Toenail fungus is an unsightly condition that can cause pain and embarrassment for those who are dealing with this condition. If you or someone you know is dealing with toenail fungus, getting treatment is most likely a priority. Our Best Foot Doctor offices in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens are highly experienced in treating cases of toenail fungus. If you have questions after reading this article or would like to schedule an appointment, you can give us a call today.
What Are the Common Treatments for Toenail Fungus?
There are many different treatments for toenail fungus that people swear by. These range from old wives’ tales and at-home remedies with subjective effectiveness to surgery, which is rare but most effective.
In the following list, we have attempted to give you a thorough list of the various treatment options for toenail fungus, in the order of least intrusive to most intrusive. Finding the best treatment option for you will likely require a consultation of your specific condition by a podiatrist. They will likely take a sample of the fungus from your nail and test it to be sure that it is toenail fungus before proceeding with treatment.
Common Treatments
- At-home remedies for toenail fungus include:
- Vicks VapoRub
- Snakeroot extract
- Tea tree oil
- Oregano oil
- Olive leaf extract
- Ozonized oils
- Vinegar
- Listerine
- Garlic
While many people swear by them and they are loudly broadcast as effective over the internet, we have not found them to be clinically effective in any widespread way. If you have questions about at-home treatments, talk to your podiatrist.
- Medicated toenail polish is an option that works well for minor cases of toenail fungus. The tricky part is that this option must often be used daily for long periods of time to be effective, but it does work for some.
- Topical ointments like nail cream may also be effective for milder cases or in conjunction with other treatment options. These require a prescription and will need to be faithfully used according to directions for weeks or months.
- Oral antifungal drugs can be taken to prevent the fungus from affecting new toenail growth. These drugs are widely effective, but they can interfere with other medications and carry the risk of developing liver disease. If you are prescribed oral antifungal drugs, you will need to have your liver tested. Make sure to tell your doctor about any and all medications you are taking before starting this regimen.
- Removing the affected toenail and allowing the new one to grow in may be an effective way to treat the fungus.
- Surgery is the last and most invasive option. It is not a common treatment but it is the most effective, as it involves fully removing the toenail and root, eradicating the disease.
Best Foot Doctor’s Recommendation for the Best Treatment for Toenail Fungus
At Best Foot Doctor, our doctors use laser therapy to completely kill the toenail fungus at its root. We believe that this is the best way to treat the disease. It is not always covered by insurance but it is very effective. There will be little to no visible improvement right away, but the fungus itself will be dead and should not return unless reintroduced by your environment.
Laser Treatment for Nail Fungus in NYC: Minimally Invasive Procedures
How to Find a Toenail Fungus Foot Doctor in New York City (NYC)
If you are located in the New York City (NYC) area and looking for help in treating toenail fungus, Best Foot Doctor is in your neighborhood. Our offices are open and ready to help you understand your condition and options for treatment. You can call our offices today to schedule an appointment.