Natural Vs. Pharmaceutical Fungal Nail Treatments: What’s Best For Australians?
If your nail is unusually thick, discolored, or brittle, you probably have a nail fungal infection. Fungal nail infections (onychomycosis) are responsible for more than half of all nail diseases. Although they might initially seem harmless, severe cases may lead to discomfort and mobility issues.
Without early treatment, the damage might become permanent.
For many Australians, choosing between natural and pharmaceutical treatment options remains an issue. While both methods may be effective, their effectiveness, recovery time, and safety concerns vary.
Fortunately, we’ve researched these two methods to help you make an informed decision. This guide explains natural and pharmaceutical fungal nail treatments with examples and crucial considerations for the ideal selection.
Pharmaceutical Treatment
Medically-backed solutions to fungal infections are highly effective. They are suitable for severe nail infections that alternative methods may not cure.
Unlike natural remedies, pharmaceutical treatments in Australia are approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to meet health and safety standards. The three common treatment options in this category include:
1. Over-the-Counter Topicals
In the early stages of nail fungal infection, topicals may be enough to stop the infection. They are usually ointments you can find at the local pharmacy. Applying them directly to the affected area produces the best results.
2. Oral Medications
When over-the-counter topicals fail to give the required relief, try oral medications. They are more effective than topicals as they battle fungi from inside the body. Taking oral medications can curb severe infections, eliminating the need for more intense treatments.
3. Laser Treatment
This is the most effective method of treating nail infection. Laser treatment comes in two categories: hot and cold. Hot laser treatment has a success rate of up to 60% for malignant fungal issues. It requires multiple sessions and can take months to complete.
On the other hand, cold laser treatment is considered the best fungal nail treatment australia, with up to a 97% success rate. The procedure is usually painless, and it requires zero downtime.
Natural treatment
Natural remedies rely on organic ingredients or practices for anti-fungal correction. They are traditional or alternative medical methods that do not require a medical expert to administer.
Although they may only be effective for controlling mild infections, they are easy to apply. These are some of the most effective natural remedies for anti-fungal relief.
1. Ginger Oil
Studies show that ginger extracts are effective in combating fungi and bacteria. They can be found in large quantities in ginger oils. You can apply this oil topically over the affected area for relief.
2. Tea Tree Oil
Perhaps the most common natural treatment for fungal infection is tea tree oil, which can be effective for skin and nail treatments against fungal infection. Apply them over the surface of the nail or skin with the fungal infection.
3. Vicks VapoRub
Ointments containing methanol and camphor can treat fungal infections. A typical example is the Vicks VapoRub ointment. Although an over-the-counter product, this methanol-camphor-rich solution remains a remedy that can effectively curb nail infection.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Treatment Option
Both natural and pharmaceutical treatment procedures can help eradicate fungal infections to a degree. However, the results may differ depending on the approach you choose. So, consider these factors if you’re having trouble selecting the best one.
1. Effectiveness
It’s best to have reasonable expectations when battling nail infection. Antifungal treatments have varying degrees of effectiveness. To illustrate, natural remedies may offer relief but tend to be effective in mild or benign cases of infections. Also, their effects may be temporary, depending on the severity of the issue.
In contrast, pharmaceutical treatments can be effective for above-moderate fungal issues. They are usually the last resort for the most severe nail fungal infections. Choosing the best treatment may depend on the severity of your medical struggle. If you only have minor concerns, natural remedies may be enough to counter the problem.
2. Safety
Safety is crucial when it comes to anti-fungal remedies. While warding off fungal infections, you want to be sure the treatment you’re following doesn’t cause more harm than good. Although natural and pharmaceutical treatments are largely safe, possible safety concerns mainly arise from their application.
Opinions differ regarding the safer approach. Some believe pharmaceuticals are safer due to the various tests they undergo before production and adherence to safety regulations. Yet, pharmaceutical solutions like oral medications can have many side effects.
Meanwhile, natural remedies are widely considered safer due to the organic nature of the process and ingredients. However, some topicals may cause skin irritation, which can be a turn-off for some people.
3. Recovery Time
The recovery phase from any injury or illness is typically slow. However, your lifestyle or career might require a quick return to the status quo. For that reason, you might want to prioritize quick recovery time when choosing the ideal treatment method.
Natural remedies and pharmaceutical treatments can be effective, but they take time to produce the required results. You must consider that nails would only grow after the fungal removal and healing process. So it might take months to see the desired results. That said, it takes longer to see results from natural remedies than pharmaceutical treatments.
4. Ease of Use
Considering your busy schedule and many responsibilities, you may prefer an easy-to-use approach to combating fungal discomforts. Regarding ease of use, natural or pharmaceutical treatments fit this category. The easiest to apply usually depends on your preference.
For instance, natural remedies like herbal soaks and dietary changes are easy to apply without professional help. However, the preparation and application time might be a luxury for busy people.
Meanwhile, pharmaceutical treatments require getting an over-the-counter solution or seeing a medical expert. This approach is simple as it takes less time and little effort, yet you may have to leave the comfort of your space to secure these solutions.
5. Affordability
With the many treatment options available, finding a solution to your nail fungal issues shouldn’t burn a hole in your pocket. Although both treatment categories can offer relief, the cost might influence your decision. So, natural remedies might be the ideal option if you’re working with a budget or running low on cash.
Unlike pharmaceutical treatments, most natural remedies are DIY endeavors. You may spend very little or nothing on these procedures, especially when you have the ingredients.
For example, aloe vera, green tea, and garlic are natural remedies for fungal infections. These herbs are also cooking ingredients you’ll find in most kitchens. Spending almost nothing on product purchases and professional services can save you money in cash-strapped times.
Conclusion
Severe nail fungal infections can cause significant health issues that may alter your lifestyle and career. With natural and pharmaceutical treatment options, you can fully recover from fungal infections in a few months.
However, choosing between natural and pharmaceutical options can be tricky. When selecting, consider safety, effectiveness, affordability, and recovery time. See a podiatrist if you’re still unsure of the best approach.
