Top 6 Nail Fungus Treatments in 2024: Exploring Why Jublia Ranks First

Nail fungus is a common infection affecting millions of people worldwide. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, 13.8% of adults and 0.44% of children in America have fungal infection in their nails. It appears as white and yellow spots growing under the nails when mild. It can be unsightly, uncomfortable, and challenging to eliminate. A lot of treatment options are available, including ointments, patches, creams, liquid solution, and more to get rid of the condition. In this article, we’ll dig into the 6 best nail fungus treatments of 2024 and shed light on why the Jublia solution stands out as the top choice.

What Causes a Fungal Nail Infection?

It is caused by the overgrowth of fungi in or under the nails and also known as onychomycosis. It can affect both fingernails and toenails, but they are more prevalent in the latter due to the warm and moist environment inside shoes. It essential to understand the causes for effective treatment:

Moist Environment: Fungi flourish in damp and humid conditions. The individuals who frequently expose their nails to moisture, such as swimmers or those who wear tight-fitting shoes for prolonged periods, are more susceptible to fungal infections.
Trauma or Injury: Nails that have been damaged, either by trauma or repetitive microtrauma (e.g., tight shoes), can provide an entry point for fungi. The compromised nail structure makes it easier for fungi to invade and establish an infection.
Weak Immunity: Individuals with weakened immune systems, whether due to conditions like diabetes, HIV, or the use of immunosuppressive medications, are more prone to fungal infections, including those affecting the nails.
Age: It is often associated with a slowed growth rate of nails and reduced blood circulation to the extremities. These factors can make older individuals more susceptible to fungal nail infections.
Poor Foot Hygiene: Inadequate foot hygiene, such as infrequent washing, improper drying of feet, and not changing socks regularly, can contribute to the growth and spread of fungi.

What Are the 6 Best Treatments for Nail Fungus?

The first step in treating your infected nail is for your dermatologist to trim each infected nail back to its attachment point. There may also be debris under the nail that needs to be scraped away by them. By doing this, some fungus is removed. In most cases, one or more of the following treatments are also necessary to completely eliminate the infection:

#1. Topical Antifungal Medications

The term topical antifungals refers to products that treat fungal infections by applying them directly to the skin, nails, or hair. A variety of products are available, such as creams, gels, lotions, ointments, powders, shampoos, sprays, and tinctures. In some cases, the medicine can kill a fungus. It may also prevent the infection from multiplying or growing. Several types of topical antifungal medications exist, as well as different classes of them. The best prescription medicine will be selected by your healthcare provider.

Why Is Jublia Solution Best for Your Nails?

The solution contains efinaconazole, which belongs to the group of drugs known as azole antifungals. It comes in a white plastic bottle with an applicator with a flow-through brush. It is a clear, colorless, pale yellow solution. It is important that you follow your doctor’s instructions for using the Jublia topical solution. Always read and follow all directions on your prescription label.

In most cases, Jublia is applied once daily to affected toenails for 48 weeks (approximately 11 months). Keep the following things in mind:

This medicine should not be taken in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
It is important to wash and thoroughly dry your toenails before applying for this medicine.
If you have just showered, bathed, or washed the area, you should wait at least 10 minutes before applying Jublia 10 topical solution.
Apply this medicine to the entire toenail and under the tip. Be sure to let the medicine dry completely before wearing a sock or shoe.
Wait at least 10 minutes before taking a bath or shower after applying Jublia solution.
This medicine should not be applied to any other skin besides your cuticles and the skin around your toenails.

[Note: Jublia topical solution is only intended for external use, not for use in the eyes, mouth, or vaginal cavity. Use it only on toenails and adjacent skin].

#2. Oral Antifungal Medications

They are also one of the most effective treatments for onychomycosis. Compared to topical therapies, they have a higher cure rate and a shorter treatment period. They work by inhibiting the growth and reproduction of fungal cells. Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how these medications work:

Step 1. They Inhibit Ergosterol Synthesis

Cell membranes of fungi, including those causing toenail fungus, contain a substance called ergosterol. The oral antifungal medications interfere with its synthesis, which is essential for maintaining the integrity and stability of the cell membranes.

Step 2. They Disrupt Fungal Cell Membrane

As ergosterol synthesis is inhibited by oral antifungal medications, the fungal cell membrane becomes weakened and less stable. These medicines disrupt the cell’s structure and compromise its structural integrity.

Step 3. Death of Fungal Cells

With a compromised membrane, the fungal cell is unable to maintain its normal functions. This ultimately leads to cell death, preventing the further spread and growth of the fungus.

Step 4. Systematic Distribution

Oral antifungal medications enter the bloodstream and are ingested, as opposed to topical antifungal treatments. As a result, the medication is able to reach all parts of the body, including the toenails.

#3. Antifungal Nail Polish

It is also known as medicated nail lacquer, a topical treatment designed to combat fungal infections of the nails. It is applied directly to the affected nails, much like regular nail polish. The medication is designed to adhere to the nail surface and penetrate the nail to reach the underlying fungal infection. The formulation penetrates the hard structure of the nail, including the nail plate. This allows the medication to reach the site of the infection within the nail bed.

In most cases, antifungal nail polishes require regular application, as directed by the product instructions. It is crucial to apply the polish consistently for it to be effective. It is generally recommended for mild to moderate cases of toenail fungus. The severe infection may require another treatment.

#4. Home Remedies

Although there is no scientific evidence that home remedies for nail fungus can be as effective as prescription medications, some people may find them helpful. It is essential to apply these remedies consistently, as individual responses can vary. For nail fungus, the following home remedies are often recommended:

Tea tree oil (Apply a few drops of tea tree oil directly to the affected nails daily)
Apple cider vinegar (Soak your nails daily for about 15-20 minutes)
Listerine (Mix it with water and soak your nails)
Vicks vaporub (Apply it to the affected area daily)
Garlic (Apply the paste to the nails, covering them with a bandage for an hour)
Baking soda paste (Apply the paste for 10 minutes daily)

#5. Laser Treatment

The treatment for toenail fungus using a laser kills the fungus with specific wavelengths of light. A light beam passes through a toenail without damaging it or harming the surrounding skin. It can take 12–18 months for a new toenail to grow out and replace the infected one, but as it does, it will begin to look more normal. Even though you might feel a pinprick or warming sensation during therapy, it is safe and painless. With no downtime or side effects, it’s a walk-in, walk-out procedure that takes less than 30 minutes.

Studies to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Laser Treatment

In a retrospective study by the National Centre for Biotechnology Information, the results of three open-label, nonrandomized studies were analyzed. The laser utilized was a 635nm/405nm dual-diode laser. The influenced toenails were treated twice a week for two to four weeks for 12 minutes each. After the treatment, 89% of toenails with mild to severe onychomycosis improved.
Another study published in Karger Medical Journal involved open treatment of 82 toenails. All the toenails were treated with a 1064 nanometer diode laser. They showed an improvement, ranging from 14% to 56%. About 60% of the treated patients would recommend the treatment to their family members or friends.

#6. Surgical Removal

The only time you should have your nail removed surgically is when it is very painful or when a large portion is diseased and damaged. Sometimes, only the diseased portion of the nail is removed, not the entire nail. It is rarely necessary to perform this procedure. You can have surgical nail removal done by your doctor. You will be given an injection in the finger or toe by your doctor in order to prevent pain.

After that, your doctor will use a tool to separate the nail from the skin around it. Only the diseased part of the nail is removed if only part of it is diseased. In order to prevent future infections, your doctor can destroy the matrix of the nail. Once the nail plate has been removed, a chemical is applied to the cuticle area. The wound is treated with ointment and covered with gauze and tape.

Follow your doctor’s instructions if you were told to care for your wound. In the absence of instructions, follow these general guidelines:

The wound should be washed twice a day for the first 24 to 48 hours after it is opened. It is best not to use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide because they can slow the healing process.
A delicate Vaseline layer and a non-stick bandage can be applied to the wound.
If necessary, apply more petroleum jelly and replace the bandage.

Within a few weeks, the wound should heal. It may take six months for fingernails to grow back. It may take 12 to 18 months for toenails to grow back. Remember, you should opt for surgical removal only if the doctor recommends it.

Tips to Prevent Fungal Nail Infection

If you get a fungal nail infection, it’s a real pain to get rid of. Therefore, it’s wise to know how to prevent them. The following tips will help you to prevent the infection:

Always wear flip flops sandals while visiting warm, moist environments such as gyms, public showers, spas, and pools. It will significantly reduce the risk of contracting nail fungus and athlete’s foot.
Keep a pair of flip flops handy near the pool, allowing you to easily slip into them after water activities. it minimizes direct contact with potentially contaminated surfaces.
After completing a nail fungus treatment, consider discarding shoes, boots, skates, or any other footwear worn prior to starting the treatment.
Wear a clean pair of socks daily, especially after physical activities that cause sweat. Opt for moisture-wicking socks to minimize fungal growth.
Select shoes that fit well (not too tight) and are crafted from breathable materials such as leather, canvas, or mesh.
Alternate between different pairs of shoes to allow each pair 24 hours to dry out. This hinders the favorable conditions for fungi to thrive in damp environments.
Sprinkle antifungal powder inside your shoes as an additional preventive measure. While not a treatment for fungal nail infections.
Trim your toenails straight across and ensure they remain shorter than the tips of your toes.
Maintain cleanliness by washing your feet with soap and water daily, paying attention to the spaces between your toes.
Moisturize dry skin promptly, within 5 minutes of bathing and after washing hands to practice prevents small cracks in the skin.
Regularly sanitize your nail clippers by washing them with soap and water, followed by wiping them with rubbing alcohol.
Never share personal items such as shoes, towels, nail clippers or any other personal belongings. Additionally, you can buy Jublia online conveniently and securely at the best Canadian online pharmacy.

Let’s Recap

Treating nail fungus is crucial for comfort and avoiding complications. While various treatments exist, Jublia stands out as a top choice due to its targeted approach and effectiveness. Remember, early diagnosis and consulting with a healthcare professional are vital. Maintain good foot hygiene, consider lifestyle factors, and choose a treatment that suits your condition. Whether using topical solutions, oral medications, home remedies, laser treatments, or surgical options, consistent application and patience are key to successfully overcoming the infection.