What is the Fastest Way to Get Rid of a Nail Fungal Infection?

What is the Fastest Way to Get Rid of a Nail Fungal Infection? 

Nail fungus is a common condition that affects the toe and fingernails. When it affects the toenails, it may start as a white or yellow spot on the tip of the nail of any of the toes. If left untreated, the discolored area spreads as the fungal infection goes deeper into the nail bed.

After some time, the affected toenail becomes thickened, yellowed, and, in some cases, starts to chip off. The fungal infection can also spread to adjacent toes and infect their toenails. If the infection settles between the toes, it becomes athlete’s foot.

If you see the initial spot or discoloration, your podiatrist will offer three types of treatment, from the slowest to the fastest.

Topical Nail Fungus Treatment

Topical fungal treatments are the slowest of the three types of treatment. Your podiatrist might recommend a fungal cream, spray, or ointment to apply to the affected areas.

Although topical treatments are available at most drug stores and can be applied easily, their effect is slow because of the nature of application. Since the infection is under the nailbed, the medication cannot reach it effectively.

Because of this limitation, topical fungal treatments are recommended for infections just starting or for other fungal infections on the skin’s surface.

Oral Nail Fungus Treatment

Oral fungal treatments are easy to take and effectively treat the fungal infection from the inside. Oral antifungal medications like terbinafine are absorbed in the body and kill off fungal infections in the body.

One of the disadvantages of oral medications is they must be taken for at least two months to clear the infection effectively. If the condition recurs, you may need to take medicine for another two or more months.

Aside from this, oral antifungal medicines can cause side effects like loss of appetite, tummy ache, nausea, and rash and rare cases, affect your liver. Although such treatments are effective, they sit midway between topical ointments and the third fungal treatment – laser treatments.

Laser Nail Fungus Treatment

Laser nail fungus treatment is an effective method that uses a laser beam to target and destroy the fungal infection without affecting surrounding tissues.

The technology uses a laser that can pass through the skin and nail tissue and can destroy fungus spores. A podiatrist applies the laser to the affected area during the treatment, effectively zapping the fungus infection under the nail.

Most fungal toe laser treatments are effective and do not need follow-up treatment. However, if the fungal infection recurs, you may need additional laser treatment sessions to eradicate it. Laser fungal toe treatment can be effective for mild to moderate infection.

The Verdict

Once your podiatrist examines you, he may recommend one or more treatments as the most appropriate. If you suspect you might have a fungal nail infection, consult your podiatrist today to discuss what option is best for you.