Nails— we style them, polish them, paint them or just cut them altogether.
However, without proper hygienic care, your nails can become uncomfortable and unsightly that even bright-colored nail polish will not be able to hide the ugliness.
I’m not just talking about dirt and grimes stuck under your nails, I’m talking about a more complicated nail problem— Fungal Nails.
What is a Fungal Nail?
Fungal Nail or Fungus Nail is a common condition which begins as a yellow or white spot under the tip of your toenail or fingernails. As the fungal infections get deeper, the fungal nail can cause your nail to thicken, discolor and crumble at the edge.
Also, there is a probability that when you come in contact affected with fungal nails, then it might spread to you. Fungal nails usually affect toenails than fingernails since the toes are more usually confined to your shoes, where they are in a warm and moist environment.
Causes of Fungal Nail
Fungal nail is caused by different types of fungi or fungal organisms. The most common type of fungi to cause fungal nail is called dermatophytes. Molds and yeast can also cause nail fungal infections.
A fungal nail can develop at any age, however, it is more common in older people. This is because the nail becomes dry and brittle as we age and the resulting cracks in the nails can allow fungi to enter. A weakened immune system or a reduced blood circuit; action to the nails also plays a role in causing fungal nail infections.
Symptoms of Fungal Nail
A fungal infection can affect the entire nail or several nails. Some of the symptoms of a fungal nail infection include:
- Slightly foul smell
- Dark color caused by the debris buildup under the nail
- Distorted shape
- Ragged, crumby or brittle
- Yellow-brown to whitish discoloration
- Thickened nails
Who is at Risk with Fungal Nails?
There are various causes of a nail fungus and each cause has its own treatment. Even though most cases of fungal nail infections are preventable, there are some risk factors which increases the likelihood of developing it. People are more likely to develop fungal nails if they:
- Wear closed-toe shoes like boots or tennis shoes
- You Have a weakened immune system
- Have a moist toe or fingers for the extended time
- If skin injury around the nail
- Have a nail injury
- Swim in a public swimming pool
- Wear artificial nails
- Are 65 of age or older
- Have a disease which causes poor circulation
- Have diabetes
Top Methods to Prevent Fungal Nail
Just making a few simple lifestyle changes can actually help in preventing fungal nail infections. You need to take good care of your nails by keeping them clean and well-trimmed to prevent infections. Also, you should avoid having a skin injury around your nails. You may want to wear rubber gloves if you are going to have wet or damp hands for a long period of time.
Other ways you can do in order to prevent a nail fungal infection include:
- Reducing your use of nail polish and artificial nails
- Avoiding being barefoot I public places
- Wearing socks which minimize moisture
- Using your own tools for pedicures and manicures
- Having pedicures and manicures from trusted salons
- Drying your feet after a shower, particularly between your toes
- Washing your hands after touching infected nails
- Use antifungal powders or sprays regularly
Top 10 Best Product for Nail Fungus
If you are suffering from an uncomfortable and unsightly fungal nail and wants to remove them as soon as possible, then you will need the best antifungal nail treatment. Here are our top 10 best fungal nail treatments for healthy, fungi-free nails.
1. Purely Northwest Antifungal Treatment
This antifungal treatment from Purely Northwest is not just a typical topical treatment for fungal nails. It combines its 3 different products: AntiFungal Soap, ReNew Toenail Solution, and Tea Tree Oil Foot Soak in one solution, treating your nail fungal infection from 3 different angles.
The Purely Northwest Antifungal Treatment harnesses the therapeutic power of eucalyptus oil, jojoba oil, oregano oil, tea tree oil and other powerful essential oils to cure your nail fungus and leaving your nails healthy and clean. Many users report that the herbal smell of the treatment is actually calming and relaxing. Plus, the company included a 90-day money back guarantee if you are not completely satisfied with their products.
Pros:
- Complete, 3-in-1 antifungal treatment to remove the fungal nail from every angle
- Uses powerful essential oil
- Relaxing and calming scent
- 90-day money back guarantee
Cons:
- Not an overnight cure
- Time-consuming to use all 3 treatments
- Cause uncomfortable feeling for sensitive skins
2. Omiera Toenail Fungus Treatment
The Omiera toenail Fungus Treatment is specifically created and formulated by a team of physicians and pharmacists who knows how to deal with fungus nails. It contains podiazole, an ingredient known to eliminate fungus nails and its symptoms faster than other fungal nail treatments on the market.
This fungal nail treatment also works as a nail whitener in order to improve the appearance of the once infected nails. It also uses other natural essential oils such as lemongrass oil and tea tree oil. The company offers 100% money back guarantee in case you are not satisfied with their product.
Pros:
- Powerful Podiazole ingredient
- Whitens previously infected nails
- Pharmacists and physician-preferred
Cons:
- Foul Smell
- Very Expensive
- Causes side effects for sensitive skins
3. Fungi-Nail Anti-Fungal Pen
Fungi-Nail Anti-Fungal Pen is an awesome and simple to use an anti-fungal treatment which comes with a handy pen applicator. The antifungal treatment is directly applied to the nail and nail bed once a day. This fungal nail treatment is best used for moderate to mild cases of fungal nail infections.
The Fungal-Nail Anti-Fungal Pen created an awesome moisture blocking technology that holds the medicine in place. Its main active ingredient is a known antifungal medication called undecylenic acid. The helpful pen brush applicator makes the treatment much easier and quicker and delivers just the right amount of solution directly to the affected nails.
Pros:
- Easy to apply
- Best-priced
- Effective antifungal treatment
Cons:
- Only suitable for moderate to mild cases of fungal nail infection
- Needs multiple pens for best results
4. NonyX Fungal Nail Treatment
If you want a fast treatment for dark or discolored nails because of nail fungal infection, try this fungal nail treatment form NonyX. It is commonly recommended by most podiatrists for a quick treatment of these unsightly, embarrassing nail problems.
The main ingredients of this anti-fungal treatment are Xantham gum, Ethanoic acid, and deionized water. One pack of this fungal nail treatment can last up to 3 months for fantastic, healthy nails. It is free from preservatives and parabens and safe for diabetic individuals to use. The company also offers a money back guarantee in case you are not satisfied with their product.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Clears out discoloration
- Money back guarantee
- Safe for diabetic individuals
Cons:
- Slow Result
- Strong vinegar smell
- Can cause irritation for sensitive skins
5. Zane Hellas Fungus Stop Nail Fungal Treatment
This amazing topical nail fungal treatment is effective against 99.9% of fungal infections. The Zane Hellas Fungus Stop Nail Fungal Treatment is renowned for its affordable and cheap price compared to other similar products.
This antifungal treatment has 100% natural ingredients and contains the best oregano oil in the world which is Greek Oregano Oil, an extremely powerful essential oil that kills fungi and instantly treats nail fungal infection and others. It also contains other powerful essential oils like avocado oil, calendula oil, tea tree oil, almond oil, and extra virgin oil.
Pros:
- Simple, easy to use treatment
- Low price
- 9% effective against all fungal infections
Cons:
- A minor irritation for sensitive skins
- Takes 4 weeks to see results and even longer for severe cases of infections
6. Funginix Nail fungus treatment
The Funginix Nail Fungus Treatment has a unique formula which combines undecylenic acid which is approved by the FDA and a good list of organic fungus-fighting ingredients such as menthol, lavender oil, camphor, and tea tree oil in order to eliminate your fungus nail problem.
Moreover, the Funginix Nail Fungus Treatment has a thicker viscosity than other antifungal treatments. This means that the skin absorbs it better for a faster antifungal solution. You only need to apply it twice a day and takes only a few minutes for the skin to absorb the treatment and is extremely safe for pregnant women and young children to use. Plus, the company also offers a 90-day money back guarantee in case you are not fully satisfied with their product.
Pros:
- Natural and FDA-approved ingredient
- 90-day money back guarantee
- Quick and easy to use
Cons:
- Persistent odor
7. Fungavir Nail Fungus Treatment
This Nail Fungus Treatment from Fungavir has a dual action formula which attacks the core of the problem that is underneath the nail. Then, it kills the fungi while working to heal the affected nails. Fungavir Nail Fungus treatment is an effective and fast solution which only utilize the most powerful and safest anti-fungal ingredient with no known side effects.
Fungavir formula has a proprietary blend of antifungal ingredients in order to eliminate 3 types of nail fungi: yeasts, dermatophytes, and molds. It has no filler or additives like glycerin and water and works really well for toenails or fingernails. The company offers a 60-day money-back guarantee if you are not fully satisfied with their product.
Pros:
- Dual action formula
- Fast results
- 60-day money back guarantee
Cons:
- Proprietary blend
- Can cause irritation for sensitive skins
- Very expensive
8. Miller’s Fungus Killer
Dr. Miller’s Fungus Killer Treatment is a potent antifungal formula for the skin and nails. It has a powerful 100% natural ingredients such as oregano, lavender, manuka and tea tree oil for eradicating fungi and solving your nail fungal problems.
Furthermore, it contains several other ingredients like geranium, thyme, clove bud, rose geranium, cinnamon bark, lemongrass, and coconut oil to boost it anti-fungal effectiveness and also provide a pleasant, heartwarming scent.
It is very easy to apply, featuring an applicator similar to nail polish applicator for an easy and simple application and avoid the messy, sticky feeling with creams and lotion antifungal treatments. It is clinically proven to treat fungal nails and guarantees improvements for as early as 2 weeks.
Pros:
- Pleasant smell
- 100% natural ingredients
- Powerful antifungal treatment that provides result in as early as 2 weeks
- Easy application
Cons:
- Can cause irritation for sensitive skins
9. Puriya Anti-Fungal Cream
Also known as the best antifungal balm, the Puriya Wonder Balm is an awesome antifungal treatment which contains eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, and other powerful essential oils. It is both antimicrobial and antifungal, meaning it not only treats fungal infections but also treats infections caused by bacteria such as dry skin, chafing, rashes, blisters and athlete’s foot.
In addition, the Puriya Anti-Fungal cream has a stay-on formula that does an amazing job in keeping the treatment on the affected area which generally speeds up the recovery process. Last but not the least, the company also offer a grand 180-day money back guarantee in case you are not fully satisfied with your purchase.
Pros:
- 100% all natural therapeutic ingredients
- A powerful solution that fights not only fungal nails but also helps in jock itch, dry skin, athlete’s foot, dry skin, and irritation
- 180-day money back guarantee
Cons:
- Can cause irritation for sensitive skins
- Has a strong smell
10. Probelle Fungal Nail Treatment
Probelle Fungal Nail Treatment is guaranteed to have a 100% all-natural ingredients. Its main ingredient is Lauric Acid which is extracted from coconut oil that restores the natural and healthy look of infected nails. Also, it reduces itching and strong odor caused by nail fungus.
This fungal nail treatment has a stainless formula and is unscented so you do not have to worry about strong smells found on similar products. Furthermore, it is very easy to apply with its glass dropper and only takes a few minutes to dry.
Pros:
- 100% all natural ingredient
- Unscented
- Easy application
Cons:
- Can cause irritation for sensitive skins
- Some users reported that it caused their nails to dry out
Top 5 Best Nail Care Products
Our nails are constantly exposed to dirt and grime in a regular basis. And it is our job to keep it clean and avoid damage. You do not need to visit a salon every now and then just to have your manicure and pedicure done.
As a matter of fact, with the right nail care tools and products at your disposal, you can always keep your fingernails or toenails healthy and keep fungi away!
Here are top 5 must-have products for your nail care:
1. Seki Edge Slim Clipper: Best Fingernail Clippers
From the city of Seki, Japan, where superb swords and knives were made since the 13th century, comes an ambitious namesake for this awesome fingernail clippers. Made from high-grade tempered stainless steel, the Seki Edge Slim Clipper has these sleek lines, a well-balanced grip and the ability to cut through your fingernails like butter soft.
This fingernail cutter has a 2-inch lever which is a lot longer than standard nail cutters— enough to manage an effortless, smooth clip of your nails. It has a delicate, curved cutting edge sized for precise clipping of fingernails.
Although it is best for clipping fingernails, the Seki Edge Slim Clipper is also powerful enough to trim down the harder, thicker toenails in an instant. It also has a small button at the end of the lever which latches to a corresponding hole when closing the clipper so that it will not slide open.
This nail clipper also packs a few extra features. It has a metal nail catcher at the bottom which collects nail trimmings and slides back whenever you want to dump them. Also, it has an embedded nail file towards the base of its lever.
Pros:
- High-grade tempered stainless steel
- Curve-cutting edge for precise trimming
- Powerful for both fingernail and toenails
- Metal nail catcher
- Embedded nail file
Cons:
- Nail catcher cannot catch all trimmings
- Very sharp
2. Equinox Toenail Clipper: Best Toenail Clippers for Thick Nails
The Equinox Toenail Clippers are not only designed for personal use, but it also commonly used at podiatry offices and salons. Made from surgical grade stainless steel, these toenail clippers are effective against the thickest toenails out there.
It has an ergonomic design, making it very comfortable to hold. And with comfort comes a better grip strength. This provides precise and clean cuts of even the hardest nails. It has a hand-sharpened and tempered blade so you can have a precise trimming every time. And because of its sharpness, you do not have to worry about your nails crumbling or splitting.
The stainless steel design also offers a great advantage when it comes to cleaning. If you have toenail fungal infection, then you can easily sanitize the whole clippers as often it is needed in order to reduce the risk of spreading fungal growth.
Lastly, this toenail clippers also have your safety in mind. It has an easy-to-use locking key feature at the bottom which cannot be opened unless they are unlocked. This means that the sharp blades will not be exposed when they are stored somewhere reducing the risk of accidental scrapes and cuts.
Pros:
- Surgical grade stainless steel
- Hand-sharpened and tempered blades
- Easy cleaning and disinfecting
- Easy-to-use locking key safety feature
Cons:
- A bit bigger
- Locking mechanism needs force
3. Etereauty 5 Pcs. Cuticle Pusher
One important tool for manicure and pedicure is the cuticle pusher which prevents your cuticle to become flaky or dry. The Etereauty Cuticle Pusher comes with 5 pieces of different cuticle pushers for every cuticle care you need.
These tools are made of surgical quality stainless steel so it will never tarnish or rust and will hold their edge for years to come. These cuticle pushers are easy to clean and disinfect with just a splash of water or alcohol.
It has a total of five tools— 3 tools are double-ended which gives you every shape of rounded pusher toll you will ever need. Moreover, Etereauty gives you a handy place to store these cuticle pushers. It comes with an attractive reusable box which also makes it a perfect gift for families and friends.
Pros:
- Surgical Quality Stainless Steel
- 5 pieces cuticle pusher
- Comes with a reusable box
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Very sharp so you need to be careful when using
4. Bona Fide Beauty Glass Nail File
This nail file is made of 100% Czech Glass of only the finest quality. Nail files help in grinding down the edges of your nails and make them smoother every after trimming. And while metal files can shred and damage the natural nail edge, the Bona Fide Beauty Glass Nail file features a uniform double sided etched filing surface which seals the keratin layers together and leaves your nail smooth with no jagged edges.
Furthermore, it is designed to be used multiple times and its non-porous glass surface prevents the growth of fungus and bacteria, thus preventing fungal nail infections. Unlike other typical nail files, this glass file can be washed and sterilized multiple times for cleanliness.
Pros:
- 100% High-Quality Czech Glass
- Uniform double sided etched filing surface
- Non-porous glass surface
Cons:
- Quite thick
- Can easily break
5. OPI Nail Strengthener: Best Treatment for Brittle & Weak Nails
Probably one of the most expensive nail strengthener in the market today, the OPI Nail Strengthener comes in 10 different shades which can convince to ditch the nail polishes. It also has a formula that comes in glossy and matte finish.
The OPI Nail Strengthener contains calcium and hydrolyzed wheat protein as its main ingredients which fortify and strengthens weak and brittle nails. This nail strengthener might be expensive, however, it yields an amazing result that is worth your money.
Pros:
- Comes in 10 different shades
- Glossy and matte finish
- Contains calcium and hydrolyzed wheat protein
Cons:
- Very expensive compared to similar products
Conclusion
A fungal nail infection is a persisting problem. And no matter how you clean and maintain your nail hygiene, fungal nail infection can still find its way back to pester your nails. However, with the help from the best antifungal nail treatment and consistency, you can keep this unsightly crisis from touching you ever again.