Fingernail fungus can take time to clear up, and it may be several months before the affected nail grows back. Medical treatments are the only known methods to effectively treat nail fungus.
If you’ve noticed fingernail discoloration along with gradual thickening, you may be dealing with fingernail fungus.
Nail fungus (onychomycosis) refers to a common type of infection that develops when fungi enter and spread in your nails. While
While nail fungus tends to develop gradually, left untreated, it can be a chronic condition. There’s no way to get rid of fingernail fungus quickly, and prescription medications are the only treatments that can cure it.
If you think you have fingernail fungus, learn more about your treatment options and how you may possibly prevent the fungi from spreading to other nails.
To date, however, there isn’t a lot of evidence backing up various home remedies, and they may not clear up the infection. They also don’t work any quicker than medical treatment prescribed by a doctor.
Consider some of the following home remedies as complements to medical treatment:
Nail scraping
While not considered 100% effective in clearing up a fingernail infection, nail scraping is thought to work by gradually removing parts of the affected nail every day over the course of 2 to 3 weeks.
This involves using an over-the-counter (OTC) kit with urea paste to help soften the nail, as well as a scraping device. First, you wash the affected nail and dry it. Then, you apply the paste and cover it with a bandage for 24 hours before scraping the nail.
While nail scraping may help remove an active infection, it doesn’t remove all of the fungus. You may still need to follow up with an antifungal medication.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is considered to have antimicrobial and antifungal properties. It’s even
While tea tree oil may possibly help treat fingernail fungus, it’s important to note that more clinical research is needed to support this method. Also, tea tree oil can cause irritation in the surrounding skin.
Vicks VapoRub
This cough suppressant and topical analgesic is traditionally used help alleviate symptoms of a cold or joint pain. However, its key active ingredients of camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol have garnered interest for other possible topical uses, including nail fungus.
So far though, only one study has looked at the benefits of Vicks VapoRub, and the data was published in 2011. Interestingly, most of the study participants had positive results in using the product for nail fungus after 48 weeks. The focus of the study was also on toenail fungus.
If you do decide to use Vicks VapoRub for fingernail fungus, the idea is to apply it topically every day. Keep in mind that there are no established instructions for the purposes of fungal nail treatment.
Seek medical help if you are experiencing possible signs or symptoms of a fingernail fungal infection. These include:
- discoloration of your fingernail, which can be white, yellow, or brown, and even green or black
- white spots on your nail
- nail thickening or brittleness
- thin nails that may also break easily
- difficulty trimming your nails due to texture changes
- pain in the affected finger
You should also consider seeing a doctor if you experience the above and have a condition that increases your risk of nail fungus, such as an autoimmune disease, psoriasis, or diabetes.
On the flipside, if you’ve already started treatment for fingernail fungus, call a doctor if you’re not seeing improvements within a few weeks. This could mean treatment isn’t working.
The only way to fully get rid of fingernail fungus is through medical treatments. These can also help prevent the fungus from spreading to other fingernails or parts of your body, as well as to other people.
A doctor may recommend one of the following treatments for a fungal nail infection:
- Antifungal medications: These may be available in the form of oral tablets or topical paints and are thought to be effective in treating up to 80% of nail infections.
- Combination therapies: In some cases, a doctor may recommend both topical and oral antifungal medications to help get rid of the fingernail infection.
- Laser therapy: If the infection doesn’t clear up with medications alone, laser treatments may help destroy fungi via high dose light energy.
- Surgery: In severe cases, and if other treatments have failed, a doctor may surgically remove the infected nail.
- Nonsurgical removal: A fingernail may also be removed non-surgically with chemicals.
A doctor will help you weigh the benefits and drawbacks of different treatment methods. For example, while oral antifungal medications are effective, they can cause side effects. Topical versions do not cause side effects but
There are no known home remedies that can fully eliminate nail fungus. Also, while medical treatments are effective, they take time to work.
On average, it can take 4 to 6 months for fingernails to grow back to a healthier state after taking antifungal medications. In some cases, it can take a total of 6 to 18 months for a healthy nail to return.
If a doctor recommends laser therapy, you may need several treatments over the course of a year.
If a doctor recommends nail removal as a last resort, know that it can take at least 1 year for a healthy new nail to grow back in its place.
In all cases, it’s important to keep in mind that your fingernail may not look exactly as it once did prior to the infection.
If a fungus treatment is working, you may notice your nail starting to grow back to a healthier state within a few months. However, the
It’s also important to focus on other symptoms and signs besides notable discoloration. In some cases, a fungal nail infection can spread throughout the affected nail and cause it to become crumbly and brittle. As a result, the nail may break off easily.
Once you’ve treated fingernail fungus, it’s important to take steps to help prevent the infection from returning or spreading to other nails. You can reduce your risk by:
- keeping your hands clean and dry
- washing hand and bath towels on a regular basis
- not sharing towels with others
- keeping nails short with sterilized scissors or clippers
- not sharing nail clippers with other people
A mild fungal infection in your fingernail may not require medical treatment. However, if a doctor does recommend treatment, consider discussing the following frequently asked questions with them.
What’s the best over-the-counter nail fungus treatment?
There isn’t a single best OTC treatment for nail fungus. To truly get rid of the underlying infection, you will need to consult a doctor for medical treatments, such as prescription antifungals.
What’s the best fungal nail treatment for severe cases?
Oral antifungal medications are thought to be the
What is the fastest way to treat fingernail fungus?
Fingernail fungus cannot be treated quickly, though prescription antifungals can cure most cases. Even if antifungal medications effectively treat the infection, it can take several months for your nail to return to its normal state.
If you see signs of a fingernail fungal infection, you may be tempted to try to treat it on your own. However, there’s currently no evidence that any home remedy can fully clear up a fungal nail infection.
It can take time for a fingernail fungal infection to clear, so it’s important to stick with your treatment plan as prescribed by a medical professional. Do not stop taking medications just because you’re not seeing immediate results, as this can cause the fungus to come back.
