What Are Some Treatments for Toenail Infections?

Toenail infections are an unsightly and often painful condition. The National Institutes of Health says they primary affect adults, especially those who frequently visit public shows, swimming pools and gyms. The fungus that causes a toenail infection thrives in warm, wet environments and can easily attack the feet of people who walk through them. Fortunately, there are several treatments for toenail infections, although they can take up to a year to cure the problem completely.

Definition

• According to the Mayo Clinic, a toenail infection occurs when fungus attacks one or more toenails. Most toenail infections are caused by a type of fungus called a dermatophyte. However, some infections are triggered by molds or yeasts. The infectious agent enters the nail through a small crack or separation between the nail and its nail bed. Toenail infections need an antifungal treatment to eliminate the problem.

Features

• A toenail infection usually starts out as a small yellow or white spot that appears on at least one nail. Over time it will spread more deeply into the toenail, and the Mayo Clinic says it will cause highly visible symptoms. These include discoloration and thickening of the affected toenails. Eventually their edges will crumble, and they may become painful.

Oral Treatments

• The Mayo Clinic says that over-the-counter treatments don't usually cure toenail infections. It's better to see a doctor for a prescription treatment. Many doctors prescribe oral anti-fungal medications such as terbinafine or itraconazole. They allow a new toenail to grow in with no infection. It will slowly replace the infected nail. Oral medications are usually taken for up to 12 weeks, but a complete cure takes much longer. It can take four months or more for a new nail to grow in completely.

Topical Treatments

• Some doctors prescribe topical treatments for toenail infections. The Mayo Clinic says that mild to moderate infections are often treated with an antifungal laquer. It is painted onto the infected nail daily for a week, allowing a thick coating to build up. At the end of the week, the build-up is removed and the process is repeated. This treatment may need to be repeated for up to a year to completely cure the toenail infection.

  Some doctors may prescribe an anti-fungal cream to be used alone or along with an over-the-counter lotion containing urea. This ingredient helps the cream to be absorbed more quickly. According to the Mayo Clinic, creams are usually used along with oral medication.

Surgery

• Severe or painful toenail infections are sometimes treated with surgery. During the procedure, the entire toenail is removed. This allows a new, healthy nail to grow in its place. The Mayo Clinic says the growth process may take up to a year. Some doctors use a medication called ciclopirox along with surgery to treat the nail bed.

Home Treatments

• Two popular home treatments for toenail infections are vinegar and menthol rub. The Mayo Clinic says that they have not been proven effective through research, but there is anecdotal evidence that they may work for some people. Vinegar should be used as a soak, with one part vinegar to two parts warm water. The feet should be submerged for 20 minutes, then thoroughly dried, and the process can be repeated daily. Menthol rub can be applied directly to the affected toenails.