Onychomycosis, or nail fungus, is a fungal infection that affects millions around the world. It’s usually a tiny discolouration or thickening of the nail, and it can progress if left untreated. It can make the nail brittle, distorted, and painful. Besides impacting the appearance of your nails, nail fungus can be painful and becomes an even more significant issue if left untreated.
There are a number of different ways to treat nail fungus, and oral medications are often some of the best when it comes to treating more severe or widespread infections. Unlike other nail treatments available, these medications work inside out, targeting the fungus in the nail bed and the surrounding tissue.
Oral medications may be the best option if you have tried treatments for persistent nail fungus or have an infection that covers a large area and the topical treatments aren’t clearing it up. However, as with any medication, there are risks and things to take into account. Here, we take an in-depth look at oral medications for nail fungus, including how they work, their benefits, risks of side effects, and how to minimise these risks. We’ll look at when these medicines are appropriate and what alternatives are generally available. This guide will walk you through the details you need to make a wise decision when choosing how to treat your nail fungus.
How do oral medications for nail fungus fit in?
Oral medications for nail fungus work from the inside out to kill or heal fungus through the root of the problem rather than the surface only. These drugs are usually only prescribed when the fungus has moved deep into the nail or when topical medicines haven’t helped.
Commonly used oral medications for nail fungus
Oral antifungal medications, terbinafine and itraconazole, are the two most commonly prescribed ones. They both work by killing fungal cells by inhibiting the production of a critical component of the fungal cell membrane so that the fungus simply dies off. It is most often recognised as one of the best because it immediately attacks the fungus’s cell membrane, killing it in no time.
How Do Oral Medications For Nail Fungus Get Within The Nail
After taking an oral antifungal pill, the pill causes the fungus to circulate throughout your entire body, including to the nail bed in which the fungus lives. The medication builds up in the tissue of the nail and slowly fights the fungus over time. This mode of systemic treatment is highly effective, particularly for infections affecting several nails or otherwise hard to treat with topical applications.
Oral Medications For Nail Fungus: Treatment Duration And Its Effectiveness
How fast you’re capable of treating the infection is determined by the effectiveness of oral medication. Most fungal infections of the nails are complicated to treat because nails grow slowly. It can take several months for the medicine to clear the fungus and for the new healthy nail to grow. The usual length of time for treatment is 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the medicine and the severity of the infection.
When are Oral Medications most effective?
Those who have severe nail fungus, recurrent chronic infections or fungal infections affecting multiple nails may find oral medications helpful. Oral medications treat infections that would be hard to deal with otherwise, targeting the fungus in the bloodstream and nail tissue.
Oral Medications for Nail Fungus – Benefits.
One of the most effective treatments for prevailing infections is oral medications for nail fungus. Because topical treatments act only on the surface of the nail, only oral antifungals treat the disease at its source. Let’s explore the key benefits:
1. Used to treat severe infections.
Severe nail fungus infections, which have affected more than one nail or have endured for a long time, are best treated by oral medications. Topical treatments may fail to reach fungal cells when the infection runs deep into the nail bed or across several nail beds. Oral antifungals are systemic, which means that they target the infection from within, so they do a better job.
2. Topical treatments are more convenient but ineffective
Topical antifungal treatments, such as creams or nail lacquers, can work but require extended-term use. Many people find this challenging, especially if their lives are too busy or consistency is particularly difficult. Differently, oral medications are taken as pills once or twice daily and are easy because you can take them conveniently. Once you begin the treatment, there is no need to remember to apply a topical treatment several times a day.
3. It deals with Nail and Skin Fungi at the same time
Not only can oral antifungal medications be effective for treating nail fungus, but they can also treat other fungal infections. Oral medications can treat fungal infections on your skin, such as on your toes, and also treat the same infection on your toenails, making the treatment easier and faster if you have both together.
4. Higher Success Rate
It has a higher success rate for chronic infections than any other therapy but is not considered appropriate for new infections.
Oral medications are more successful than topical treatments for people who have chronic or recurrent nail fungus infections. Because these medications work from the inside out, they are more effective at targeting the infection and less likely to reinfect when the treatment is over.
Risks and Side Effects of Oral Medications for Nail Fungus
Oral medications used to treat nail fungus are very effective but do carry some risks and possible adverse effects. So, it’s essential to know about these so you can make an informed decision about your treatment. Below are some of the key considerations when using oral antifungal medications:
1. Liver Function Concerns
The most serious side effect of oral antifungal medicines (such as terbinafine and itraconazole) is that they can also affect your liver function. The liver processes these, and liver damage can occur in some cases with long-term use or when the person already has liver conditions. That is why your doctor will check your liver function with blood tests before and during treatment. If you have any symptoms like yellowing skin or eyes, dark urine or unusual fatigue, you should seek your doctor’s advice immediately.
2. Gastrointestinal Issues
Oral antifungal medication can cause gastrointestinal side effects in some people. Diarrhea and, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain are common. Most of these side effects are mild and go away when the body adjusts to the medication. But if these symptoms last or get worse, talk to your doctor about it.
3. Drug Interactions
Oral antifungal medications can interact with other medicines, including over-the-counter medicines and supplements. For example, heart medication may interfere with itraconazole, and terbinafine may interfere with the metabolism of blood pressure drugs. Tell your doctor about any medications you are taking, including prescription, nonprescription, herbal products and foods that are high in caffeine.
4. Skin Reactions
Skin reactions such as rashes, itching or blistering occur in some cases when taking oral antifungal medications. While they are generally uncommon, they can be severe. If you get a rash or have other signs of an allergic reaction, see your doctor right away.
5. Risk During Pregnancy and while Breastfeeding
Oral antifungal medications are usually not taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding except when medically necessary. Terbinafine and itraconazole are both pregnancy category C drugs, and they can potentially harm the fetus. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, always consult with your doctor before starting any treatment.
How long does it take oral medications for nail fungus to work?
How long it takes for oral medications for nail fungus is one of the most important things to consider when taking oral medications for nail fungus. Nail fungus infections are chronic and can take months to clear completely, so you will need to have patience. Here’s what you can expect
1. You May Have To Wait For Weeks Before Initial Improvement
Oral medications for nail fungus are effective as soon as they enter your bloodstream but don’t show results straight away. It may take some time before you see much change because the drug is working to kill off the infection at its source in the nail root. In certain situations, you can wait a month before seeing improvement.
2. Full Treatment Duration: 6 to 12 Weeks
The complete treatment course for most people needing oral medications for nail fungus is 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the antifungal prescribed and how severe the infection is. This period slowly kills the fungus, and the healthy nail begins to grow back. However, it can take several months after the medication is finished before the nail fully regrows and the infection clears.
3. Regrowth of Healthy Nail
Nails do not grow back quickly, and it may take months to see a completely healthy nail. Fingernails grow out ultimately, on average, at 4 to 6 months, and toenails may take up to 12 months. That’s why you need to continue to take the medicine as directed, even if you aren’t seeing the results immediately.
4. Factors That Can Affect Treatment Time
The speed of recovery can vary based on several factors:
- Severity of the Infection: In case of severe infection, treatment may take longer than if such an infection is localised.
- Nail Growth Rate: Improvement will be made in nails that grow faster than slower-growing nails.
- Overall Health: Depending on their immune system, some people will heal quicker, while others with diabetes or other health issues may need more time.
If you do not see your condition improve after the recommended treatment time, talk with your healthcare provider about alternative treatment options or things you can change about your treatment plan.
What Are the Signs That Oral Medications Are Needed for Nail Fungus?
Oral medications for nail fungus can be very effective, but they aren’t the top treatment option. Before I dive into finding the best stocks, here’s something important you should know: when is the right time to consider them as an option? Take a look at some of the key signs that might be telling you it’s time to explore oral antifungal treatment.
- Chronic infection
Oral medications may be your best option when you have a severe or persistent nail fungus infection that does not respond to over-the-counter topical treatments. Topical antifungals often cannot treat severe infections that involve more than one nail or a more profoundly invading infection of the nail bed. In this case, oral medications can address the problem from within the body in a more complete way.
2. Topical treatments Were Ineffective.
Creams, ointments, or solutions that are applied to the nail are effective for many mild cases of nail fungus. If you have been using these treatments for several months without it helping, then oral medications for nail fungus might be the next thing you should try. The success rate for oral medications is higher than for topical medications, especially for those who are resistant to topical medications.
3. You have more than one nail affected
Oral medications are often advised to be used if more than one nail is infected or has spread to other nails. Because topical treatments are applied to individual nails, they may not be adequate for widespread infections. Oral antifungals are treatments that attack the problem systemically, giving you a better opportunity to kill off the infection in multiple nails at one time.
4. Underlying Health Conditions
People with conditions like diabetes are more likely to get nail fungus. In cases where this is possible, oral medications offer a better option of treating the infection before problems arise. The effectiveness of oral treatments may also benefit people with compromised immunity or people taking medicines that affect the immune system.
5. The Infection Is Causing Pain or Discomfort
If nail fungus is painful or if it interferes with your daily activities, it’s time to talk to your doctor about more effective treatment. Most often, oral medications for nail fungus work better at relieving the symptoms such as pain, tenderness, or thickened nails than topical treatments.
Oral Medications for Nail Fungus: How to Safely Take Them
Oral medications can be effective in treating nail fungus, but they have to be taken carefully to make sure they’re safe and work as well as they can. Here are some tips to ensure you get the best results while minimising risks:
1. Follow the Doctor’s Instructions.
Most importantly, when taking oral medications for nail fungus, your doctor will determine what dosage and timing will work best for you. The treatment for nail fungus using oral medicines requires you to be consistent with it for several weeks or even months before the infection clears, and you mustn’t stop at an early stage of the treatment since the illness can recur or not be eliminated.
2. Do you get Regular Liver Function Tests?
Some oral antifungal medications can harm the liver, so people on these medications should have regular liver function tests. Usually, your doctor will closely watch your liver health, including blood tests, to see if the medication is causing any adverse effects. You should tell your doctor immediately if you notice symptoms like unusual fatigue, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or dark urine.
3. Taking a Good Diet
Oral medications for nail fungus may cause stomach irritation, so if your doctor thinks you should take them with meals, take the advice seriously. The medication may be taken with the meal to reduce gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea or upset stomach. But never take the medication the way you do without following the exact instructions your healthcare provider or pharmacist gives you about how to take it.
4. Stop Drinking Alcohol During Treatment
To help avoid liver issues and ensure the medication works, avoid alcohol when taking any oral antifungal medication. Some antifungals can interact with alcohol, increasing your risk of liver damage. Based on this, alcohol can also disrupt the proper process of the effects of the medication in your body, potentially making it ineffective.
5. Be Aware of Drug Interactions
If you take oral medications for nail fungus, they can interact with many other medications you take for a heart condition, high blood pressure, or others. Before starting treatment, be sure to tell your doctor about all other medicines you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. By following these guidelines, there’s a way to avoid any drug interactions that may affect the dosing plan, causing a bad reaction or an interfering side effect.
6. A Complete Full Course of Treatment
It’s essential to finish the entire prescribed course of oral medication, even if you don’t notice any symptoms or think that the infection has cleared up. Re-emerging infection from stopping treatment too early may be caused by the fungus not being wholly eradicated. If you have nail fungus, patience is key, and getting through the treatment as directed is your best bet for fully recovering from it.
Why should you choose Revitalize London for nail fungus treatment?
We know at Revitalize London how uncomfortable and frustrating it can be to have a nail fungus infection. We want to give you the best options to get your nails back to a normal, healthy state as soon as possible and as safely as possible. Here’s why you should choose us for your nail fungus treatment:
1. Personalized treatment in an environment of expert care for your child
We assemble a group of proficient specialists who will take a customised approach to each case to guarantee that you get the treatment that you require. If you need oral medications for nail fungus, laser therapy, or both, we’ll get together to create a personal plan of action for optimal results.
2. Advanced Technology
At Revitalize London, we use the most modern medical technology, such as laser, to solve nail fungus non invasively and efficiently. Fast and painless, our advanced laser therapies are designed to target the fungus directly.
3. Comprehensive Aftercare
In addition to treating infection, we provide complete aftercare to ensure long-term success. Your team will help you with good nail care, hygiene practices and how to avoid reinfection, maximising your chances of a lasting result.
4. Convenient and Comfortable Environment
At Revitalize London, we have it as a priority to help you feel relaxed. At our clinic, you are offered a clean, welcoming and professional place to get your treatment. The key aspect is that we keep your experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.
5. Proven Results
We deliver effective treatments that produce results our clients notice. We operate with a commitment to high-quality care and patient satisfaction and are confident that we can safely and efficiently help you manage and eliminate nail fungus.
If you’ve had a problem with nail fungus, don’t wait any longer – call Revitalize London today to book a consultation to get started on the road to healthy nails!