Last Updated on October 11, 2021 by Nail Explorer
Having trouble finding the best treatment for toenail fungus? Nail fungus is an embarrassing condition that takes a long time to cure, so finding an effective treatment right off the bat will shorten the time it takes to eliminate the fungus. With so many products on the market, it can be hard to know which is the best treatment for toenail fungus.
An infection in the toenails or fingernails is quite a common occurrence. It is unsightly and embarrassing to discuss, but may not be accompanied by any kind of discomfort or pain, so people suffering from these infections often do not get them treated promptly.
A nail fungal infection can continue on indefinitely, and possibly spread to other nails or cause fungal infections in other locations of the body, so it is important to get it treated as soon as possible
After trying several topicals that didn’t do a thing and having a bad reaction to the tablets my doctor prescribed (you can read my story here), I was determined to find something that would work for me. It was either that or try laser treatment, which I couldn’t afford.
Table of Contents
Toenail Fungus Treatment
Diagnosis
Toenails and fingernails can become infected by a fungal infection called onychomycosis, otherwise known as ringworm of the nail. It is more common in toenails. A fungal infection in your toenails is visually obvious, as the nail itself will grow thicker and become ragged at the end, with significant discoloration. The infection is usually only painful in severe cases, and will separate from the toe (a condition known as onycholysis).
Other finger and toenail fungus symptoms may include patches of irritated skin (rashes) in a different area of the body that is not infected with the fungus. It is presumed that this rash is an allergic reaction to the fungus. There may also be pain in the tips of your fingers and toes, and the infected nail may have an unpleasant smell.
Several different types of pathogenic fungi cause toenail fungus, most are commonly found in temperate countries, and some in the tropics. They are usually contracted by people who spend a lot of time with their nails submerged in water.
Fungi do not need sunlight to reproduce, as they are microscopic organisms that can perform anaerobic respiration. This is why they flourish in warm, dark, damp conditions often found in a person’s shoes.
People with poor circulation are at a higher risk of contracting a nail fungus, as the infection is fought by the body’s antibodies, and a lower blood flow means less antibodies going to the extremities to fight infection.
Men are at a higher risk of nail fungal infections, as they perspire more than women, and perspiration is a factor in helping a fungal infection. Wearing thick, insulating socks also increases the risk substantially.
Nail fungal infections can, if left untreated for a significant amount of time, cause permanent damage to the infected nail and cause subsequent infections in other nails. Also, the fungi causing the infection can be transmitted through water, so if you visit a public swimming pool or baths, or share a bathroom, you can transmit the infection to other people.
It is important to get a correct medical diagnosis for nail fungus, as the symptoms are very similar to other disorders of the nail or nail bed, such as yellow nail syndrome or a tumor on the nail bed itself. Consult your doctor and they will be able to perform this for you.
Treatment
Toenail fungus treatments can be either anti-fungal medications (antibiotic treatments) or topical treatments such as anti-fungal creams. There is evidence to suggest that a combination of topical and systemic treatments can be more effective than using one or the other separately.
Topical toenail fungus medication, such as Lamisil, containing butenafine and/or cicloprioxolamine have been scientifically shown to be effective at toenail fungus treatment, but they must be applied daily for very long amounts of time, at least a year but often over several years. It has also been shown that amorolfine is actually slightly more effective than cicloprioxolamine, but it is less commonly used.
Other toenail fungus medicines may include terbinafine. Terbinafine is another active ingredient in topical creams has also been shown (in a 2002 scientific study) to significantly reduce fungal infections over other common anti-fungal treatment ingredients such as griseofulvin or itraconazole.
Recently, some physicians have begun to use lasers treatments for toenail fungal infections, however this method of treatment is in its infancy and has not been conclusively proven to be more effective than systemic or topical treatments, although the one study that has been done on it did show a positive effect.
Prescription systemic courses of anti-fungal treatments can last for over 12 weeks, and often prevent the fungus from reproducing rather than destroying it, so you may have to wait for the nail to grow out for the infection to fully disappear.
Natural toenail fungus treatments are popular but are not scientifically confirmed. Tea tree oil is a popular choice, but there is not enough evidence to recommend it outside of folklore on the subject.
Other home treatments include extract from grapefruit seeds as they are supposed to be anti-bacterial or microbial, and extract from the snakeroot leaf. Snakeroot leaf extracts have been shown in scientific studies to affect onychomycosis on a superficial level, but the studies also confirm that modern medical treatments are more effective and reducing the level of the fungal infection.
Vinegar is an old home toenail fungus treatment, and studies have shown that soaking the nail in vinegar can prevent bacterial growth. Feet should be placed in a solution of 2 parts water (warm) and 1 part vinegar for 15-20 minutes, and thoroughly washed with water afterwards. This can cause skin irritation, so do not use this technique more than three times per week.
If the nail is severely infected and causes extreme discomfort for the patient, a doctor may suggest surgically removing the nail to remove the infection or further risk of infection to other nails. A new nail should grow to replace it within a year of the operation, but it is not guaranteed that it will, and the digit may no longer have a nail on it.
Related: Best Oil For Nails And Cuticles
As with any orally taken treatment, consult your doctor if you have any existing medical conditions or if you’re already taking any kinds of oral treatments. It is important to ensure that the treatments don’t contain counteractive ingredients, as there is the possibility that these can cause serious harm to your body if taken in certain amounts.
Best Over The Counter Toenail Fungus Treatment
I spent a lot of time searching online, made up a shortlist based on positive reviews, and ended up with two front runners for the best over the counter toenail fungus treatment. The thing that stood out for me about ZetaClear was that it contains a cocktail of all-natural ingredients.
I researched these and found a number of people claimed to have used them individually to cure their toenail fungus. I thought of buying one or two of the ingredients used in the topical formula, but no way would I have dared experiment with the oral formula that is an integral part of the treatments’ effectiveness.
I also didn’t fancy having to mix everything up and was concerned if I did the mixture might go off and cause me more problems. Plus I’m busy, so it just seemed more convenient to buy the ZetaClear which would eliminate any guesswork. ZetaClear isn’t expensive either, though quite frankly by the time I got around to trying it I was so fed up with the sorry state of my toenails I’d have handed over just about any amount for a cure.
Cost and Shipping
ZetaClear can be purchased in a single, triple, or six-pack which will provide you with a one month, three months, or six month supply depending upon which option you choose. The single pack costs $49, the triple pack $97 and the six-pack is $145. By all means, try the one month’s supply to see if you like it, but remember you will need to use the treatment for at least six months to be sure of eliminating your nail fungus. Buying the triple pack will, in effect, mean you get one month’s supply for free, while the six-pack will give you a six month supply for the price of three.
Major credit cards are accepted as is PayPal and there’s a money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied, for any reason, with your purchase. Shipping varies depending upon the country of residence but be assured it’s inexpensive.
ZetaClear Specs
ZetaClear Homeopathic Nail Fungus Treatment delivers a 2-pronged attack consisting of a topical solution that when brushed on penetrates under the surface of the nail delivering the ingredients where they’re needed, and an oral homeopathic spray consisting of powerful, all-natural ingredients that circulate via the bloodstream. This can be used up to three times a day to fight the infection faster than a topical solution alone could.
Active Ingredients in the Oral Spray Include:
Antimonium Curdum – relieves pain, promotes new nail growth, and treats nail discoloration and structural abnormalities.
Arsenicum Album – eliminates discoloration.
Mancinella – this also deals with discoloration.
Nitricum Acidum – works to eliminate white spots on the nail that can be present with nail fungus.
Sulphur – provides relief from ulceration and inflammation
Thuja Occidentalis – effective treatment for Hangnails, brittle nails, and soft or crumbly nails.
ZetaClear Nail Fungus Relief Homeopathic Spray also contains the inactive ingredients of alcohol and purified water.
Active Ingredients in ZetaClear Solution Include:
Tea Tree Oil – renowned for its potent healing properties, tea tree oil encourages healthy nail growth
Almond Oil – gently imparts moisture
Jojoba Oil – moisturising properties
Vitamin E Oil – an antioxidant that diminishes irregularities
Lemongrass Oil – soothing
Undecylenic Acid – promotes healthy tissue
Clove Oil – a natural analgesic and herbicide
While I can’t guarantee it will work for you, ZetaClear worked for me and it worked relatively quickly. I consider it to be the best treatment for toenail fungus (or fingernail fungus for that matter) and recommend it to anyone who is seeking a cure for nail fungus.