What is the Most Effective Treatment for Toenail Fungus?

Is your toenail becoming brittle and discoloured? Then You are in the right place. This condition may be resistant, but some treatments are effective enough to return your nails to their health.  Explore the most effective treatments for toenail fungal infections in this blog and see what suits you. 

Most Effective Treatments for Fungal Toenails

Home Remedies for Toenail Fungus

Most people want to start with home remedies for treating toenail fungus, especially in its initial stages. These remedies might take a little longer but are easily available and inexpensive.

• Tea Tree Oil & Eucalyptus Oil

Tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil are well known for their antifungal properties. Researchers have established that consistently applying these essential oils leads to the successful treatment of fungal infections. Mix a few drops of each oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil and directly apply it to the infected nail.

• Ozonised Sunflower Oil

Ozone-treated sunflower oil is another relatively unknown but promising remedy. A study conducted in Brazil proved that it is very effective against yeast infections and other fungal diseases. Apply a small amount of the ozonised oil to the infected nail twice daily.

• Baking Soda

Baking soda is another inexpensive and easy-to-apply product. It inhibits fungus growth and prevents moisture from surrounding the nail area, which doesn’t favour fungi. Mix baking soda with water. Make a fine paste and apply it to the nail area. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before washing it off.

• Vicks VapoRub

Miraculously, this common mentholated ointment has proven useful for treating toenail fungus. Though the studies are few, most people can attest to success by rubbing Vicks VapoRub onto the affected area each day.

While home remedies may be helpful, they can only go so far. Thus, they may not be as effective for someone suffering from an advanced case. More intense treatments may be needed if you wonder what kills toenail fungus instantly.

Over-the-Counter Treatment of Toenail Fungus

Over-the-counter (OTC) products give treatment a little more oomph. They are easily accessible and usually contain antifungal agents designed to combat the infection better.

You can expect to find the following active ingredients in creams, sprays, or ointments:

• Tolnaftate: Good for mild fungal infections.
• Clotrimazole: One of the most popular antifungals, inhibits fungi from growing.
• Terbinafine (Lamisil): Powerful antifungal.

These treatments are applied directly to the nail and surrounding skin. They are reliable for mild to moderate cases; however,  you might wait several weeks or months to see the results.

Prescription Treatments for Toenail Fungus

If OTC treatments are not effective, prescription-strength medications may be required. These treatments are often more potent and can target stubborn infections.

• Topical Medications

Prescription topical antifungal treatments are designed to penetrate the nail more effectively than OTC products. These include medicated nail lacquers or creams that require daily application.

• Oral Antifungal Medications

Oral antifungal medications, such as itraconazole, are used to treat more severe cases of toenail fungus. These pills target the infection systemically from within. Although oral treatments are highly effective, they may cause side effects. Liver function tests are frequently needed during the treatment course to ensure safety.

Advanced Treatment for Toenail Fungal Infection

Advanced medical intervention is the only option for these remedies, including OTC and prescription treatments, which fail to help. Let’s discuss some of the state-of-the-art options available today.

• NeoGen Plasma Therapy

NeoGen Plasma Treatment is one of the most effective treatments for toenail fungus. This noninvasive therapy uses plasma energy to target and kill the fungi causing the infection. The plasma heats the nail bed gently and precisely, while destroying fungal cells without damaging the surrounding tissues.

Advantages of NeoGen Plasma include:

• It has a high success rate compared to traditional treatments.
• It causes minimal discomfort with no downtime.
• Reduced risk of recurrence when combined with preventive measures.

This innovative treatment is gaining popularity for its effectiveness and convenience, making it a top choice for those with persistent toenail fungus.

Surgical Nail Removal

In severe cases, nail removal is considered surgically performed because the infection does not respond to any other form of treatment. This allows the doctor to deal directly with the nail bed, giving the new nail a better chance of becoming healthy. Permanent nail removal may be considered if the infection is chronic and painful.

Conclusion

For mild cases, self-medication or over-the-counter treatments can be useful. Nevertheless, advanced solutions such as NeoGen Plasma treatment in Leeds lead with their superior success rate and non-invasive applications. Consult the experts if your toenails suffer from long-term and/or severe toenail fungus infections.

FAQs

1. What kills nail fungus the fastest?

Advanced treatments like NeoGen plasma are non-surgical and the fastest way to kill toenail fungus.

2. What is the best antifungal cream for toenails?

Your doctor may prescribe an anti-fungal cream containing ingredients like efinaconazole and tavaborole to treat toenail fungus. 

3. Why does Vicks VapoRub work on nail fungus?

VickVapo rub contains eucalyptus oil, menthol, and camphor. These ingredients are thought to put an end to the fungal infection.

4. Does toothpaste help toenail fungus?

No. There is no evidence that toothpaste helps fight toenail fungal infection.