Nail fungal treatments take a long time to work, and even after successful resolution of the infection, the fungus often returns. MSN Health & Fitness' Dr. Robert Shmerling states that nail fungus doesn't need to be treated, as most of the time thickened, brittle yellowing nails are simply cosmetically unappealing and pose no risk to your health. Should you choose a nail fungus treatment, keep in mind that some prescription oral medications may have serious side-effects, which can be more unhealthy that the nail fungus itself.
Identification
The American Academy of Dermatology states that nail fungus, which is caused by a class of fungi called dermatophytes, affects the toenails more frequently than the fingernails. More than 12 percent of the U.S. population is affected by fungal nail infections (onychomycosis). You are more at risk for getting a nail fungus if you perspire heavily, work in damp or humid surroundings, have psoriasis, walk barefoot in damp public areas such as swimming pools and locker rooms, have athlete's foot or wear socks and shoes that don't ventilate the feet properly. Nail fungus infections are influenced by genetics, although not everyone in the same family is predisposed to them. Older adults get them more often, with men more at risk than women, according to the Mayo Clinic. They are rarely seen in children.
Prescription Oral Treatment
According to the Mayo Clinic, oral nail fungal treatments may be recommended by your physician if you have diabetes, a history of cellulitis, experience extreme pain or take issue with the unbecoming infection. The most effective oral medications are terbinafine and itraconazole, which go by the trade names Lamisil and Sporanox. These medications must be taken for a long time before you see results--between six and 12 months as a general rule, the Mayo Clinic estimates. You won't get the final results until your nail grows back fungus free, which can take four months or even longer. Negative side-effects are associated with oral antifungal treatments, cautions the Mayo Clinic, from skin rash to more problematic conditions such as liver damage. Those with a medical condition affecting the liver or who have congestive heart failure may not be good candidates for this type of drug therapy.
Other Doctor-Recommended Treatments
Mild to moderate cases of nail fungus may be treated with a prescription nail polish called ciclopirox, which is painted on the affected nail and surrounding skin once every seven days. Mayo Clinic experts say that regular use of ciclopirox should clear up the fungus in around a year. Topical antifungal medications may be recommended for use in conjunction with oral antifungals as well. Nail fungus that's very severe or uncomfortable may necessitate surgical removal of the nail, according to the Mayo Clinic. A new, uninfected nail then grows back. This procedure may be used along with application of ciclopirox to the nail bed.
Home Treatments
Many people treat nail fungus at home rather than rely on prescription treatments that take a long time to resolve the infection, and that can also pose a health risk. Integrative physician Dr. Andrew Weil states that the camphor in Vicks VapoRub, which has antifungal properties, is one method relied upon. This home remedy entails applying the ointment to the affected nail twice daily. Weil recommends applying tea tree oil or grapefruit seed extract to the nail twice a day for at least two months. As with prescription treatments, results won't happen overnight; however, with time and persistence, these home remedies may be helpful.
Considerations
Regardless of which nail fungal treatment you choose, reinfection is possible, especially if the nails are exposed to a warm, damp environment. To prevent a reinfection, Dr. Weil advises keeping your feet clean and dry at all times, wearing waterproof footwear in damp public areas, changing socks and hose every day and clipping your nails straight across so that the tips are shorter than the top of your toes. While treating nail fungus isn't an imperative, Dr. Shmerling states that in some cases, it's necessary: Those with diabetes may develop more serious complications as a result of an untreated nail infection.
