Nail fungus is a common condition and often overlooked one that can contribute to uncomfortable and unattractive nails. But if not addressed, it will make nails become thicker, discoloured and even brittle, affecting both your looks and health. The good thing is that  nail fungus prevention helps you avoid those problems before they become apparent.

Simple, yet effective habits can decrease your risk to develop nail fungus by a large margin. Good hygiene might prevent fungal infection, but it has a lot to do with understanding the causes, recognizing early signs, and protecting against future infections of your nails.

So, in this article, we’re going to explore everything you need to know about nail fungus prevention: how nail fungus forms — and how to stop its development — as well as some advanced approaches and treatments. Now that we’ve explained what causes nails to become white and how fungus can cause issues on your hands. Let’s move on to effective techniques for preventing that from happening, so your nails remain healthy and fungus free now and for years to come!

Nail Fungus Prevention Strategies

Fungal infections may be prevented with simpler habits such as washing your hands and feet regularly, but additional prevention strategies are possible to add on. They aim to take steps to avoid both internal and external factors that fungi would find favourable living conditions.

1. Maintain Proper Nail Hygiene

Good hygiene prevents nail fungus. It’s important to keep your nails trimmed and clean, because long nails can catch moisture and become fungus breeding grounds. Trimming your nails regularly and cleaning under them cuts down on the possibility that spores of a fungus will grow on. To not spread the fungi between the nails use clean and sanitized nail tools.

2. Keep Your Nails Dry

The development of nail fungus is heavily dependent on moisture. The warmer and wetter your nails are, the more likely fungus can grow. Another nail fungus prevention is to make sure your nails stay dry. Dry your nails properly, in particular between the toes and under the nails since that sort of moisture can be problematic. Keeping your feet dry during the day can include using a powder or antifungal foot powder.

3. Wear Breathable Footwear

The right footwear to prevent nail fungus is another important tip. Sweat trapping shoes and shoes that keep moisture at your nails leave you open for fungal growth. However, picking shoes of breathable materials such as leather or mesh that will let the air pass through and help keep your nails dry is your best option. If you’re using your feet to work, wear closed toed shoes, or use socks and antifungal insoles to help prevent moisture buildup in your shoes.

4. Don’t Walk Barefoot in Public Areas

Fungal infections are picked up in public places such as swimming pools, gym lockers rooms and communal showers. Nail fungus prevention is about minimizing exposure to these environments. To avoid catching a fungal infection from public showers and locker rooms, wear waterproof or flip flop shoes all the time.

5. Antifungal Treatments on Routine

Antifungal treatments can be an added protection for you to take as part of your daily routine. If you know you’ve got a hang it down, topical antifungal creams or sprays may prevent infection. They all have their uses but many over the counter antifungal treatments that are made to keep your nails safe from possible exposure to fungi. For example, if you’re prone to infections, ask a healthcare provider if you should take a preventive antifungal regimen.

6. Clean Your Feet and Nail Tools

An often forgotten but very effective prevention step when it comes to nail fungus is to regularly disinfect your nail tools as well as your shoes. So make sure to clean nail clippers and all other tools you use with alcohol or an antifungal solution after each use of which can serve as fungal spore carriers. Disinfect your shoes — that's particularly important if you recently visited a damp or humid environment.

7. Keep Immune System Healthy

Nail fungus prevention is strongly dependent on a strong immune system. You are more at risk for getting fungal infections — if your immune system is weakened. A diet that is balanced and includes vitamins and minerals, particularly those that help support good immunity such as vitamin C and zinc, can help your body's natural defences fight infections, including nail fungus.

The Role of the Immune System in Nail Health

Good nail fungus prevention requires a healthy immune system. The advantage to having a powerful immune system is that it can keep away, safely, harmful bacteria, fungi and other pathogens that might otherwise form a habitat within your nails. A weakened immune system puts you at increased risk for fungal infections — including nail fungus.

 How the Immune System Protects Your Nails.

Your body's natural defence against infections is your immune system. In a healthy person, the immune system can hold these fungal invaders in check, before they damage the nails.

An impaired immune system, which is generally a result of stress, poor diet or underlying health conditions make the immune system less powerful at combating nail fungus. Fungi can then penetrate the nail more easily and infect the area badly. That is why if you are at risk of getting it often, you will want to prevent nail fungus by boosting your immune system.

Boosting Your Immune System for Nail Fungus Prevention

To strengthen your immune system and support nail fungus prevention, consider making the following lifestyle changes:

• Eat a Balanced Diet: The vitamins and minerals your immune system needs to work properly are found in a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. If you want to strengthen your immune health, then nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and any other antioxidants are particularly important. The foods that you can incorporate to strengthen your immune system include typically citrus fruits, leafy greens, nuts and seeds.
• Get Regular Exercise: A little extra activity improves circulation and strengthens the immune system. Not only can regular exercise help keep your body strong against fungal infection, it’s also good for your overall health.
• Manage Stress: Chronic stress lowers your immune system potential making you prone to infections, including nail fungus. Reducing stress and supporting immune health can be practiced by practising relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation or deep breathing exercises.
• Consider Supplements: Enrich your diet in nutrients that improve immune function. Known to help boost one’s immune system and reduce the risk of getting an infection, which could affect one’s nails, probiotics, vitamin D, and zinc are all normal components of any complete dietary supplement regime.

Chronic Nail Fungus

It’s even more important for people prone to chronic nail fungus infections to boost their immune system. Continuous or severe nail fungus may not be fought off by a weak immune system. Therefore, it is important to combine your immune boosting practice with other nail fungus prevention strategies to control and prevent the infection.

Good hygiene, supporting your immune system can help reduce your risk significantly developing nail fungus and maintaining healthy nails.

Environmental Factors and Nail Fungus Prevention

Nail fungus is greatly affected by environmental factors. Knowing the settings in which fungal growth is Developed can help you protect your nails and avoid infection. Damp, warm conditions are what nail fungus loves, so knowing and being aware of where you spend time and the care you give to your nails in a certain environment is key in nail fungus prevention.

Public Spaces and Risk of Nail Fungus

Fungi are common in public spaces, especially where those are damp or humid. Fungal spores are easily picked up in places such as swimming pools, locker rooms, public showers and gym floors. Wear protective footwear — flip flops or waterproof shoes — in these places to protect your nails. Walking barefoot on known sources of fungal spores can cause transmission of fungi by direct contact.

People who are in close contact with surfaces that are constantly used by a lot of people, such as community pools or saunas, are more likely to get nail fungus. In areas with these infections, people, spores can hide and spread to others. Nail fungus prevention for these public areas means minimization of exposure and protection of your nails against contamination.

Home Environment: Keeping it Clean and Dry.

Another factor plays into nail fungus prevention, and that’s your home environment. Unlikely to reduce your risk of getting fungal infections, but if your living space is humid or damp, this could put you at greater risk of getting them. Bathrooms, basements, or laundry rooms where moisture level is high should be well ventilated. Keep your air circulating by using dehumidifiers or open windows and limit moisture buildup.

Nail Fungus Prevention & Advanced Treatments

These innovations are helping us to prevent, detect and treat nail fungus, so that people can protect their nails better than ever before.

1. Antifungal Laser Treatment

The role of laser therapy in nail fungus prevention is considered one of the most groundbreaking in recent years. Antifungal laser treatments are laser treatments which deliver focused light to penetrate the nail and destroy the fungal infection under the surface. This treatment is both highly effective at destroying fungal spores, while leaving the surrounding tissue and nail unharmed. Laser therapy is a non-invasive, painless option available for people who want an alternative to prevent nail fungus or treat nail fungus.

This is a treatment suitable particularly for those prone to recurring and stubborn fungal infections. It can stop the spread of the infection and decrease the chance of a subsequent infection. A small investment in antifungal laser treatments can be a great addition to your prevention program if you’re prone to nail fungus or if you’ve had recurrent infections.

2. Topical Antifungal Technology

Over the past few years, topical antifungal treatments have made great strides with new formulations making it easier to treat and prevent nail fungus. Advances in delivery systems such as liposomal and microencapsulation technology permit increased penetration of antifungal medications in the deeper levels of the nail and nail bed. It helps the medication reach the area of infection better and thereby increase your chances for getting rid of the fungi and preventing further reinfection.

These advancements are important to persons who prefer to go via non-invasive methods. The use of advanced topical antifungal treatment can help reduce completely the risk of nail fungus development, and it will also reduce it significantly when combined with other measures for the nail fungus prevention.

3. Early Detection Devices

A new advancement in nail fungus prevention is early detection devices. Much of this work uses tools, which are often hand held scanners that use light or heat to detect the telltale signs of fungal infection before they become obvious—before even discoloration or thickening has set in. Detection early is the best way to prevent the spread of the nail fungus and make it more difficult to treat.

If it is caught early, then fungal infections can be treated and preventative measures used, keeping the infection confined to the nail itself. Early intervention reduces the severity of the infection and decreases the risk for transferring long term damage to the nails.

4. Preventive Oral Medications

Premature foamers, as well as those at higher risk of developing nail fungus, such as those with a weakened immune system or a history of fungal infections may be given prescription oral medications for prevention. They are medicines usually prescribed by a healthcare provider to help the body fight the fungal infections from inside. Preventive antifungal medications are usually not needed for most people and may be an important part of a comprehensive nail fungus prevention plan for high risk people.

Revitalize London provides Professional Guidance and Treatments

Along with these technological improvements, getting professional help is often the first step to prevent you from having nail fungus. Revitalize London is your specialist in personaliz oked treatments and expert help to prevent and treat nail fungus. No matter if you’re in search of innovative laser treatments, topical antifungal therapies or simply guidance for taking great care of your nails, our team is there to assist you on your nail health path.

We can help you with long lasting nail fungus prevention by combining the most cutting edge treatments with expert advice so your nails stay healthy and fungus free.

Why Choose Revitalize London for Nail Fungus prevention 

Rely on Revitalize London as the best experts in providing nail fungus prevention. We pride ourselves on a combination of state of the art treatments, knowledgeable advice and personalized caring so you keep healthy nails and avoid getting an infection. Here’s why Revitalize London is the right choice for your nail fungus prevention needs:

1. Advanced Treatment Options

Revitalize London offers the latest in antifungal laser treatments, topical therapies, and more cutting edge medical solutions. We can help prevent a fungal infection or treat an existing one using state of the art technology to get the best results for you. Our treatment plans are unique to you, and we custom craft them to help you defeat nail fungus for good.

2. Personalized Care

There is no one size fits all nail fungus prevention. Our years of experience enables us to listen to your individual nail health needs, lifestyle and medical history before determining the plan of treatment best suited to you. And while we believe that you should never face any health problem alone, we strive to provide you with the most comprehensive care possible, tailored specifically to your needs.

3. Expert Advice and Education

Often prevention is all about knowledge. At Revitalize London we help our clients do that, by informing them to prevent getting nail fungus in the first place with our expert advice. But we teach you on how to take care of your nails using proper nail hygiene and some tips on footwear and lifestyle that support nails health. We can guide you so that you can make the informed choices that will keep your nails intact for years to come.

4. Complete approach

 Nail fungus prevention isn’t just about the fungus – it’s also about overall health. We do not stop at topical treatments – we work on your immune system as well as your overall wellness. We aid in supporting your overall health and help give your natural defences a hand against nail fungus.

5. Trusted by Our Clients

We take pride in the trust and satisfaction with which our clients work with us at Revitalize London. At our clinic we have a great reputation for delivering treatment that is not only effective but compassionate, and we want you to have the healthiest nails possible. We’ve got a track record of success in the prevention and treatment of nail fungus that you can count on, though!

6. A Convenient, Comfortable Care

We know that a visit to a clinic should be comfortable and stress free. You can relax and receive high quality care in our clinic. So that your treatments work with your lifestyle, we schedule your appointments to smooth around your schedule for easy and convenient nail fungus prevention. Revitalize London for best nail fungus prevention and expert care. We’ve got a team dedicated to helping you on your journey to healthier nails and a fungus free future. Learn more about how we can help you protect your nails and keep your nails at their healthiest today.

Nail fungus is a very common condition that nearly anyone can develop. With repeated use it turns your nails discolored, thick, and brittle — and it can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. You are among thousands of others who desperately want a quick treatment for nail fungus treatment time.

The truth is you have to wait while the treatment works for your nail fungus. There’s no exact timeline, but it might take as little as a couple weeks or as long as a year depending on how severe your infection is, what kind of treatment you opt for, and how quickly your nails regrow. Some mild cases can improve in a few weeks, while more advanced infection may not improve for several months. But more treatments, such as topical solutions, oral meds and laser therapy, all work at different speeds and therefore complicate the process even more. 

You should know that nail fungus doesn’t just go away overnight. Often successful treatment means waiting for the infected nail to grow out and the nail to be replaced by a healthy one. The key to getting a result with your chosen treatment plan is consistency.

Next, we’ll look at the average time it takes for nail fungus treatments, and we’ll discuss what variables can lengthen the timeline for your treatment and how to keep yourself on track. 

Factors That Affect Nail Fungus Treatment Time

Knowing what affects nail fungus treatment duration helps you have a reasonable expectation as to how long it may take to recover. Several factors contribute to how quickly the infection will clear up:

1. Severity of the Infection

How long to treat nail fungus depends on the stage you catch it in. In general, early stage infections tend to involve early, mild discoloration and relatively mild thickening of the nail and should be easier to treat and resolve in less time. However, a greater number of nails involved, much thickening, or a painful or infected nail may require a longer treatment.

2. Type of Treatment Used

Nail fungus treatment time depends on the type of treatment you choose, whether it is over the counter (OTC), prescription or even laser therapy. Some treatments are better than others, and some may even take a little longer to work.

3. Nail Location: Toenail vs. Fingernail Fungus

Fungal infections of toenails are more common than they are on fingernails, since toenails are in a dark closed area and more exposed to moisture, which leads to soggy toenails. For this reason, toenail infections take a longer time to be treated in comparison to fingernail infections in the treatment of nail fungus. They’re thicker and harder to penetrate, so they’re harder to treat.

4. Underlying Health Conditions

If you have a condition such as diabetes, a weakened immune system or poor circulation, the time it takes to clear nail fungus may be longer. In some people, if your immune system is not working properly, your body could take longer to fight off the infection. Also, the treatments will reach the affected areas less efficiently, which may make it harder for those with lower circulation to heal.

5. Consistency of Treatment

In fact, also sticking to the prescribed treatment regimen affects nail fungus treatment time. If you don’t use your treatment plan or miss doses, the infection may not heal as quickly. Achieving faster results is very simple, pay attention to the instructions and be consistent.

Different Treatments And How Long They Take to Work

Signs of nail fungus can be easily figured out without any confusion, and OTC treatments are widely available. The first line of treatment is often OTC treatments for anyone who begins noticing any kind of problem with their nails. Antifungal creams, ointments, and medicated nail lacquers are used in treatments for these, and they often involve other antifungal medicines taken by mouth or IV.

Treatment Time for OTC Options

OTC nail fungus treatments generally take a lot longer than prescription ones. Many OTC products take weeks or even months to produce any appreciable effects. Typically, it can take between 6 and 12 weeks of consistent application to successfully treat the fungus, the more severe the infection. Further, OTC treatments may not provide enough relief for more advanced cases, which means a longer complete treatment.

OTC options are easy and cheap, but not as powerful as their prescription counterparts, and due to that, the OTC options are slower. Mild cases or early signs of infection may make them a good option, but if you don’t get better after a few weeks, you may want to consider prescription treatments.

Prescription Treatments and Approximate Treatment Time.

OTC medicine tends to be weaker than prescription treatments and are usually only used for milder or less permanent fungal infections. Treatments could consist of oral antifungal medication such as terbinafine or itraconazole, or stronger topical prescriptions written by a health care provider.

Nail fungus treatment time is usually shorter if prescription treatments are used rather than OTC products. For example, oral antifungal medications usually take 6 to 12 weeks to get rid of an infection. The medication works from the inside out and attacks the fungus directly at its source, resulting in faster and more effective relief.

Topical prescriptions—medicated nails that you stick on your infected nail for 1 to 2 weeks a day—take 3 to 6 months to work. Topical prescriptions are faster than OTC products, but unfortunately there is still a longer treatment time as the nail is naturally resistant to penetrating topical products.

When prescribed medications, you have to finish the entire course of treatment. Stopping the treatment even if the symptoms improve may prolong the treatment and may also give rise to the infection.

Treatment Time for Laser Treatment of Nail Fungus

The newer treatment option, laser therapy for nail fungus is very popular because of its effectiveness and speed. The laser targets the fungus beneath the nail without harming nearby tissue. It kills off the fungal cells and helps heal your skin.

Laser Therapy Treatment Time

The quick treatment time of laser treatment is one of the advantages of the treatment. A typical treatment using laser therapy just has a few sessions, typically 1 to 3 sessions and it is a complete treatment. The procedure works so that each session may last between 10 and 30 minutes and you can notice improvements in as little as a few weeks. Laser treatment is extremely successful for fungal infections that are more difficult or intense, which allows us to treat you faster than over-the counter or prescription remedies.

The results can be impressive but some cases of nail fungus do require additional treatments. Following post treatment care instructions is essential to prevent reinfection and post treatment recovery. 

Learn How to Speed Up Nail Fungus Treatment Time.

While you can’t necessarily control how quickly a treatment will work, there are a few steps you can take to optimize the healing process:

• Consistency is the most important whether you're using OTC, prescription or laser treatment. Do what your doctor says, follow the instructions carefully, and don’t miss doses. It will speed up results, and this will destroy the fungus completely.
• Warm and moist areas are the favorite ones for fungus. During the healing process, keep your nails dry and clean, and your treatment time apart speeds up. After showers, make sure to dry your feet well, and wear shoes and socks that let your feet breathe.
• Trimming your nails keeps the fungal infection less likely to damage your nail bed and allows it to cut through your nail more readily. But trim aggressively only, avoiding cuts too closely which could injure and increase the infection.
• You also want to try to avoid those environments that expose your nails to moisture for prolonged periods. That’s why the included measures are avoiding public showers or pools and wearing damp socks for hours. Dry as possible will do wonders for speeding up the healing of your nails.

Effect of Lifestyle Factors on Duration of Nail Fungus Treatment

Several lifestyle factors can influence the speed or slowness with which nails will recover from a fungal infection. Some understanding of these factors can speed up healing and guarantee the best results from your nail fungus treatment.

1. Have A Proper Foot Care Routine 

It’s important to keep your feet clean and dry. Fungi like a moist environment, so it’s not a good idea to spend a lot of time in damp conditions. If you have sweaty feet, the use of foot powders or antifungal sprays will help to dry sweat and ward off the infection. Also be sure to change up the socks regularly and wear breathable, allowing for a bit of airflow.

But some cases of nail fungus will need further treatments and the results can be impressive. To avoid reinfection you must follow post treatment instructions and recover from it.

While you can’t necessarily control how quickly a treatment will work, there are a few steps you can take to optimize the healing process:

1. Don't Stop The Treatment

No matter if you are doing OTC, prescription or laser treatment consistency is the most important. Follow doctor orders, don’t miss doses, and do what your doctor says. This will accelerate results, and it will kill the fungus completely.

2. Get Timely Nail Treatments 

Fungus live in warm and moist habitats. During the healing process, your nails should be kept dry and clean and your treatment time apart is sped up. If the weather is nice, take showers and ensure your feet feel dry, wearing clean socks and shoes that do not close around your feet to ensure your feet breathe.

3. Regular Trimming

Trimming your nails prevents the fungal infection from damaging your nail bed and making it easier to cut your nail. Trim as properly as well however, cutting too close could injure and increase the infection.

4. Avoid Moisture and Humidity 

But you also want to try to avoid those environments where your nails are exposed to moisture for a prolonged period of time. For this reason they avoid public showers or public pools and they prefer wearing socks wet for hours. Keeping your nails dry as possible will do wonders to speed up the healing.

5. Stick to a Healthy Lifestyle

Your body may respond better to nail fungus treatment with a healthy lifestyle. A well balanced diet full of vitamins and minerals will help your body to grow nails and your immune system is better able to fight the infection. Include foods rich in biotin, zinc, and proteins to grow your nails and make them healthier quicker. Water also helps foster healthy nails and skin, so of course, you’re going to want to stay hydrated.

6. Avoid Sharing Personal Items

Fungal infections are easily spread by sharing items. Don't share nail clippers, socks, or shoes with other people, because all of these can spread the fungus to them. Wash towels after use and always sanitize your grooming tools. Good hygiene isn’t just good for recovery, it also reduces the risk of reinfection.

7. Patience is Key

Treatment of nail fungus takes time, sometimes weeks and sometimes even months before you start to see real progress. Making sure you're being consistent with the posttreatment instructions will increase your chances of success.

Why Choose Revitalize London for treating nail fungus?

Nail fungus treatments are our speciality – we offer you the best and fastest treatment achievable. Our qualified experts know exactly how to diagnose and treat all kinds of nail fungal infection, so you get a personal approach, and you get the best results in the shortest nail fungus treatment time.

We have made the state-of-the-art treatments of advanced prescription medications, topical treatments and modern laser therapy easily accessible for everyone. The treatments are specific and advanced to the needs of each individual as well as personalized. Our team is dedicated to working with you for a nail fungus treatment that gets it right, as quickly as possible – from minor cases to a more severe infection.

Why Choose Us?

Expertise: Fungal infections, we are a team of specialist dermatologists and medical professionals. We’ve got years of experience on our hands when it comes to treating different stages, so we’re able to create a targeted plan of action.

Customized Solutions: at Revitalize London, we focus entirely on not having a one size fits all ideology. As we take the time to get to know your issues, desires, health concerns and preferences, we will recommend the most appropriate treatment for you.

Advanced Technology: Laser treatment for nail fungus is one of the most effective and fast options from among different available therapies. Laser therapy is specifically targeted to the infection, therefore is quicker, and reduces the risk of recurrence.

Comprehensive Care: We support you and give advice not only from the moment of your first consultation till the end of your treatment, but afterward as well. We are always here to answer the questions you have and so that you feel comfortable the whole process.

Proven Results: We are successful at treating nail fungus and returning the nails of our clients to good health and appearance. Our treatments aim to shorten the time we need to treat nail fungus and provide lasting results.

That means when you choose Revitalize London as your option for treatment for nail fungus, you will be making an investment in your health and you will be choosing a treatment plan that is going to work for you and give you the most effective treatment you possibly can. We genuinely understand the frustration and discomfort you feel living with fungal nail infections and we’re here to help you regain clear, healthy nails as quickly as possible.

Conclusion: Both Patience and Consistency Are Key.

Treating nail fungus certainly is a long process, but if you know the right way to go about and treat it, you can be sure that the results are going to be worth it. Laser therapy is a method to cure nail fungus that takes a longer time than OTC and over the counter medications for treating nail fungus at home. Beginning treatment early, sticking to treatment, and getting treatment that's right for you are the keys to a successful recovery.

If you’ve got nail fungus, don’t let it get worse. Treat yourself as soon as you can and if need be, find a professional’s help. If you pick the right treatment and stick to your care plan, you can expect to see results within a few weeks and complete healing will take from six months to a year. Revitalize London is here to help you with a guide through the process of nail fungus treatment so that your treatment time is as short and effective as possible. Reach out to us any time for personal advice and hands on care that is just right for you.

Millions of people throughout the world suffer from onychomycosis, or nail fungus. As it’s a slow process, it may pass off unnoticed. Then, it goes on to cause pain, discoloration and even the thickening of fully grown nails that are generally overlooked. The condition can really disturb your quality of life. It can be an embarrassing situation and make matters worse if you're already vulnerable due to weakened immune systems.

When it comes to treating nail fungus, you have two primary options: these main options include prescription treatments and over the counter (OTC) treatments. This is generally the “first resort” for everyone. Ultimately your choice will depend on how bad you are infected, your health history and the outcome you are looking for. Here we will look into prescription vs over the counter (OTC) nail fungus treatments and how they work so you know which might be better for you

What Is Nail Fungus?

Before we even start comparing prescription and OTC treatment, it’s important to understand what nail fungus really is and how it grows. Fungal infections of your nails result in nail fungus. Usually, the infection begins as a small spot or discoloration of the nail that may eventually spread into the nail and damage the appearance of and the function of the nail.

The most common types of fungi causing these infections are yeast and molds and dermatophytes. These fungi grow on wet feet, sweat and shoes that are too tight — conditions that compromise toenails and make them more vulnerable than other parts of the body to this fungal infection, especially in those who wear tight shoes for a long time, or work long hours in a moist environment like a gym or pool.

Discolouration, thick and brittle nails that crumble and in some cases a foul smell are signs of nail fungus. Not getting the right treatment could make pain worse, cause complications and not treated can become painful. Therefore, it is important to select the right treatment

Prescription vs OTC Nail Fungus Treatments: What’s the Difference?

Prescription vs OTC nail fungus treatments differ in potency, application, and degree of involvement. OTC treatments tend to be used on less serious or minor infections, while prescription treatments can be more severe and used for complicated problems.

Prescription Nail Fungus Treatments: A Stronger Approach

Typically the prescription treatments are used for more severe cases of nail fungus. If OTC treatments didn’t work and infection has spread beyond one nail, a prescription is definitely your go-to pick. 

Oral Antifungal Medications

The most common prescription for severe nail fungus is oral antifungal medications. Other more popular ones, terbinafine and itraconazole are known to treat nail fungus. In fact, these medications work their way inside out to kill the infection.

Terbinafine is often used first for treatment of Onychomycosis. The fungus growing partially inside the body is blocked by it, so its growth in the bloodstream is stopped. The treatment’s tenure is based on the severity of the infection; administration is common with terbinafine for 6–12 weeks.

The drug itraconazole, another oral medication that works similarly to terbinafine. This one is usually prescribed in case the person cannot take terbinafine because of possible side effects or medical history. This drug is also effective in the treatment of many other infections.

Topical treatments are often less effective than oral medications. Topical treatments only work by working their way on your skin surface and there’s no direct action on the deeper areas of the nail. However, oral medications may have side effects like stomach upset or liver problems and they might interact with other drugs. A doctor will monitor your health during treatment.

Topical Prescription Treatments for Bacterial Infection.

Topical treatments are creams and lacquers applied directly to the infected nail. If you’re looking for something more invasive than oral medications, topical prescriptions of ciclopirox and efinaconazole can be your ideal fit. This treatment or these treatments are aimed from the nail in order to fight fungal infection.

Ciclopirox is a nail lacquer that is applied once a day to the affected nail. However, it is used well for localised infections and used as a treatment when the infection has not spread.

Efinaconazole is another topical prescription treatment for onychomycosis. It is a more recent drug, has it on topically to the finger nails once a day. It’s much more effective on easier infections, as you guessed.

Topical prescriptions are very strong but they still have to be applied day in and day out for a long period 6 to 12 months to get the results. However, they have fewer systemic side effects compared with oral treatments.

Laser Therapy

Sometimes laser therapy is recommended instead of or together with regular treatments. When treatments do not work, or someone is unable to use oral medication, laser treatments come to the rescue. This treatment uses focused light to attack and kill off fungal cells under the nail without damaging surrounding tissue.

OTC Nail Fungus Treatments: Accessible and Easy-to-Use

For mild and moderate nail fungus, OTC treatments may be a good idea. They’re easily available in pharmacies because they don’t have to be prescribed by a doctor. They are more often cheaper and easier to apply at home. However, these aren’t as strong as prescription treatments

Topical Antifungal Creams and Lacquers.

The usually affected nail can be treated with antifungal creams, gels or nail lacquers directly on the nail. Most of these treatments contain the most common active ingredients: miconazole, terbinafine, clotrimazole.

Clotrimazole and miconazole are widely used for fungal infections — athlete’s foot and nail fungus. How do these antifungals work?  OTC treatments generally need to be used for a long time, about 4 to 6 weeks or more on a daily basis.

Some OTC treatments are available in prescription strength like antifungal creams or sprays and sometimes will produce faster results than over the counter treatments, though Terbinafine can treat nail fungus as well.

Antifungal Nail Lacquers

Another very common OTC OIl is antifungal nail lacquers. The nail is brushed with these a couple of times per day, allowed to dry, beneath the fingernail, and removed. These work by breaking the cell wall of the fungi cells and killing the infection causing bacteria. 

Powders and Sprays

Fungal infections of the toes can be treated with OTC antifungal powders and sprays. These are products which basically keep the area which is affected dry, that is the most important way of preventing spread of the fungus. If you tend to have sweaty feet or sweaty feet but especially in places where these fungi love to grow, gyms or swimming pools, they will be perfect for you.

Effectiveness and Results: Nail Fungus Treatment – Prescription vs OTC

Effectiveness is by far the most important issue, the largest concern when you're deciding on prescription vs OTC nail fungus treatments. The prescription treatment is stronger for the severe cases. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use OTC treatment options as long as they still help with mild infection and it’s easier and cheaper

Remember that OTC treatment can take time to act and you have to wait several months or even longer, if it’s your case for the infection to clear up. Generally, oral medications seem to be more effective, and show the effects faster, than prescription medications because oral medications do not require us to visit a doctor, or health care provider.

Cost Comparison: Prescription vs OTC Treatments.

One of the greatest differences between prescription vs. OTC Nail Fungus treatments is cost. Prescription treatments can be more costly and sometimes require oral medication or laser treatment. In terms of cost, they aren’t as cheap, but they are more useful, and if they move the infection far more quickly than the others, then they’ll end up saving you more money over time as well.

When is it Time to Get Professional Help?

And if none of the OTC treatments work and, or your infection is getting worse it is time to see your healthcare provider. The doctor may prescribe stronger medications, laser therapy be suggested, and deeper health problems which might have also contributed to the fungal infection.

Patients with diabetes, a weakened immune system and lots of pain or discomfort from your fungal nail infection should also bring them for professional help. If you intervene at the right time, you’ll catch the infection early and prevent it from progressing through to more demanding sticks to deal with further down the line.

When To Use Prescribed Treatments Rather Than OTC Ones

While OTC treatments are effective for many, there are certain situations where prescription treatments are the better option:

1. Severe or Widespread Infection: It works better using prescription treatments once the fungus spreads to more than one nail—either using oral antifungals which treat the infection systemically, or with topical treatments.

2. Persistent Infection: If they haven’t worked after several weeks of consistent use of OTC treatments it may be time to consider prescription options a bit stronger.

3. Underlying Health Conditions: complications from nail fungus can occur with diabetic people, or those who lack immunity or have circulation issues. In such cases prescription interventions are a far more comprehensive and instantly applied solution to the complication as compared to the other courses available.

4. Fast Results Needed: In a hurry for relief? Usually, prescriptions are faster to work and clear the infection better than OTC treatments that take longer to work

What to Expect from Treatment: Patience Is Key

Whether you opt for prescription or OTC nail fungus treatments, one thing is for sure: patience is required. Nail fungus treatments usually take weeks or even months to improve, so if you fall off the treatment plan it’s likely that the nail fungus will come back.

For treatment of toenail fungus, you may see improvement in 4-8 weeks; however, full recovery can range from 3 to 6 months or more. Some oral medications will clear the infection in 6-12 weeks, and prescription treatments work faster. But prescription medications do not work immediately to restore full health to the nail because it takes several months.

What Lifestyle Tips Can Be Combined With Treatment Of Nail Fungus.

To enhance the effectiveness of your prescription vs OTC nail fungus treatments, consider incorporating these lifestyle tips;

Keep Nails Clean and Dry: be sure to keep your feet and nails dry, especially after being showered or swimming. 

Avoid Walking Barefoot in Public Areas: Fungal infections are often spread at public pools, gym showers and locker rooms. To protect yourself from infection in these areas you are less likely to wear flip flops or waterproof shoes.

Trim Nails Regularly: Trimming nails short and filing them is a good way to discourage fungus. Growing up, you may have been told not to share nail clippers.

Use Antifungal Powder: To keep fungus away, you can use an antifungal powder to put on your feet, like between your toes, to help absorb moisture.

Don’t Share Personal Items: Lifting your feet and replacing your nail clippers along with shoes and towels are never to be shared because you can easily spread it.

Consulting a Professional 

Prescription treatments are definitely a strong option for really severe cases, but remember it’s important to let a healthcare provider or dermatologist walk you through the treatments that are available for you. This also makes it possible to rule out other possible causes of nail problems such as psoriasis or eczema, which require another treatment.

Second, they will monitor your progress to make adjustments to the treatment plan if necessary, and to try to prevent complications from happening. You could save time, money and agitation if you consulted early.

How Long Does The Treatment Generally Take

Before diving into nail fungus treatment time specifics, it is necessary to know what exactly nail fungus is. The group of fungi causing nail fungus is also called dermatophytes and yeast or molds that infect the nails; most of the time the infection occurs around the toes. The feet are especially vulnerable to this infection, for two reasons: you’re likely to be keeping them in a warm, moist environment. 

Stages of the Nail Fungus Infection

Nail fungus has stages, like any other infection. Understanding the different stages helps you pick the right treatment. Reducing the possibility of infection spreading or becoming worse all depend on why it was caught early. Here are the stages of nail fungus:

1. Initial Infection

Discoloration, or slight changes in the nail’s appearance, is the beginning of the infection. Under the nail, you might see a tiny, white or yellow speck that could be a superficial blemish. The infection is only in a small area of the nail at this point.

2. Progression

The fungus may spread and cause the nail to thicken, become brittle or distorted. Sometimes it turns yellow to brown or even black color and the nail becomes more difficult to trim. This stage of the infection is also when it can cause slightly uncomfortable feelings.

3. Severe Infection

In advanced stages, the fungus can actually get so bad the nail is completely affected. The nail may fall off, becoming fragile and crumbling, which can be painful and maybe smelling unpleasant. Seeking treatment may be more difficult once the infection spreads to other nails.

The length of treatment for nail fungus directly depends on the severity of the infection, so early treatment is important. The sooner you start, the less the amount of time it will take for results to appear.

Conclusion: Choosing Treatment that’s Right for You

When you’re battling nail fungus, you have to consider the good and bad of prescription over the counter nail fungus treatments. If the infection is moderate or you would like something that is not too strong: OTC treatments are a good place for you to begin. However, prescription treatments may be needed for severely persistent, or widespread infections in order to produce the best results.

Don’t forget that we live in an environment where consistency and patience are the most important tools to stop nail fungus! Your treatment plan will need to be followed as prescribed, good foot hygiene practices will also help prevent reinfection.

If you’re looking for something more effective, Revitalize London has treatments for all levels of nail fungus. We've got our team of experienced specialists standing by to help you select the most effective treatment plan with prescription, over the counter or even a little forward thinking in our laser therapy.

What Makes Revitalize London the Best Choice for Fungal Nail Treatment?

We at Revitalize London can understand your frustration and discomfort when having nail fungus. Customized treatments for nail fungus are available from our clinic by prescription or advanced laser therapy. Our goal is to offer you quality, safe, and personalized care to aid you in getting healthy, fungus free nails.

Our experts are experienced and will evaluate how serious your infection is, discuss the different treatment options available to you, and then support you throughout the recovery. Our commitment is to help you achieve the best possible care for your nail health.

Nail fungus that is left untreated can spread to other nails, worsening in appearance and even causing permanent damage to the nails. If you can catch nail fungus early, it can shorten the best time to treat nail fungus. Starting treatment early will bring better results.