Comprehensive Review of Top Easy Patch Treatments for Toenail Fungus

A Comprehensive Review of Easy Patch Toenail Treatments

Fungal toenail infections affect millions of people worldwide. If left untreated, the infection can spread and lead to pain, thickening nails, debris buildup, and an unpleasant odor. While oral medications are an option, many prefer an easy topical patch treatment right on the nail. Here is an in-depth review of some popular easy patch toenail products for treating fungal infections at home.

What Causes Toenail Fungus?

Toenail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is commonly caused by dermatophyte fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments like swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers. Fungal spores can enter through tiny cuts and lifts in your nail or toe skin and set up an infection. Toenails are especially vulnerable because they are often confined in shoes and socks that create a perfect incubator.

In addition to dermatophytes, yeasts and molds can also infect nails. Contributing factors include a suppressed immune system, diabetes, injuries, poor circulation, and improper nail care like very short nails or harsh chemicals.

Signs and Symptoms

Common signs of a fungal toenail infection include:

• Thickened, brittle, distorted nails
• Debris, crumbling edges or white spots under nails
• Discolored nails that are white, yellow, brown, or green
• Detached nails from the nail bed
• Foul odor coming from nails
• Pain or discomfort in toes

Prevention Tips

You can help prevent fungal toenail infections by:

• Keeping feet clean and dry
• Wearing moisture-wicking socks
• Wearing shower shoes in public areas
• Disinfecting nail tools and pedicure stations
• Avoiding sharing shoes or nail clippers
• Treating athlete's foot promptly
• Trimming nails straight across to prevent ingrown nails

Topical Patch Treatments

One of the easiest and most convenient ways to treat toenail fungus is with medicated patches and films that stick right on the nail. These provide continuous delivery of anti-fungal medication right where its needed. Here are some top products in this category:

Kerydin Toenail Fungus Treatment

Kerydin (tavaborole) is a topical antifungal solution packaged in a pre-formed medicated patch for each toenail. It helps clear infections caused by dermatophytes and yeasts. Tavaborole inhibits an amino acid necessary for fungal protein synthesis, basically starving the fungus.

In a 48-week clinical trial, about 35% of people treated with Kerydin achieved a completely or almost completely clear toenail (mycological cure) versus only 14% in the placebo patch group. Common side effects are ingrown toenail, redness, itching, swelling, burning, and pain.

Jublia Topical Solution

Jublia (efinaconazole) 10% topical solution is painted on once daily to infected toenails to penetrate through the nail and kill fungi at the site. It takes about 48 weeks to fully clear an infection. Studies showed it was more effective than placebo and similar to prescription oral antifungal pills.

Mild side effects can include ingrown toenail, redness, itching, swelling, burning, and pain around the treated nail. Jublia should not be used if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

Ciclopirox Topical Nail Lacquer

Ciclopirox is an antifungal nail lacquer that suffocates fungi by inhibiting metabolic processes needed for growth. It is applied daily for up to one year until the infected nail grows out completely. One clinical trial showed it cured fungal toenail infections in about half of patients.

Possible side effects include rash, itching, burning, redness, blistering, dryness, cracking, swelling, irritation, and nail discoloration. Use is not recommended in those with diabetes or impaired circulation.

Fungi-Nail Toe & Foot Topical Solution

Fungi-Nail contains the active ingredients undecylenic acid and tea tree oil known for antifungal properties. The clear liquid solution is simply brushed on toenails and surrounding skin once or twice daily until the infection resolves. Anecdotal reviews are mostly positive.

Tea tree oil can sometimes cause mild irritation, redness, stinging, or swelling. Use caution if you have sensitive skin. Fungi-Nail is not suitable for those with diabetes, vascular disease, or nerve damage in the feet.

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

In addition to medicated patches and lacquers, good foot hygiene and at-home remedies may help combat mild fungal infections or keep them from recurring after treatment. Try these tips:

• Soak feet in vinegar water - Its antifungal properties may help prevent and treat fungal nail infections.
• Apply Vicks VapoRub - The thymol has anti-fungal activity.
• Use tea tree, clove, or neem oil - Their potent antifungal properties may inhibit nail fungus growth.
• Maintain a healthy diet and sleep schedule to boost immunity against infections.
• Keep feet clean and dry to prevent fungus flourishing in moist environments.

When to See a Doctor

See your doctor if:

• Fungal infections don't clear with proper home treatment
• Infections are severe or cause pain
• You have diabetes, nerve damage, or poor circulation
• Nails detach or thickening worsens
• Skin redness, swelling, oozing, or foul odor develop

For stubborn, severe, or widespread infections, oral antifungal medication may be necessary. Seek prompt medical attention if any signs of bacterial infection like fever, chills, increased swelling, or pus occur.

Prevention Is Ideal

The best approach is preventing toenail fungus in the first place through good hygiene and prompt treatment of athletes foot infections. But if you do develop a fungal toenail problem, today's over-the-counter patch treatments offer an easy and effective solution for clearing it up.

Be patient, as it takes time for new, infection-free nails to grow out. But with diligent at-home treatment, you can eliminate toenail fungus for good.

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.