Best Nail Fungus Treatments

Nail fungus is a stubborn skin ailment—and unfortunately there is no one cure that takes care of it in all cases. If the fingernails or toenails are exposed to moisture all the time, they can become infected with a fungus, yeast or mold. The fungus grows underneath the nail, and feeds off the proteins in the nail. The nails can change color, becoming white, yellow, or even black. The nails also become thick and hard to trim—they can even break, separate from the nail bed and fall off. It can be very unattractive—and can even cause serious discomfort. A number of treatments--either ones that you take by mouth, or that you apply directly to the infected nails--have been developed. (Laser treatment has also seen some success.) Here is a guide to some of the best nail fungus treatments on the market. 

Note: Before initiating any treatment, it's best to consult a doctor. It's important to test that the nail problem is actually due to a fungus, and not just some other type of nail deformity. If so, fungus treatments will be just a waste of time and money.

• Topical treatments:

  • Pharmaceutical treatments: Conventional treatments will contain the active ingredient Miconazole Nitrate, ciclopirox, amorolfine, or efinaconazole. They work by preventing certain stages of fungus growth.

  • Natural treatments: There are skin care products with all-natural ingredients. There are certain ingredients that are common to many natural treatments:

  • Coconut Oil: The Probelle Natural Nail Treatment contains coconut oil—some users say that they see results after only 2-3 weeks of use. They supplement the treatment with applying coconut oil to the rest of the foot.

  • Aloe Vera: Since they grow in a desert climate, the aloe vera plant has to be efficient in absorbing water from the surroundings. Excess moisture due to sweating helps fungi grow. Aloe vera can be effective in absorbing that excess moisture, taking away the fungus' main source of growth.

  • Cehami: This is an extract from an Australian flower that has been found to be effective in killing microbes, as well as reducing swelling and pain. It also has an absorbent quality, taking in the moisture from the surroundings.

  • Tea Tree Oil: This oil has been found to be effective in washing away the fungus from the nail bed in people who suffer from fungus on the nails. The H-Nail Fungus formula uses tea tree oil (“melaleuca”) together with Calendula (derived from marigolds). Malcolm's Miracle's Funginix also employs tea tree oil. There are also tea tree soaks, such at that made by Purely Northwest, that people use to soak the feet to treat fungus on toenails.

  • Manuka Oil: The Pur365 Manuka Oil claims to be more powerful and effective than tea tree oil in treating toenail fungus (as well as fungus infections in general).

• Oral treatment:

  • Pharmaceutical treatments: Medicines containing terbinafine, itraconazole or fulconazole have seen success.

• Laser treatment: The Cure Ex Nail Fungus Treatment Laser Device is based on the fact that the nail fungus is sensitive to heat between 40-60 degrees Celsius (104-140 degrees Fahrenheit). The laser treatment heats the nail bed (from where the nail starts to grow) and kills the fungus. This apparatus is expensive ($279.00), but it has seen some successes—with only 7 minutes of treatment a day per nail.

Based on all the consumers' reviews we've scanned, these are the top things they mentioned about their new stuff:

• Fungistatic versus Fungicide: A lot of over-the-counter treatments are fungistatic treatments. Fungistatic creams only slow the growth of fungus, instead of actually killing the fungus (like a fungicide does). They will take longer to work, and will require more discipline on the part of the patient to see good results.

• Drug reactions: Since pharmaceutical products can have side effects, people who are especially afraid of any adverse reactions (such as children or pregnant women) lean towards natural treatments, involving tea tree, manuka, or coconut oils..

• Keeping the infected area dry: Anti-fungal treatments will only be effective if you can keep the area dry and clean. If you have nail fungus on your toenails, it is essential to change socks daily, and to prefer using socks that whisk away moisture, rather than absorb it and stay moist the whole day. Also, it is necessary to continue the treatment daily. Taking or applying medication only occasionally will end up making the fungus resistant and harder to treat.

• Cutting the nails: Since the fungus lives off the proteins in the nails, cut away the infected part of the nail as it grows out.

• Duration of treatment: It should go without saying that if the condition ever gets worse after a particular treatment, stop immediately and try something else. If there are no adverse reactions, be patient with the treatment at first: It can take 6-12 weeks to see any improvement. (This is because the old, infected nail has to grow out and be replaced by healthy nail. It might take 4 months to totally eliminate a nail infection.)

Purely Northwest-- is a company that makes products based on natural oils to promote healthy skin and nails. They are located in Sedro Woolley, Washington. They have a series of anti-fungal washes and creams.

aVo Essentials—are makers of a number of essential oils: lavender, tea tree, coconut, and argan oil. They are employed in a number of uses: fungus and dandruff treatment, anxiety and stress relief, hair care, and aroma therapy.

Probelle—was founded in 2013 in Dania Beach, Florida. They specialize in nail care products. They make both nail polish and nail treatments. Their products are designed to restore and maintain healthy natural nails.

Malcolm's Miracle— manufacture a wide range of skin care products from plant and mineral sources. They have treatments for rosacea, acne, ringworm, and toenail fungus.

Pur365—are manufacturers of organic oils, such as emu, tamanu, manuka, and argan oil. Their manuka oil is touted to relieve nail fungus problems.