Treatment for a Fungus Under the Toenail

Numerous types of fungus live on the human body and can be helpful in maintaining good health. Sometimes these grow and multiply beyond the normal range and cause problems. One common area for the overgrowth of fungus is under and around toe nails. People whose feet are damp for long periods of time are more likely to develop this condition. Other risk factors include injuries to the toes and toenails, wearing shoes that cause the feet to sweat and neglecting to dry the feet completely after bathing.

Symptoms

Fungus infections do not appear overnight, but come on gradually and seldom cause pain. Eventually one or more of the nails will show noticeable changes. The nails may thicken and become brittle, change shape, and start to detach from the nail bed. Some people may experience reddening of the cuticle surrounding the infected nails.

Diagnosis

Physicians normally check for the presence of one or more of the symptoms described above. Taking a small scraping of the nail can confirm the diagnosis and help determine the exact type of fungus present under the nail.

Treatment

Fungus under the nails can be difficult to clear up. Over-the-counter treatments are available but do not have a high level of success. Treatment options include both topical solutions and oral medications. Many doctors use both in an attempt to clear up the fungus. Most topical medications include urea to speed absorption. Penlac is a prescription strength antifungal lacquer. Commonly prescrbed oral medications are Sporanox, Diflucan and Lamisil. The oral medication is often taken for a period of up to 12 weeks. The topical solution may be in the form of an anti-fungal lacquer or an anti-fungal ointment. Results may take a long time to become obvious. The nail may need to be removed in order to fully eradicate the fungus. Nails that have been surgically removed may take up to a year to grow back.

Prevention

Preventative measures may stop the spread of fungal infections. Feet should be kept clean and dry. Wearing comfortable, roomy shoes will help the foot stay dry. Foot powders can absorb excess sweat when used correctly. People who subject their feet to damp conditions should be diligent in drying the feet as often as possible and changing socks when they become sweaty.

Cautions

Some of the oral medications used to treat fungal infections can have serious side effects which patients should be aware of when undergoing this type of treatment regimen. These side effects can range from mild skin rashes to liver damage. Serious side effects are more common in individuals with congestive heart failure and liver disease. Many doctors prefer to try resolving the problem with topical solutions before using the oral medications.