Recognizing the Signs of Improving Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus, known medically as onychomycosis, is a common fungal infection that gets under the toenails. It can make nails thick, brittle, ragged, and unsightly. The good news is that with proper treatment, this stubborn infection can be defeated. But how do you know if the treatment is working and the toenail fungus is going away?
Look for Healthier New Nail Growth
One of the best signs that toenail fungus is improving is newer nail growth that looks smoother, clearer, and more normal. As the infection heals, the newer part of the nail should start to appear healthier.
It takes time for the infected part of the nail to grow out. Toenails only grow around 1 mm per month. So it can take 12 to 18 months for an entire infected toenail to be replaced by fresh, healthy nail.
But within a few months, you should see the newer nail growth at the base looking better. The nail may start to regain its normal thickness, color, and shape - signaling the fungus is dying off.
Reduced Thickening and Crumbling
Another positive sign is if the nail stops becoming thicker and more crumbly. Fungus causes keratin particles in nails to break down, making them ragged, brittle, and detached from the nail bed.
As the infection starts to resolve, you should notice less debris under the nail. It should become less thick and start to reattach more firmly to the nail bed rather than crumbling away.
These are good indications that fungus growth has slowed and the infection is losing its grip. Healthy new nail should start pushing out the damaged areas.
Loss of White Spots or Streaks
Some types of toenail fungus initially appear as white or yellow spots in or under the nails. As the fungus spreads, these spots may get bigger and make streaks.
If you start to notice these localized white/yellow areas shrinking or disappearing altogether, it means the antifungal treatment is working.
This color change back to a more normal pink nail tone suggests the fungus concentration has lessened. Your nail is transitioning back to a healthier state.
Using Topical or Oral Antifungal Medications
Getting rid of toenail fungus requires diligent treatment using prescription antifungal medications, either topical or oral. Some over-the-counter options may also help.
Look for Receding Infected Areas
Many topical creams, solutions, lacquers, or ointments contain antifungal agents to treat nail infections. As you apply these products over weeks and months, pay attention to any visible improvements.
For instance, you may notice the area of infection slowly getting smaller from the edges. The diseased part of the nail may recede back toward the cuticle as healthier nail grows forward.
If using an antifungal lacquer, the cleared area is likely to have visible nail bed showing through. All these changes indicate the topical is working as hoped against the infection.
Negative Fungal Culture Results
Oral prescription tablets are another proven toenail fungus treatment. Options include terbinafine (Lamisil), itraconazole (Sporanox), and fluconazole (Diflucan).
If you undergo a fungal culture test on the nails after taking an oral antifungal for the full treatment duration (usually 3 months), a negative result means the medicine was successful in killing the fungus.
This is reliable confirmation that the infection has been cured. But it will still take many months for the damaged part of the nail to fully grow out and be clipped off.
Using Non-Medical Treatments
Some home remedies and natural treatments may also help get rid of toenail fungus when used diligently. Look for any small positive changes.
Vinegar Soaks
White vinegar is acidic enough to have antifungal abilities. Try soaking your toes in a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water for 15-30 minutes per day. After week 2-3 look closely for subtle improvements.
You want to see less detached crumbly nail debris. The nail may start reattaching more firmly to the nail bed instead of lifting up. These suggest the vinegar is counteracting the fungus.
Coconut Oil Rubs
Some research indicates that coconut oil has antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Applying it to toenail fungus might help. Gently rub it into the nail and surrounding skin 2x per day.
After several weeks, you might notice the infected nail looking less brittle and discolored. It may start growing in a more normal shape. This shows the coconut oil may be stunting the fungal overgrowth.
While home remedies alone may not cure the infection fully like medicines, any small visible boost against the fungus means its worth continuing.
When to See a Podiatrist or Dermatologist
If after diligently trying self-care strategies for 2-3 months you see no change in toenail fungus symptoms, its time for professional help. See a podiatrist or dermatologist for an evaluation.
Prescription Medication Options
A foot or skin doctor can diagnose what type of fungus is causing your infection. They can then provide prescription oral or topical meds tailored to that strain. Following their expert medical treatment advice is key to stopping the fungus in its tracks.
Debridement to Remove Infected Nail
For severe or painful cases of toenail fungus, temporary partial nail removal may be recommended. This in-office procedure called debridement can provide faster relief by taking off the infected part of the nail.
As healthier nail then regrows over subsequent months, you should see much clearer improvements in texture, thickness, and appearance - positive proof the fungus is dying off.
Dermatologists and podiatrists can also assess how well topical or oral medications are working at follow-up visits. They may take nail clippings for fungal cultures to confirm whether infections are still active or dying off. Dont give up; with their medical expertise, stubborn fungal infections can be defeated.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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