Fungal Nail Infection Treatments
Fungal nail infections can be an embarrassing and unsightly condition but manageable. Once the fungus has entered the skin, it can start off as a small white or yellow spot on the nail. As the infection moves deeper, it can cause your nail to become discolored and thicker as well as develop crumbling edges. Several treatment options are available to help clear up the infection.
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General Treatment Information
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Fungal nail infections can be difficult to treat and they frequently come back. According to the Mayo Clinic, common over-the-counter antifungal creams and ointments are not very effective. Your doctor can help you determine the most appropriate treatment.
Oral Medications
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Oral medications help eradicate the infection by slowly growing a new nail in its place. You need to take these medications for six to 12 weeks. You will not experience the full result of treatment until the new nail comes in completely; this can take four months or longer. This does not guarantee the infection will not come back. The most commonly prescribed treatments are Lamisil and Sporanox.
Doctors commonly recommend this form of treatment if you have diabetes, a history or risk factors for cellulitis, have pain and discomfort resulting from your infection or if it is particularly unsightly.
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Topical Medications
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If your infection is mild to moderate, you can use Penlac, a prescription antifungal nail polish applied to the nail and surrounding skin once a day. After a week, you clean off the area with alcohol and begin a new set of application. Using this treatment daily for a year can clear up the infection.
Your doctor might recommend other topical antifungal medications used in conjunction with a lotion containing urea; this increases absorption. Used alone, they cannot cure the condition but are often used in combination with an oral medication. To increase the effectiveness of the topical treatment, your doctor can file the surface of the infected nail to reduce the amount of infected nail needing treatment.
Procedures
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If your infection is very painful or extensive, you might need surgery to remove the entire nail. A new nail typically grows back but can take up to a year to come in completely. Photodynamic therapy, which involves irradiating the nail with a laser after being treated with an acid solution, is also an option.
Natural Treatment
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Vinegar has been shown to inhibit the growth of certain bacteria and fungi. There is no proof it can cure nail fungus but it might help. Prepare a foot soak consisting of one part vinegar to two parts water. Afterward, be sure to rinse and dry your feet well. You can do this daily.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the following natural treatments might help fight fungal infections. You should consult with an experienced health care provider about using natural therapies.
Green tea and cat's claw both exhibit antifungal activity; take 250 to 500 mg daily and 20 mg three times daily respectively. Reishi mushroom strengthens immunity; take 150 to 300 mg three times a day. Applied topically, tea tree oil can fight fungal infections. Apply to the infected nail three to four times a day.
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