Toenail Pain [Toenail Fungus, Ingrown Toenails, Discolored Toenails]
What is the best over the counter toenail fungus treatment? [Podiatrist Tips]
- There are many different over the counter toenail fungus and foot fungus treatments available. We review the best ones!
Table of Contents
Best Fungus Products:
Best Toenail Fungus Over The Counter:
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What is Toenail Fungus & Foot Fungus?
- Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common fungal infection that affects the toenails.
- Foot Fungus is also known as Athlete’s foot or tinea pedis. It can cause the nails to become thick, discolored, brittle, and difficult to treat.
- It is essential to treat both foot fungus and toenail fungus.
Why Treat Toenail Fungus?
Treating toenail fungus and foot fungus is essential for several reasons:
- Symptom relief: Toenail fungus and foot fungus can cause a range of symptoms, such as itching, burning, and discomfort. Treating the infection can provide relief from these symptoms and improve overall foot health.
- Preventing complications: Toenail fungus and foot fungus can lead to more severe complications if left untreated. For example, toenail fungus can cause the nail to thicken and become deformed, and foot fungus can lead to skin infections or open sores. Treating the disease can help prevent these complications.
- Improved appearance: Toenail fungus and foot fungus can cause the nails to become discolored, thick, and brittle and can also cause the skin to become dry, flaky, and cracked. Treating the infection can improve the appearance of the nails and skin, boosting self-confidence and overall well-being.
- Preventing transmission: Toenail fungus and foot fungus are highly contagious and can be spread to other people through direct contact or contact with contaminated surfaces. Treating the infection can help prevent transmission to others.
In summary, treating toenail fungus and foot fungus is essential for symptom relief, preventing complications, improving appearance, and preventing transmission to others. If you suspect you have toenail fungus or foot fungus, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Before taking any medication:
Before using over-the-counter treatments at home: Consider the following:
Cost:
- OTC treatments for toenail fungus can vary; some may be more expensive.
- It’s essential to consider the cost when choosing a treatment option, but also remember that more expensive treatments may not necessarily be more effective.
Nail removal:
- Sometimes, nail removal may be necessary to treat severe toenail fungus.
- While this is typically done in a medical setting, some OTC treatments can help soften the nail and make it easier to remove.
- However, it’s essential to use caution when removing the nail at home, as this can be painful and increase the risk of infection.
Natural remedies:
- Some people prefer to use natural remedies for toenail fungus, such as essential oils or herbal remedies.
- While these remedies may be safe and effective for some people, limited scientific evidence supports their use.
- It’s important to use caution and consult a healthcare professional before using natural remedies for toenail fungus.
Recurrence:
- Toenail fungus can be a stubborn condition that may recur even after successful treatment.
- It’s important to continue practicing good foot hygiene and monitoring for signs of infection, such as thickening or discoloration of the nails, even after the infection has cleared.
Medical supervision:
- While OTC treatments for toenail fungus are generally safe, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new therapy.
- This is especially important if you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking medications that may interact with the treatment.
The Best Over The Counter Treatments:
Over-the-counter (OTC) toenail fungus treatments can be effective for mild to moderate cases. This article will discuss the best OTC toenail fungus treatments and provide evidence to support their effectiveness.
Terbinafine:
Amazon Link & Store Comparison:(Cream) https://geni.us/8um5m
Amazon Link & Store Comparison: (Spray): https://geni.us/sDRa
- Terbinafine is an antifungal medication available as an OTC cream or spray.
- It works by killing the fungus that causes toenail infections.
- In a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, terbinafine effectively treats toenail fungus in 70% of patients after 48 weeks of treatment.
- Another study published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment found that terbinafine was significantly more effective than a placebo in treating toenail fungus.
Clotrimazole:
Amazon Link & Comparison (Cream): https://geni.us/XD7sQU
Amazon Link & Comparison (Spray): https://geni.us/9VEo4K4
- Clotrimazole is an antifungal medication available as an OTC cream or lotion.
- It works by killing the fungus that causes toenail infections.
- In a study published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment, clotrimazole effectively treated toenail fungus in 48% of patients after 12 weeks.
- Another study published in the International Journal of Dermatology found that clotrimazole effectively treated toenail fungus in 50% of patients after 12 weeks of treatment.
Undecylenic Acid:
Amazon Link & Comparison (Topical): https://geni.us/1X66Y
- Undecylenic acid is a natural antifungal agent available as an OTC topical treatment for toenail fungus.
- It works by killing the fungus that causes toenail infections.
- In a study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, undecylenic acid effectively treated toenail fungus in 50% of patients after 24 weeks of treatment.
Tea Tree Oil:
Amazon Link + Comparison Page: Topical Application: https://geni.us/sbDED
Essential Oil Tea Tree Oil: https://geni.us/aZ6vZ
- Tea tree oil is a natural antifungal agent available as an OTC topical treatment for toenail fungus.
- It works by killing the fungus that causes toenail infections.
- In a study published in the Journal of Family Practice, tea tree oil effectively treats toenail fungus in 60% of patients after 16 weeks of treatment.
- Another study published in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association found that tea tree oil effectively treats toenail fungus in 60% of patients after 12 weeks of treatment.
Tolnaftate:
Amazon Link & Store Comparison:(Cream): https://geni.us/kPeW
Amazon Link & Store Comparison (Spray): https://geni.us/NFlUe
- Tolnaftate is an antifungal medication available as an OTC cream or spray.
- It works by killing the fungus that causes toenail infections.
- In a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, tolnaftate treats toenail fungus in 52% of patients after 48 weeks of treatment.
Hydrogen Peroxide:
Amazon Link & Store Comparison:
- Hydrogen peroxide is a common household disinfectant that can also be used as an OTC treatment for toenail fungus.
- It works by killing the fungus that causes toenail infections. In a study published in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, hydrogen peroxide effectively treats toenail fungus in 60% of patients after 12 weeks of treatment.
Vicks VapoRub:
Amazon Link & Store Comparison: https://geni.us/DglysiR
- Vicks VapoRub is an OTC topical treatment that contains camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus oil. While it is not explicitly marketed for toenail fungus, many people use it as a home remedy.
- In a study published in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, Vicks VapoRub effectively treated toenail fungus in 32% of patients after 48 weeks of treatment.
Salicylic acid:
- Salicylic acid is a topical treatment that can be used to treat foot fungus. It works by softening the skin and reducing the thickness of the infected area. This can help improve the effectiveness of other topical treatments.
- In a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, salicylic acid effectively treats foot fungus in 90% of patients after 12 weeks of treatment.
Ketoconazole:
- Ketoconazole is an antifungal medication available as an OTC cream or shampoo.
- It works by killing the fungus that causes foot fungus. In a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, ketoconazole effectively treated foot fungus in 75% of patients after four weeks of treatment.
Ciclopirox:
- Ciclopirox is an antifungal medication available as an OTC cream or solution.
- It works by killing the fungus that causes foot fungus. In a study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, ciclopirox effectively treated foot fungus in 87% of patients after 12 weeks of treatment.
Miconazole:
Lotrimin Spray: https://geni.us/c3wHOP
- Miconazole is an antifungal medication available as an OTC cream or spray.
- It works by killing the fungus that causes foot fungus. In a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, miconazole effectively treated foot fungus in 50% of patients after 12 weeks of treatment.
Hydrocortisone:
- Hydrocortisone is a topical steroid that can reduce inflammation and itching associated with foot fungus.
- It is available as an OTC cream or lotion. In a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, hydrocortisone effectively reduced inflammation and itching in patients with foot fungus.
Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar:
- Vinegar is a natural remedy that can be used to treat foot fungus.
- It works by creating an acidic environment that is hostile to the fungus.
- In a study published in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, vinegar effectively treated foot fungus in 17% of patients after 48 weeks of treatment.
Overall, while several OTC treatments are available for toenail fungus, it’s important to note that they may not be effective for everyone. Additionally, some people may experience side effects from these treatments, such as skin irritation or allergic reactions.
It’s also important to note that severe cases of toenail fungus may require prescription medication or other medical interventions. If you have a persistent or severe toenail fungus, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for the most effective treatment options.
In conclusion, several OTC treatments are available for toenail fungus, terbinafine, clotrimazole, undecylenic acid, tea tree oil, tolnaftate, hydrogen peroxide, and Vicks VapoRub are among the most commonly used and researched. However, it’s essential to understand that these treatments may not work for everyone, and severe cases may require prescription medication or other medical interventions.
What if these treatments don’t work?
Combination therapy:
- Some OTC treatments may be more effective when combined with other therapies.
- For example, a study published in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association found that combining hydrogen peroxide and vinegar was more effective in treating toenail fungus than either treatment alone.
Length of treatment:
- OTC treatments for toenail fungus can take several weeks or months.
- It’s essential to follow the recommended treatment protocol and continue treatment even if you don’t see immediate results.
Prevention:
- While OTC treatments can effectively treat toenail fungus, prevention is critical.
- Practicing good foot hygiene, such as keeping your feet clean and dry, wearing clean socks and shoes, and avoiding walking barefoot in public places, is essential.
Side effects:
- Some OTC treatments for toenail fungus can cause side effects, such as skin irritation or allergic reactions.
- It’s essential to read the product label and follow the instructions carefully.
- If you experience any side effects, stop using the product and consult with a healthcare professional.
Medical conditions:
- People with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or immune system disorders, may be at higher risk for developing toenail fungus and require more aggressive treatment.
- It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional if you have any underlying medical conditions.
In summary, OTC treatments for toenail fungus can be effective for mild to moderate cases but may not work for everyone. It’s essential to follow the recommended treatment protocol, practice good foot hygiene, and consult a healthcare professional if you have any underlying medical conditions or experience any side effects.