Nail fungus (onychomycosis) is a common condition causing discoloration, thickening, and brittleness of fingernails and toenails. Many try to conceal these changes with cosmetic nail polish. This article explores the implications of wearing polish over a fungal infection and outlines effective management.
Understanding the Impact of Nail Polish
Wearing cosmetic nail polish over a fungal infection is generally not advisable. Nail polish creates an occlusive barrier over the nail plate, which can worsen the existing fungal condition. This sealed environment traps moisture against the nail bed, fostering a damp, warm, and dark setting where fungi thrive. The lack of air exposure beneath the polish also contributes to the fungal growth.
Some polishes are marketed as “breathable” or “antifungal,” but even these may not provide a solution for active infection. While medicated nail polishes containing antifungal ingredients like ciclopirox or amorolfine are available, they are treatments themselves and are not meant to be covered by cosmetic polish.
Risks of Covering Fungal Nails
Wearing nail polish on a fungal nail has several negative consequences. The sealed environment created by polish can escalate the infection’s severity. This can lead to the fungus spreading deeper into the nail structure, making it more challenging and time-consuming to treat effectively.
Cosmetic nail polish can also mask the progression of the fungal infection, delaying proper diagnosis and intervention. The discoloration and texture changes, indicators of fungus, remain hidden, preventing individuals from noticing if the infection worsens or spreads. There is also a risk of spreading the infection to other nails or others through contaminated nail tools or shared polish bottles. Fungal spores can survive in polish, and a brush on an infected nail can transfer fragments to the entire bottle.
Prioritizing Fungal Nail Treatment
Given the risks associated with concealing nail fungus, prioritizing direct treatment of the infection is the most effective approach to restoring nail health. Effective treatment aims to eliminate the fungus and prevent its spread, allowing a healthy nail to grow. Consulting a healthcare professional, like a dermatologist or podiatrist, is an important first step for proper diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan. They can identify the type of fungus and recommend the most suitable course of action.
Treatment options vary and may include topical antifungal medications, oral antifungal drugs, or laser therapy. Topical solutions like efinaconazole, tavaborole, or ciclopirox are applied directly to the nail, often after thinning the nail to improve penetration. Oral medications, such as terbinafine, itraconazole, or fluconazole, are often prescribed for more extensive or persistent infections, though they require several months of consistent use and may have side effects. Laser therapy, which uses focused light to destroy fungal cells, offers another option, particularly if other treatments have been unsuccessful. Patience and consistent adherence to the treatment regimen are important for successful outcomes.
Healthy Nail Care Practices
Beyond specific treatments, adopting healthy nail care practices is important for managing existing fungal infections and preventing recurrence. Keeping nails clean and thoroughly dry is fundamental, as fungi thrive in moisture. Regular and proper nail trimming, cutting straight across and keeping nails short, helps prevent fungi from collecting underneath and reduces the risk of ingrown nails.
It is also advisable to avoid sharing nail tools, such as clippers and files, and to disinfect them regularly with rubbing alcohol to prevent cross-contamination. Wearing breathable footwear made from materials like leather or mesh, and changing socks daily (especially moisture-wicking varieties), can help keep feet dry. Avoiding walking barefoot in public areas like locker rooms or swimming pools further minimizes exposure to fungal spores. During treatment and recovery, refraining from cosmetic nail polish allows the nails to breathe and facilitates the treatment’s effectiveness.