Fungal infection of the nails, scientifically called onychomycosis, is not a dangerous health condition but is a concern for many from a cosmetic perspective. Infected nails appear thick, discolored, misshapen, and broken or crumbling. Effective treatment can be challenging and often requires medical intervention.
Oral Antifungal Medications
Oral prescription medications are usually the first-line treatment against nail fungus:
Lamisil (terbinafine)
For fingernail infections, they are taken as a 250 mg tablet once a day for six weeks, and for toenail infections, for 12 weeks. Full effects may be seen only after a new, healthy nail has fully grown out. While taking this medication, patients should avoid beverages with caffeine and stay out of the sun and tanning beds.
Sporanox (itraconazole)
For fingernail infection, 200 mg twice a day is taken for two weeks, followed by three weeks without treatment, then 200 mg twice a day for one week. For toenail infection, 200 mg twice daily is taken for 12 weeks.
Oral antifungal medications can affect liver function cause rashes, and other problems. They can also interact with other medications so that some patients may be better suited to prescription-strength topicals.
Prescription-Strength Topical Antifungal Medications
Jublia (efinaconazole 10% solution)
Applied to the nails and surrounding skin every day for a year.
Penlac (ciclopirox)
Painted onto the nails and surrounding skin every day for a week, then peeled off. This process is repeated every week for a year.
Conclusion
Treating nail fungus can be difficult and frustrating. Depending on the treatment option chosen, results may take up to a year to see.
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