Onychomycosis is the clinical term for a fungal infection affecting the nails. Microscopic fungi called dermatophytes thrive in warm, moist environments and cause nail fungal infections. Nail fungus occurs more often in toenails than in fingernails. Left untreated, it can persist with complications. Patients should seek medical attention and treatment at the first sign of infection, which is a tiny white or yellow spot under the tip of the nail.
Oral Antifungal Medications
A physician can prescribe an oral antifungal medication, such as terbinafine or itraconazole, to treat nail fungus. According to the Mayo Clinic, these drugs are effective treatment, especially for people who are diabetic, have a history of cellulitis or are experiencing pain. Antifungal medications promote new nail growth, which eventually replaces the infected section of the nail. A patient takes the drug for 6 to 12 weeks. Side effects range from a skin rash and headache to liver damage. People with congestive heart failure and liver disease should not take these drugs.
Antifungal Nail Lacquer
Topical application of an antifungal nail polish effectively treats mild or moderate cases of nail fungus. A patient applies ciclopirox on the infected nails and surrounding skin daily. After seven days, the patient wipes off the layers of polish with alcohol and begins a new week of daily treatment. Health Communities notes that in rare cases, skin irritation can occur. Nails grow slowly, and full recovery can take as long as one year.
Topical Medications
Patients can use topical antifungal creams that contain urea in combination with oral antifungal drugs to treat nail fungus. These lotions are available without prescription. Patients should debride, or file, the nail surface to decrease the area of infected nail that they must treat and to increase the absorption of the topical cream.
Surgery
For severe cases of nail fungus, surgery is an option. A physician removes the infected nail. Slowly, a new nail grows to replace the former nail. This process can take up to one year.
Home Remedy
Although no clinical trials support the effectiveness of home remedies, the Mayo Clinic mentions one home remedy to treat nail fungus. Soaking the infected nail in a mixture of one part vinegar and two parts water relies on the theory that vinegar can inhibit the growth of bacteria. The suggested treatment is soaking the feet for 15 to 20 minutes daily, then rinsing and patting dry. If the skin becomes irritated, a patient can increase the amount of water used and reduce treatments to once or twice a week.
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