Fungus won’t clear up without treatment. The best over-the-counter toenail fungal cream is a very convenient way to kill those difficult-to-reach fungal spores that are destroying your nails.
Fungus severely weakens the protein in the nail which causes deformation. If permitted to run its course, the toenail will turn black. Don’t let a fungal infection of the nails reach that stage.
Never make the mistake of waiting for toenail fungus to go away on its own. It will only worsen, and it will likely spread to other toes. Consistent, early treatment with Scholl Fungal Nail Treatment
can put a stop to toenail fungus. it’s an all-in-one treatment that kills 99.9% of fungal spores.
Table of Contents:
Why Use AntiFungal Toenail Fungus Cream?
One of the advantages of using an antifungal cream for toenail fungus is that it’s easy to apply. After filing away the dead nail, rub the cream onto the affected nail(s) and let the ingredients get to work.
Antifungal creams kill fungal cells and provide patients with symptomatic relief. The natural ingredients are effective at eliminating fungus and preventing the infection from worsening.
Active ingredients in fungal creams also cool the sore skin around the toenail. The soothing agents will reduce irritation, so it’s easier and more comfortable to get on with day-to-day activities.
How Soon Will I See Results?
Treatment will get to work immediately, but the amount of time that it takes to get rid of toenail fungus depends on the severity of the condition.
A very mild fungus can be cleared up in about four weeks. That’s the advantage of taking action at an early stage. If you have severe fungus, it could take 6+ months before you see results.
Much will also depend on if you follow the instructions. If you’re advised to apply an antifungal toenail cream three times a day, but only apply it once, any progress will be severely limited.
What Happens if I Leave Fungus Untreated?
Removing fungal infections with cream before it multiplies is strongly recommended. If you leave fungi to grow, it will spread underneath the skin, and the toenail will form a protective barrier.
This not only becomes harder to treat, but also takes longer to heal. You may find that a cream won’t work, so you have to use a prescription oral medication.
There is a higher risk of complications associated with oral antifungal medicines as they can be very harsh on the liver and other vital organs. Delaying treatment makes recovery harder.
What’s the Best Toenail Fungus Cream?
Topical treatments are a popular and effective way of tackling mild fungal infections. The active ingredients work to inhibit the growth of fungus and gradually repair the damaged nail plate.
1) Scholl Fungal Nail Treatment
Scholl Fungal Nail Treatment is a topical ointment that is scientifically proven to treat mild fungal infections in the early stages of development. The combination of natural ingredients kills the fungus and stops the infection from spreading.
The Scholl Fungal Nail Treatment uses a two-step system. The first step is to kill the fungal infection and prevent it from reaching other areas. The second phase is to nourish the nail until it is restored to good health. This is when you will notice an improvement in appearance.
The manufacturers also claim the treatment can help the infection from reoccurring. However, it should be noted that you need to take good care of your feet once you stop using a treatment.
The product is easy to use. The Scholl Fungal Nail Treatment package comprises five hygienic disposable nail files together with an advanced nail liquid.
What Are the Ingredients?
- Isopropanol – Contains antimicrobial properties that are effective against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The alcohol content inhibits the growth of fungi and coagulates proteins.
- Glycerine – Absorbs moisture, removes dead cells and increases the thickness of the epidermal layer which strengthens skin.
- Citric acid – Inhibits the growth of fungi.
- D-Panthenol – Provides moisture and nourishment to skin and helps to facilitate the regeneration of the nail.
- Urea – Softens keratin and helps to restore protein to the nails and skin.
- Xanthan gum – A forming agent with properties that help to stop the spread of infections.
- Sodium benzoate – A preservative used to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungus.
How Long Does It Take to Work?
The length of time it takes to clear toenail fungus will depend on the severity of the condition. The treatment is most suitable for mild conditions. The ointment works in two phases.
The first phase kills the fungus and takes about four weeks. The second phase encourages the growth of a new nail so that the fungus grows out and is replaced by a new, healthy nail.
The Scholl Fungal Nail Treatment includes a nail file and an advanced nail liquid. Both items should be used regularly to speed up recovery.
Using the nail file to remove keratin debris from underneath the toenail, and filing away the thickness of the nail will improve the appearance and make it easier to apply the nail liquid.
The advanced nail liquid is specially formulated to penetrate the nail and destroy the fungal infection. The active ingredients break the bonds between the nail cells and hydrates the area to soften the nail.
Are There Any Side Effects or Risks?
According to Drugs.com, people with sensitive skin may experience an allergic reaction to the active ingredients (tolnaftate topical). The risk of side effects is minimal.
If you do experience any adverse effects from applying this cream to your toenails, you should stop treatment and consult a doctor if the symptoms don’t subside after a few days.
2) Dr. Blaine’s Tineacide Antifungal Cream
This topical ointment is highly recommended by podiatrists. Clinically proven to kill skin fungus, Tineacide helps to soften hard skin and restrict the growth of fungal infections.
The active ingredients of this fungal cream are built into a formula designed to absorb into the skin and fight fungal elements below the surface. It is, therefore, potentially suitable for infections that have matured beyond the mild stages.
The formula contains anti-inflammatory properties that target inflamed areas. This soothes any pain you may be experiencing. You can even use this ointment for painful infections in the later stages.
Dr. Blaine’s Cream is a treatment that is intended to fight onychomycosis and athlete’s foot.
What Are the Ingredients?
- Miconazole Nitrate – An antifungal agent that prevents the growth of fungi.
- Aloe Barbadensis Leaf – Commonly known as Aloe Vera, this versatile and therapeutic leaf produces amino acids, enzymes, vitamins and minerals that nourish skin.
- Urea – Softens keratin and restores protein in the nails and skin.
- Clotrimazole – An azole antifungal agent that works by preventing fungus from growing, spreading and causing the condition to get worse.
- Lavender Oil – Contains antifungal properties that are effective against fungal strains that are common causes of skin and nail infections.
- Tea Tree Oil – Proven to fight bacteria and fungus, the antiviral properties act as a disinfectant and repairs surrounding tissue to aid the healing process.
How Quickly Does It Work?
Patients with mild conditions may notice improvements after four weeks using Dr. Blaine’s Tineacide Antifungal Cream
. The recommended dose is twice daily, once in the morning and once at night.
Dr. Blaine’s fungal cream is reasonably potent, and speedy results are not unheard of. However, a more realistic timeframe to follow before you start to notice results in two to four months. So, give the ointment time to work before giving up.
The manufacturer also stresses the cream should not be used to treat fungal infection in children under the age of 12.
Are There Any Side Effects or Risks?
Treating fungal infections with Dr. Blaine’s antifungal cream is low risk. There are few side effects reported other than mild skin irritation. It is intended for external application only.
If you do have sensitive skin or experience allergic reactions to creams in the past, you should perform a patch test before commencing a treatment plan.
3) Clotrimazole Antifungal Cream
Clotrimazole is a potent adversary of fungus (toenail fungus and athlete’s foot) and is clinically proven. That’s why this antifungal cream is one of the most popular topical treatments.
The topical cream is ideal for mild complaints but can be used alongside other treatments to ease irritation and soften the skin and nails. The formula has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe skin that is swollen and sore.
What Are The Ingredients?
- Clotrimazole – An azole antifungal agent that works by preventing fungus from growing and spreading.
- Benzyl alcohol – Soothes itchy feet and removes bad odors.
- Cetostearyl – An alcohol-based disinfectant that works as an effective against bacteria.
- Cetyl esters wax – A naturally occurring lubricant that conditions the surface of the skin, so it feels smoother and softer.
How Quickly Does It Take Clotrimazole To Work?
Clotrimazole is regarded as one of the fastest-working antifungal creams. However, there is little evidence to support the formula works any better than any of the others.
It typically takes two weeks for topical antifungal creams to stop the growth of fungus. It may not necessarily kill the fungus, however. Therefore, you need to continue using antifungal creams until the infected skin has grown out and replaced by healthy new skin.
The recommended usage is 2 or 3 times a day depending on the severity of the condition and how much grief your feet are giving you. If you have sensitive or irritable skin that itches unbearably, applying Clotrimazole Cream
three times a day will be more beneficial.
Are There Any Side Effects or Risks?
Clotrimazole is unlikely to cause any side effects. The worst that can happen is an allergic reaction. If you are sensitive to allergies, apply a small amount of the cream to a small area of skin.
Do Creams for Toenail Fungus Work?
Antifungal creams are only suitable for mild fungal infections. These creams are a good starting point for patients that have been diagnosed with a fungal infection provided that the formula can reach the nail bed. Creams can also be used as a supplement to aid oral treatments.
There is less risk of experiencing side effects after using antifungal creams. However, the American Society of Microbiology did find that some ingredients of these creams can occasionally have severe hypersensitivity reactions. You’ll find a list of the ingredients on the outside packaging.
