require surgery to treat an ingrown toenail either. Soaking the affected foot in warm water daily, and keeping it dry the rest of the day, can help provide relief before infection sets in, according to the AAOS.
Wearing comfortable shoes with adequate room, and taking ibuprofen may help with pain relief. However, if symptoms don't clear within two to three days, it is best to consult a doctor.
To see Dr. Vincent in action, tune in to TLC on Thursdays at 10 p.M. ET.
Here's How To Tell If Your Toenail Fungus Is Dying + 3 Natural ...
If your favorite sandals are sitting in the closet because of unsightly thick and yellow nails, you might be wondering how to know if toenail fungus is dying already. It turns out getting rid of this stubborn condition can require lots of patience.
Even if you're doing everything under the sun to get your toenails fungus-free, "visible improvement can take as long as a year to observe as the nail grows out," says Chelsey Straight, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist and founder of Pure Dermatology in Austin, Texas. We asked Dr. Straight and other MDs to explain once and for all what toenail fungus is, how to know if it's actually dying and how to block it from coming back.
What is toenail fungus?Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is an infection that gets in through cracks in your nails or cuts in your skin. It can make your toenails change color, get thicker or become brittle, explain Dr. Straight.
"At its core, toenail fungus is a fungal infection that penetrates and thrives within the nail bed itself," adds Naheed Ali, MD, author of Living with Metabolic Syndrome. "It announces itself with that dreaded yellow or white discoloration spreading across the nail. From there, the nail develops crumbly edges and grooved ridges as the fungus digs in deeper."
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Related: How to Remove an Ingrown Toenail Yourself + The Dental Floss Hack That's All Over TikTok
Top causes of toenail fungusDermatophytes, a group of fungi that can degrade the skin, hair and nails, are the most common cause of toenail fungus. "The usual culprit is a specific fungus called trichophyton rubrum," says Dr. Straight. Fungus isn't the only source of problems, though. Yeasts can also cause toenail fungus.
Dr. Straight says certain situations make a toenail infection more likely, too. "Older age, a weakened immune system, frequent dampness of the feet and diabetes all make someone more susceptible," she reveals. As can an injury along the nails, which increases the number of chances fungus or yeast can get in.
What else can contribute to toenail fungus? Not keeping your feet sufficiently clean and dry. "Toenail fungus absolutely loves warm, moist environments like sweaty shoes and socks," Dr. Ali says.
If you suspect you have toenail fungus, visit your doctor. The earlier you catch it, the sooner you can treat and kill it. "The duration of the toenail fungus will depend on the treatment method and the extent of the infection," says Dr. Straight. You'll need to stick with your treatment plan for about three months to a year.
"The tough truth is that toenail fungus is incredibly stubborn,"adds Dr. Ali. "Even with strong treatment, full clearing can take nine to 12 long months as you await the entire infected nail growing out and being replaced. Staying patient, keeping feet clean and dry and vigilantly preventing re-infection during that process is absolutely crucial." In the most severe cases, removing the entire nail may be required for full resolution, he notes.
How to know if toenail fungus is dyingBecause killing toenail fungus is a slow and gradual process, it can be hard to know if the fungus is dying, says Dr. Straight. "Even after the fungus is dead, the nail may continue to show signs of the infection until a new nail grows." She suggests looking for a reduction in nail thickness and discoloration as signs you're moving in the right direction. "These changes may take several months to observe due to the slow growth rate of nails," she says.
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For the very first signs that toenail fungus is dying, look to the nail base. "You'll notice healthy, new nail growth finally starting to appear at the base, pushing that thick, discolored and damaged portion out," says Dr. Ali. "That's the big victory signaling you're on the mend."
What if your toenail fungus is not dying?Now that you know how to tell if your toenail fungus is dying, what happens if yours doesn't seem to be responding to treatment? People often need medications to clear up severe or stubborn fungal nail infections. "Prescription oral antifungals are my treatment of choice," says Dr. Straight. "Specifically, terbinafine and itraconazole are highly effective." This type of Rx is often preferred by doctors and patients because it can get rid of toenail fungus in only two to three months.
Topical treatments, including ciclopirox and efinaconazole (which goes by the brand name Jublia), can also work, says Dr. Straight. Just be prepared to wait longer for the toenail fungus to die. "These agents may require up to a year to work," she notes.
Several over-the-counter (OTC) treatments for toenail fungus are available, too. These include antifungal creams, ointments and nail polishes. "Over-the-counter topical treatments like amorolfine or ciclopirox can sometimes do the trick if you catch it extremely early on," says Dr. Ali.
That said, Dr. Straight isn't a fan of the OTC route. "The reality is that over-the-counter treatments often do not work," she says. Your doctor can help you decide if an OTC remedy is worthy trying.
Related: Skip a Trip to the Doctor's Office — You Can Heal an Infected Hangnail at Home in 4 Easy Steps
3 natural remedies for toenail fungusIf you prefer to try a natural treatment for your toenail fungus, there are a few options. Here's what the research suggests may help:
1. Tea tree oilTea tree oil is known for its antifungal and antiseptic properties. A small study of 20 people in Skin Appendage Disorders found a blend of oils, including tea tree oil, cured toenail fungus in about 80% of participants. Simple apply it to the toenails as well as the soft tissue around the nails once a day for six months. The blend in the study also included vitamin E and essential oils of lime and oregano. While there's no ready-made commercial equivalent, you can talk to your doctor about trying this blend of oils at home. (See how tea tree oil can clear up eczema, too.)
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2. VinegarVinegar can create an acidic environment that inhibits fungal growth, according to Harvard Medical School experts. Simply mix one part white or apple cider vinegar to three parts warm water in a bowl or basin. Then soak your toes for 40 minutes once or twice a day until you know the toenail fungus is dying. (Discover more natural ways to get rid of toenail fungus.)
3. Snakeroot extractDespite its exotic name, snakeroot extract is a natural antifungal derived from plants in the sunflower family. And research in American Family Physician showed that it cleared up toenail fungus for 59% of patients in six months after once-daily application. Foot Dope toenail treatment combines snakeroot extract with tea tree oil, oregano and other essential oils to speed results.
Snakeroot extract can help kill toenail fungus.Albin Raj/Getty
Note: While natural remedies can occasionally provide relief, especially when toenail fungus is caught early, more research is still needed. "I don't typically recommend natural remedies in my practice because their clinical efficacy isn't well-supported by medical literature," says Dr. Straight. "My patients are always welcome to try these options because they're harmless, but I don't believe they're effective."
How to prevent toenail fungus from returningBecause toenail fungus can be so tough to treat, it's worth making an effort to keep it from coming back once you've cleared the infection. Here's what Dr. Straight advises:
Wash your feet daily with soap and water and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes.
Keep your toenails trimmed and avoid picking at or damaging the skin around your nails.
Wear breathable shoes and socks made of natural fibers like leather, canvas, cotton or wool. Rotate your shoes to allow them to fully dry out between wears. Avoid tight, synthetic shoes and socks that can trap moisture.
Wear shower shoes or flip-flops in public areas like pools, locker rooms and showers. Don't go barefoot in public places.
Inspect your feet and toes regularly for any changes in color, texture or appearance to catch a potential toenail infection in the earliest stage.
If you've had past toenail fungus infections, apply Lamisil cream to the bottoms of your feet once a week and spray your shoes with Tinactin spray to keep it from coming back.
For more ways to solve common nail bothers:
How to Remove an Ingrown Toenail Yourself + The Dental Floss Hack That's All Over TikTok
Skip a Trip to the Doctor's Office — You Can Heal an Infected Hangnail at Home in 4 Easy Steps
Discover What Those Nail Dents Reveal About Your Health + the Nail Symptom that Can Be the First Sign of a Slow Thyroid
This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.
The Best Toenail Fungus Treatment For 2024, According To ... - Yahoo
Kick the ick of toenail fungus with expert-vetted products from Fungi-Nail, Vicks, Toelieva, Lamisil and more.Fri, June 21, 2024 at 5:44 PM UTC
The best toenail fungus treatment for 2024, according to dermatologists
Toenail fungus. If the term makes you cringe, that's understandable. It's not pretty, and it's rarely the topic of polite conversation. Yet fungal infections of the nails (fingernails included) are common — they affect roughly 10% of the general population, and rates increase significantly as we age.
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See 4 moreFungal infections typically cause toenails to become thick, discolored (white or yellow), misshapen and brittle or crumbly. If that's not bad enough, treating toenail fungus is notoriously tough: It takes patience, and recurrent infections are common, says Dr. Chris Adigun, a board-certified dermatologist at Dermatology & Laser Center of Chapel Hill, in North Carolina. She stresses that only prescription topical and oral medications are clinically proven to banish toenail fungus — and even those treatments (particularly the topicals) often fall short of a cure.
Still, many over-the-counter options can help with mild cases, including brush-on liquids, ointments and foot soaks. And since toenail fungus is usually not medically serious, it's reasonable to give home treatment a shot, says Dr. Amit Garg, a board-certified dermatologist and professor at Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell in New Hyde Park, N.Y.
The downside of all those options? Figuring out the one that's best for you. To dig into the issue, we talked to three dermatologists about why treating toenail fungus is so tricky and which active ingredients in OTC products have the greatest antifungal powers. Using that information, we researched dozens of products and rated them based on ingredients, ease of use, cost and customer ratings. Below are the best toenail fungus treatments for 2024, according to experts.
Amazon
Price: $9 per applicator/bottleActive ingredient: Tolnaftate, 1%Application: Apply twice a day (morning and night)
Fungi-Nail takes the prize for best overall toenail fungus treatment in part because it's easy to use and you can choose between formulations: the pen applicator to zero in on nail edges or the brush-on liquid or ointment when you need to cover a wider area. All three versions contain tolnaftate, a known fungus killer, says Dr. Danilo C. Del Campo, a board-certified dermatologist at Chicago Skin Clinic.
Tolnaftate is included in many products for fungal skin infections such as athlete's foot, jock itch and ringworm. Del Campo says it's best, however, to opt for a preparation designed for nails.
A big caveat — with this and all topical toe fungus products — is that the active ingredient may not reach where it's needed. Nails are hard, Garg points out, and a medication that's readily absorbed into the skin may fail to penetrate the nail plate and reach the tissue underneath.
ProsAmazon
Price: $17.50 for a 6-ounce jarActive ingredients: Menthol, eucalyptus oil, thymolApplication: Apply with finger or cotton swab at least once a day
Yes, it's that ointment your mom rubbed onto your chest when you were sick as a kid. But both Del Campo and Garg say it just might improve the appearance of a mildly infected toenail. The menthol and eucalyptus oil that give Vicks its famous minty smell also have antifungal properties — as does a secondary ingredient called thymol, Garg notes.
In fact, according to a 2022 research review, there is some limited evidence that Vicks can help improve toenail fungus. One of the studies included in the review found that of 18 people, 15 saw their toenail fungus at least partially clear up after dabbing the affected area with Vicks at least once a day for a year. (Toenail fungus treatment is a long-haul process, the experts say.)
"I do suggest Vicks to certain patients," says Del Campo, who also cites the tactic as his grandmother's favorite remedy. It's cheap and low-risk, he notes, and it may be enough for some people.
ProsAmazon
Price: $25 for a 2-ounce bottleActive ingredient: Undecylenic acid, 25%Application: Brush on twice a day (morning and night)
Toelieva takes the top prize here because it's an economical choice with a maximum-strength concentration of undecylenic acid, or UA. The compound is derived from the castor oil plant, and it's one of the oldest known fungus-fighters, Del Campo notes. "Undecylenic acid provides an accessible option for managing fungal conditions without a prescription, backed by decades of use," he says.
Still, the effectiveness of UA for toenail fungus varies widely, Del Campo says. One way to improve your odds, he says, is to use a product with a high-enough concentration of UA; another is to use it diligently. Toelieva has the first covered; the second is up to you.
ProsAmazon
Price: $16 for a 16-ounce pouchActive ingredient: Tea tree oilApplication: Soak feet for 15-20 minutes as needed
Here's a foot soak with a lot going for it — it offers the fungus-fighting properties of tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil, which some research suggests are helpful for toenail fungus infections that have not reached the tissue under the nail. The soak also offers bonus skin-soothers like Epsom salt and chamomile oil. Plus, pampering your whole foot, not just your nail, may help relieve symptoms of athlete's foot, which often goes hand in hand with toenail fungus. In fact, toenail fungal infections often begin as athlete's foot: As Adigun puts it, "You basically 'catch' the infection from yourself."
One downside is that foot soaks are a bigger time commitment than other remedies — you have to mix the ingredients in water until they dissolve, then soak your feet for 15 to 20 minutes. In addition, overdoing Epsom salt soaks can dry out or irritate your skin.
ProsAmazon
Price: $16 for a 1-ounce tubeActive ingredient: Terbinafine hydrochloride, 1%Application: Apply once or twice a day
Lamisil is known for its ability to vanquish athlete's foot and jock itch, thanks to its active ingredient, terbinafine, a highly potent antifungal. In fact, when it comes to toenail fungus, oral prescription terbinafine is considered the most effective treatment. That said, the terbinafine in topical antifungals doesn't have the same effect because it's acting from the outside, where (once again) the issue is whether it can penetrate the nail and get where it needs to go.
At the same time, there is research suggesting that topical terbinafine — though at a hefty concentration of 10% — can effectively kill toenail fungus with a low risk of side effects. In general, Garg says, it's a matter of weighing risks and benefits: Oral drugs for toenail fungus are most effective but can have side effects and interact with other medications, so some people may prefer (or need) topical treatment. If you're jumping on the problem early, it's reasonable to reach for an OTC product first, Garg says.
ProsAmazon
Price: $19 for a 1-ounce bottleActive ingredients: Tea tree oil, oregano oilApplication: Apply once or twice per day
This simple brush-on blend stands out for its combination of active ingredients — tea tree and oregano oil — which have been tested in a few small clinical trials. One study published in 2020 looked at the effects of an oil blend containing tea tree, oregano, lime and vitamin E: Of 20 participants who applied the oil daily for six months, 15 were cured — that is, the fungus was gone and their nails looked healthy.
Del Campo and Garg say tea tree oil has antifungal properties and that it's worth a shot for mild cases of toenail fungus. While tea tree oil can cause skin irritation, it's a low-risk ingredient, Garg says.
ProsAmazon
Price: $22 for a .34-ounce containerActive ingredient: Tolnaftate, 1%Application: Apply twice a day (morning and night)
We like the way this 2-for-1 partners tolnaftate with a nail repair solution. Let's face it: You want an antifungal that works, but you also want that unsightly nail to look better while you're waiting. Opti-Nail promises to help. Step one is to apply the nail repair liquid, which contains lactic acid, glycerin and other ingredients designed to brighten the nail. Then, you brush the tolnaftate solution on top. Both products are housed in one handy pen that makes application easy and mess-free. That said, you end up getting a relatively small amount of the antifungal treatment for the price.
ProsAmazon
Price: $19 for 14 patchesActive ingredient: NoneApplication: Wear once a day for 6-8 hours
These patches are easy to apply (and despite the name, you can wear them during the day if you prefer). It's important to stress that they contain no antifungal medication. The manufacturer says the ingredients — including glycerin and tartaric acid — can help fungus-damaged toenails look better by hydrating and exfoliating the area. Consider these an add-on to whatever else you're doing to battle your fungal infection.
ConsAmazon
Price: $14 for 12 packetsActive ingredient: Aluminum acetateApplication: Soak feet for 15-30 minutes, up to three times a day
Experts stress that if your toe hurts, you should see a doctor. "Toenail fungus should not hurt," Adigun says. If there's pain, that could mean there's something else going on, like a bacterial infection. And sometimes what looks like toenail fungus is actually a different animal altogether, Del Campo notes: The skin condition psoriasis, for example, sometimes appears in the nails first.
That said, if you're having minor skin irritation — whether from a topical antifungal or a bout of athlete's foot — Del Campo says Domeboro foot soak is a time-honored soother. The brand has been kicking for over 60 years, and the benefits of the active ingredient, aluminum acetate, have been recognized for even longer. "Sometimes the old stuff works," Del Campo says.
The tactic does take some effort — dissolving the powder into water, then soaking your feet for up to a half hour, multiple times a day. Somewhat paradoxically, aluminum acetate can also end up causing skin irritation for some people, so ease into the treatment and work up to three soaks per day.
ProsActive ingredients. Look for antifungals that can kill the types of fungus that frequently invade the toenail. These include terbinafine, tolnaftate, undecylenic acid and clotrimazole.
The severity of your problem. OTC products will only work for mild cases of toenail fungus. Garg says that means you may have one or two nails that look only superficially affected — that is, with the tissue under the nail unaffected. If your situation is more severe, don't mess around with home remedies. Adigun stresses that even prescription-strength topical medications aren't always effective on serious fungal toenail infections.
Duration of use. Toenail fungus does not succumb easily. The experts point to prescription treatments: Topical medications are typically taken for a year, and even pills generally take three months to work. If an OTC product promises to do the job in a week, don't buy it.
The short answer is no. Toenail fungus treatment requires consistent and ongoing application of antifungal ingredients, and even long-term treatment may not eradicate challenging infections.
How long should I use an OTC treatment?It's a tough question. A toenail takes a year or longer to grow out, Del Campo notes. So even if a treatment is knocking out the fungus, you'll probably have to wait patiently to see a completely healthy-looking nail. What all three dermatologists did say: If you've been using an OTC antifungal for two months and aren't seeing any improvement, it's time to see a doctor.
When should I see a doctor about toenail fungus?In general, the experts say it's wise to consult a doctor as soon as you think you have toenail fungus. While Garg offered a loose definition of a "mild" case that may respond to home treatment, he says it's also tough to judge that with your own eye. If you see a doctor, you'll have a better sense of what's going on and can opt for OTC treatments if you prefer. If your fungal infection looks more extensive — or "if you have any doubts," Del Campo says — make that appointment. Finally, toenail fungus is a serious matter for people with certain health conditions, like diabetes and HIV, and they should see their doctor at the first signs of a problem, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Can I prevent toenail fungus from coming back?Fungus is everywhere, so it's hard to avoid altogether, Garg points out. Even among people who use oral medications to treat toenail fungus, 20%-25% see a recurrence, often within two years. Some people are just prone to foot fungus, Adigun says.
However, Garg says that some simple steps — keeping your nails trimmed, changing socks regularly and sprinkling antifungal powder in your shoes — can help ward off recurrences. And since athlete's foot fungus can spread to the toenails, Adigun says that treating and preventing that condition is also key.
Meet our expertsChris Adigun, MD, board-certified dermatologist, Dermatology & Laser Center of Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, N.C.
Danilo C. Del Campo, MD, board-certified dermatologist, Chicago Skin Clinic
Amit Garg, MD, board-certified dermatologist and professor of dermatology, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, New Hyde Park, N.Y.
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