It may not be the sexiest discussion point, but we don’t shy away from even the most squeamish topics over at ES Best - and that includes nail fungus treatments.
If you’re not sure whether you’re suffering from one or not, the signs of a fungal nail infection usually involve some discolouration of the affected nail. The nail might also be brittle and even painful if the infection is severe.
Though highly treatable, fungal nail infections can be a pain to clear. We spoke to Tamara Guerreiro Iglesias, an HCPC Registered Podiatrist and the Director of Podiatry at Margaret Dabbs London to help us better understand the world of fungal nail infections and how best to treat them.
What causes fungal nail infections?
Iglesias breaks it down: “There are a number of causes that can lead to a fungal nail infection from repetitive trauma, some systemic diseases, hyperhidrosis, non-treated fungal skin conditions, cross infection, wet environments such as public swimming pools, and walking bare feet in the garden can also lead to a specific fungal nail infection.
What are the do’s and don’ts when it comes to fungal nail infections?
“I recommend seeking professional podiatry advice to receive the right diagnosis and to have a nail pathology to confirm the condition and find a suitable treatment” says Iglesias. “Do not ignore your nails as this is very common and the longer you leave the nail untreated, the more the area will be affected and will take longer to treat”.
How does one treat a fungal nail infection?
According to Iglesias, there are four treatment options:
- Topical anti-fungal treatments (not very effective on its own).
- Laser therapy (no secondary effects and effective in combination with topical treatments).
- Oral medication (secondary effects and needs topical treatment as back up).
- Remove the nail and apply laser therapy in combination with topical treatment.
How long does it take for a fungal nail infection to clear?
“It will take at least 12 months if it is the first toenail” reveals Iglesias. “Toenails grow 1mm to 2mmm per month. With fungal nails, patients need to be extremely patient and always keep an eye on the nail after the condition has cleared up as the incidence of recurrence is high”.
Is it safe to put on nail polish after having, or when recovering from, a fungal nail infection?
This really depends on the severity. Iglesias advices that “It is not ideal as most fungal nail treatments will involve a topical treatment”. She adds though “in the summer months, we can be more relaxed and apply an anti-fungal topical treatment with a more oily texture to help to keep it under control”.
We’ve rounded up a selection of topical, over-the-counter treatments to help alleviate the symptoms of fungal nail infections.
Shop now.
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Margaret Dabbs 3-In-1 Shoe Freshener
Help to destroy the problem at its source with this 3-in-1 shoe freshener from Margaret Dabbs. This handy mains-powered device works to combat using ozone technology and a powerful disinfectant to naturally destroy 96 per cent of bacteria in all footwear.
Suitable for drying, protecting, and preserving the many different types of shoes you might have sitting in the back of your wardrobe – Margaret Dabbs also suggests using the 3-in-1 shoe freshener to help keep your cycling helmets clean and odour free.
Pair the device with Margaret Dabbs’ cult-favourite foot hygiene cream, included in this bundle deal from QVC, for the ultimate foot care routine.
Buy now £44.97, QVC
Scholl Fungal Nail Treatment
Designed to help prevent the spread of a fungal nail infection, Scholl’s fungal nail treatment is formulated to penetrate into the nail and protect against recurrence. As previously mentioned, clearing up a fungal nail infection using topical treatment alone isn’t 100 per cent effective and requires the utmost patience. As such, though the Scholl’s treatment works a treat, it may take 9-12 months to see full, lasting results.
Buy now £21.79, Boots
Dr Organic Tea Tree Nail Solution 10ml
If you’re looking for a natural restorative and protective topical treatment to aid in the alleviation of your fungal nail infections, we recommend trying Dr. Organic’s Tea Tree Nail Solution.
Organic Tea Tree oil is well known for its naturally antiseptic properties. Blended with a range of other bioactive, natural, and organic ingredients including Undecylenic Acid, this nail care solution has received rave reviews from the Holland & Barrett community.
Buy now £6.99, Holland & Barrett
Curanail 5% Fungal Nail Treatment - 3ml
A highly potent option for slightly more severe sufferers, this fungal nail treatment is only suitable for ages 18 and over. The active ingredient in this medication is 5 per cent amorolfine hydrochloride, a common and effective anti-fungal drug. It has been formulated to not only penetrate the nail but kill the fungus at its source and prevent further spreading. Use Curanail once a week for six months if treating fingernails, and 9-12 months if treating toenails.
Buy now £29.99, Boots
Imperial Feet Anti-Fungal Nail Treatment | Severe Fungal Nail Treatment
Another option formulated from natural ingredients only – tea tree oil included – this treatment from Imperial Feet is a popular solution due to the fact that it doesn’t allow for any cross-contamination. This is because rather than utilising a swab or brush to spread the solution, you simply allow the droplets to fall from the controlled applicator.
Buy now £26.97, Amazon
Poderm 2-In-1 Fungal Infection Nail Treatment
This highly concentrated solution contains 100 per cent natural ingredients, including a combination of three anti-fungal essential oils to eradicate each and every type of every candidiasis and dermatophytosis known to affect nails. Aside from aiding in the prevention of fungal infections, Poderm uniquely forms a protective lipid film over the nail to both eliminate the fungus and rejuvenate the nail faster.
Buy now £19.90, Amazon
Boots Advanced Fungal Nail Treatment Solution
This Boots Advanced Fungal Nail Treatment Solution requires just a twice weekly application to start treating a fungal nail infection and preventing fungal growth. Plus, you’ll likely see rapid visible improvement, including smoother and brighter nails from the first application.
While many at-home fungal nail treatments claim visible results from one week, it’s able to achieve this due to the need for a twice daily solution. If you’re someone who doesn’t have the time, memory or inclination to do that, this stronger bottle may be just the ticket.
Buy now £22.49, Boots
Nailner Fungal Nail Treatment Pen
This Nailner Fungal Nail Treatment Pen is one of the most popular anti-fungal nail treatments around, both in terms of effectiveness and ease of use. While treating and preventing nail infection, this Fungal Nail Treatment Pen will also brighten the nails for healthy looking toes, ensuring you’re pedicure-ready at all times.
The formula treats nail fungus by saturating the keratin layer of the nail and lowering the pH of the infected nail, creating an unfavourable environment for the fungal infection. Each pen contains enough product for approximately 400 applications to keep your toenails moisturised and looking healthy and bright all year round.
Buy now £17.32, Boots
Canespro Fungal Nail Treatment Set
Canespro’s Fungal Nail Treatment Set is the full package when it comes to clear up all kinds of fungal nail infections. The brand’s Urea Ointment selectively softens the parts of the nail infected by fungus, leaving the healthy parts intact. The plasters - you get 22 included in each pack - are used to cover the urea ointment applied to the nail, while the scraper is used to remove the softened infected parts of the nail. It usually takes 2-3 weeks to see results with this treatment.
Buy now £31.50, Ocado
Excilor Nail Fungus Treatment Solution
Fungal nail treatments come in all different options and this Excilor Nail Fungus Treatment Solution promises visible results in only two weeks. An effective, clinically proven treatment against mild to moderate fungal nail infection, its formula is composed of acetic acid, which creates a hostile environment for the development of nail fungus and limits the deterioration of the nail. And don’t be put off by its quick-working effects if you’re someone who struggles with weak nails: the formula is enriched with lipids, glycerol and biotin, which ensures the infected nail is deeply nourished and hydrated, allowing the nail to regenerate and grow stronger and healthier.
Buy now £10.16, Amazon
