Toenail Fungus: Antifungal Drugs and Essential oils

Fungal infections manifest with characteristic symptoms like itchy red patches, hair loss, and crusted lesions. Certain common conditions that contribute to fungal infections include wearing tight-fitting clothes and sharing locker rooms, clothes, or furniture with infected individuals. To treat various types of fungal infections, antifungal drugs are used, available in preeminent topical, oral, and intravenous forms. However, it is important to note that oral antifungal drugs can be more toxic to the human body compared to topical ones. These antifungal drugs typically belong to different broad categories such as azoles, echinocandins, and polyenes.

Side effects of synthetic antifungal drugs. These side effects are due to uncontrolled drug release and can lead to prolonged treatment due to low penetration; consequently, these drugs may not reach the target location and could lead to the incomplete clearance of infection.

Azoles inhibit the oxidative enzymes present in the fungal cell membrane, which prevents the cell wall of the fungus from forming sterol (ergosterol), and due to incomplete synthesis, cells become permeable. On the other hand, echinocandins inhibit the synthesis of important polysaccharides (1,3-β-glucan) responsible for developing the cell wall, whereas polyenes directly bind to the ergosterol and move inside the cell through the cell membrane by creating pores, and through these pores, cellular organelles come out that cause the death of the cell. While the topical antifungal drugs act on the different sites to target the molecules for the treatment of fungal infections, they show various side effects (Figure 1) on the application site, such as burning, redness, and some allergic reactions

What drugs are used to treat fungus?

To treat fungus, scientists have researched and produced antifungal agents. Currently, there are four types of antifungal drugs, which are studied based on the mechanism of action of the drug on fungal cells, which are:

1. Membrane Formation Inhibitors: Azoles (fluconazole, voriconazole, itraconazole) inhibit the biochemical reaction that creates ergosterol needed for fungal cell membranes, damaging the membrane and thereby destroying the fungal cell. It should be noted that azoles are very effective against Candida and Aspergillus fungi.

2. Perforation of Fungal Cell Membrane: Polyenes (such as amphotericin B, amphotericin B deoxycholate) combine with ergosterol in the cell membrane and attack the fungus. These are often used for the initial treatment of a fungal infection caused by Cryptococcus. However, these antifungal drugs have the disadvantage of being still high-priced and not suitable for the majority of people, and the drug is toxic to the kidneys. Therefore, people who have or are suffering from kidney disease, especially kidney failure, should not take this medicine.

3. Inhibitors of DNA and RNA Nucleic Acid Production: In this class of inhibitors, the pyrimidine 5-fluorocytosine analogs kill fungi by inhibiting DNA and RNA generation. This antifungal drug, combined with amphotericin B, has been used to treat cryptococcal encephalitis with good results due to the mechanism of action of the mixture of two drugs that have entered the cerebrospinal fluid to attack the fungus. The disadvantages of 5-fluorocytosine drugs are high toxicity to users and resistance in fungi.

4. Preventing the Growth of Fungi: The echinocandins, such as caspofungin, micafungin, have the ability to inhibit the synthesis of B (1-3) D glucan (essential substance for fungal cell membranes), thereby causing damage to fungal cells. This type of antifungal is also effective but expensive and is often chosen when other antifungals are ineffective or less effective.

Gene Suppression: Recently, a multinational research team has studied and discovered a Bdf1 protein that is essential for Candida albicans because the Bdf1 protein is a gene expression regulator. Therefore, the authors have studied fungal gene disruptors, which are Bdf1 protein inhibitors, including a new class of antifungal drugs that disrupt the entire fungal gene expression program leading to the destruction of the fungal cell.

Notes not to be missed when taking the drug:

1. Early treatment: In cases of fungal infections, the earlier the treatment, the more effective it will be. Therefore, antifungal drugs should be used as soon as there are suspicious symptoms such as the appearance of circular, fringed, gradually spreading rashes, which may or may not be itchy.

2. Side effects: All antifungal drugs have side effects, such as amphotericin B deoxycholate and its lipid form can cause nephrotoxicity, thrombophlebitis, anemia, fever, tremor, nausea, vomiting, or azole derivatives can cause liver toxicity, red rash, dizziness, digestive disorders. Therefore, when there are any unusual signs, the patient should notify the doctor for treatment.

3. How to use each form of medicine: Because fungal lesions can appear in many different places on the body, manufacturers have also made many convenient forms of medicine for patients to use, such as lozenges, topical creams, solutions, and vaginal tablets (for the treatment of vaginal candidiasis). For each form of the drug, there are separate ways to use. For lozenges used for local treatment, the tablet should be sucked until completely dissolved, not chewed or swallowed whole. For topical application, a sufficient amount of the drug should be applied to the diseased skin, avoiding applying it too thickly.

The Effectiveness of Essential Oils in Treating Nail Fungus

Essential oils have been recognized for their versatile properties and have been used for various purposes throughout history. The Agence National de la Czechurité du Médicament (ANSM) defines essential oils as aromatic products derived from botanically defined plant raw materials. With over 150 different types of essential oils available on the market, they find applications in fields such as food, perfumery, cleaning products, traditional medicine, and aromatherapy. In recent years, essential oils have garnered significant attention in scientific research for their potential antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anxiolytic effects. Among their notable applications, essential oils have shown promise in treating nail fungus due to their antifungal properties. This essay explores some of the main essential oils studied for their effectiveness against nail fungus.

Main Essential Oils Studied for Antifungal Activity

1. Thyme Oil: Thyme oil stands out for its high concentrations of thymol and carvacrol, both of which possess potent antifungal properties. Thymol, in particular, has been extensively researched for its ability to combat various fungal infections, including those affecting nails. When applied topically, thyme oil has shown promising results in inhibiting the growth and spread of fungal pathogens responsible for nail infections.

2. Tea Tree Oil: Another essential oil with well-documented antifungal activity is tea tree oil. Rich in terpenes, tea tree oil has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to address a variety of ailments. Its antifungal properties make it a popular natural remedy for nail fungus. The oil's ability to penetrate the nail bed and reach the source of the infection contributes to its effectiveness in eradicating fungal growth.

3. Peppermint and Clove Oil: Peppermint and clove oils have also demonstrated considerable antifungal potential. These essential oils contain active compounds like menthol and eugenol, respectively, which possess strong antifungal properties. When applied topically, they can help inhibit the growth of fungus and promote healthy nail regeneration.

Additional Essential Oils with Antifungal Properties

While thyme, tea tree, peppermint, and clove oils are among the most studied for their antifungal activity, numerous other essential oils have shown promise in treating nail fungus. Oregano oil, with its high concentration of carvacrol, has exhibited potent antifungal effects. Lavender oil, known for its soothing and healing properties, has also shown potential in combating fungal infections. Eucalyptus oil, rich in cineole, is another essential oil with antifungal activity that merits consideration. Learn more: Organic Antifungal Solution

Benefits of Using Essential Oils for Nail Fungus

1. Natural and Safe: Essential oils are derived from natural plant sources, making them a preferred option for individuals seeking natural remedies. Compared to synthetic medications, essential oils generally have fewer side effects, making them a safer alternative for some individuals.

2. Broad-Spectrum Activity: Many essential oils have broad-spectrum antifungal activity, meaning they can combat a variety of fungal species responsible for nail infections. This makes them effective against multiple types of nail fungus.

3. Topical Application: Essential oils are easy to apply topically, allowing for direct targeting of the affected area. Their ability to penetrate the nail bed makes them effective in reaching the site of the infection.

Essential Oil Mix for Nail Fungus: Kerassentials - Essential Oil Blend (Review):

Solution table for Fight Fungus Resistance And Support Healthy Nails And Skin:

Content	Pictures and Link 🔗	Note
The reason why antifungals don’t work very well is because the fungus is mutating very fast due to how powerful the treatments we throw at it are.	A bespoke proprietary formula of 4 special high-quality oils, along with a powerful mix of 9 oils and minerals	The result: Perfect nails and skin, with the bad smell and itching completely gone forever!
Our formula is a unique blend that fungus has never been exposed to, killing it off for good and getting rid of any spores that might remain behind.	Link to Kerassentials 👆	Maintain the health of your nails and skin with this revolutionary treatment.

The use of essential oils for treating nail fungus has gained significant attention due to their proven antifungal properties. Thyme oil, tea tree oil, peppermint oil, and clove oil are among the well-studied essential oils with efficacy against nail fungal infections. The natural and safe nature of essential oils, coupled with their broad-spectrum activity and topical application, makes them attractive options for individuals seeking alternative treatments. However, it is important to note that essential oils should be used under proper guidance, and severe cases of nail fungus may require professional medical intervention. As research continues, more essential oils may emerge as viable options for combating nail fungus, further expanding the potential of these natural remedies.