What Is an Over-the-Counter Nail Fungus Treatment?
Nail fungus can be relatively hard to treat because the fungi and yeast spores that can cause the infection actually live underneath the nail bed, where it is difficult for topical medications to reach. Over-the-counter nail fungus treatments are sold at most drugstores, some grocery stores and pharmacies.
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Function
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Most over-the-counter (OTC) nail fungus treatments kill the fungus on the surface of the nail and surrounding skin, but aren't able to reach and kill the fungus infection deep beneath the nail. They work by inhibiting fungal growth and preventing the uninfected new-growth of the nail from becoming infected. Some OTC medications also have moisturizers or antibacterial properties to further speed the healing process.
Types
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OTC medications for nail fungus come in different forms. One type is anti-fungal cream or lotion that is spread onto the surface of the nail and skin surrounding the infected nail. There also are paint-on liquids, some of which dry like a nail polish. Others are oily and soak into the tissues surrounding the nail, as well as the nail itself.
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Considerations
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OTC nail fungus treatments are considered safer than prescription anti-fungal medications because they are used topically to treat the nail only, and applied directly to the infected area. Some anti-fungal prescription medications, topical and oral, can carry the risk of skin irritation and liver damage.
Time Frame
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OTC nail fungus treatments work to inhibit the growth of fungus, and in some cases, bacteria. They stop the infection from spreading to the new portion of the nail as it is forming and growing. Some improvement in the quality of the nail might be apparent in the first few weeks of using an OTC treatment. To prevent a recurrence, treatment should continue until the healthy nail has fully replaced the affected nail.
Misconceptions
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Many people assume that, because an OTC nail fungus treatment is used topically, it will not treat the fungus as effectively as an oral prescription medication. Because oral medications are typically not taken for the duration of the regrowth of the nail, reinfection is common. OTC anti-fungal treatments are typically used until there is no sign of infection, and the nail has completely regenerated. It might take a little time, but most are successful in treating fungal infections when used for an extended period of time.
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