If you’re like many people, you probably don’t give much thought to your toenails. But if you have a toenail fungus, suddenly they can become a big deal. A toenail fungus is an infection that gets in through cracks in your nail or cuts in your skin. It can make your toenail change color or get thicker. It can also be painful.
What Is A Topical Antifungal For Toenails And How Does It Work?
There are different kinds of topical antifungals for toenails. Some are applied directly to the nail, and others are applied to the surrounding skin. The most common topical antifungal for toenails is clotrimazole.
Others include miconazole, terbinafine, and Tolnaftate. EMUAID® First Aid Ointment is another such product. It is particularly effective against fungal skin conditions, with many exceptional reviews of EMUAID® for nail fungus. Topical antifungals work by killing the fungus or preventing it from growing.
Clotrimazole
Clotrimazole is the most common topical antifungal for toenails. It comes in a cream, lotion, or solution. You apply it to the affected nail and surrounding skin once or twice a day. It’s important to use clotrimazole for the full amount of time your doctor prescribes. If you stop using it too soon, the fungus could come back.
Miconazole
Miconazole comes in a cream, gel, spray, and topical solution. You apply it to the affected nail and surrounding skin once or twice a day. It’s important to use miconazole for the full amount of time your doctor prescribes. If you stop using it too soon, the fungus could come back.
Terbinafine
Terbinafine comes as a topical cream , topical solution, and topical gel. You apply it to the affected nail and surrounding skin once a day. It’s important to use terbinafine for the full amount of time your doctor prescribes. If you stop using it too soon, the fungus could come back.
Tolnaftate
Tolnaftate comes as a topical cream, topical solution, topical gel, and topical spray. You apply it to the affected nail and surrounding skin once or twice a day. It’s important to use Tolnaftate for the full amount of time your doctor prescribes. If you stop using it too soon, the fungus could come back.
Topical antifungals are usually safe. But like all medications, they can have side effects. The most common side effect is skin irritation. If you have any other symptoms or your symptoms get worse, call your doctor.
When Should You Call Your Doctor?
Call your doctor if you have any of these signs or symptoms:
- Your toenail fungus doesn’t go away after 4 weeks of treatment with a topical antifungal
- You have new nails that are thick and discolored
- You have toenails that are crumbling or falling off
- You have pain in your toes
- You have swelling in your foot or ankle
Don’t try to treat a toenail infection yourself. It’s important to see your doctor
How Do I Use A Topical Antifungal For Toenails?
Topical antifungals are usually applied once or twice a day for two to four weeks. Be sure to follow the directions on the package. Some topical antifungals need to be applied for a longer period of time to clear the infection. You may also need to take oral antifungal medicine if the topical medicine doesn’t work.
What Are The Side Effects Of Topical Antifungals For Toenails?
The most common side effect of topical antifungals is skin irritation. This can usually be avoided by applying the medicine to the surrounding skin, not the nail itself. If you do experience skin irritation, stop using the topical antifungal and talk to your doctor.
Other possible side effects include:
- Allergic reaction
- Burning or stinging sensation
- Dryness or cracking of the skin
If you experience any of these side effects, stop using the topical antifungal and talk to your doctor.
Is There A Generic Topical Antifungal For Toenails?
Yes, there are generic topical antifungals for toenails available. The most common generic topical antifungal is clotrimazole.
Other topical antifungals include miconazole, terbinafine, and Tolnaftate.
How Much Does A Topical Antifungal For Toenails Cost?
The cost of a topical antifungal for toenails will vary depending on the type of topical antifungal and the brand. Generic topical antifungals are usually less expensive than brand-name topical antifungals.
Topical antifungals are usually covered by insurance. Talk to your insurance company to see if your plan covers the cost of a topical antifungal for toenails.
What Are The Benefits Of A Topical Antifungal For Toenails?
A topical antifungal for toenails can clear up a toenail fungus infection. It is usually less expensive than oral antifungal medicine, and it has fewer side effects.
A topical antifungal for toenails can also be used to prevent a toenail fungus infection from returning. If you have had a toenail fungus infection in the past, talk to your doctor about using a topical antifungal for toenails to prevent the infection from coming back.
How Long Should You Use Antifungal For Toenails Before Seeing Results?
Most topical antifungals for toenails need to be used for two to four weeks before you see results. You may need to use the topical antifungal for a longer period of time to clear the infection.
If you don’t see any improvement after four weeks of using a topical antifungal, talk to your doctor. You may need to take oral antifungal medicine.
Can You Continue Using Antifungal For Toenails After Your Nails Have Cleared Up Completely?
Yes, you can continue using a topical antifungal for toenails after your nails have cleared up completely. This will help to prevent the infection from coming back.
If you have had a toenail fungus infection in the past, talk to your doctor about using a topical antifungal for toenails to prevent the infection from coming back.
Alternative Topical Antifungal Treatments For Toenails
In addition to topical antifungals, there are other alternative topical treatments for toenail fungus. These include:
- Tea tree oil
- Apple cider vinegar
- Oregano oil
These oils can be found at most health food stores. You can apply them to the affected nail with a cotton swab or brush. Be sure to follow the directions on the package.
These alternative topical treatments for toenail fungus have not been proven to be effective in treating toenail fungus. Talk to your doctor about whether these treatments are right for you.
Talk to your doctor about these alternative topical treatments for toenail fungus.
Takeaways
A topical antifungal for toenails is a medicine that you apply directly to your nail to treat a toenail fungus infection. A topical antifungal can usually clear up a toenail fungus infection within two to four weeks.
There are both brand-name and generic topical antifungals available. Generic topical antifungals are usually less expensive than brand-name topical antifungals. Most insurance plans will cover the cost of a topical antifungal for toenails.
Topical antifungals can also be used to prevent a toenail fungus infection from coming back. If you have had a toenail fungus infection in the past, talk to your doctor about using a topical antifungal for toenails to prevent the infection from returning.
There are alternative topical treatments for toenail fungus available, but they have not been proven to be effective in treating toenail fungus. Talk to your doctor about whether these treatments are right for you.