Fungal infections of the fingers are often seen in adults and not children. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, nail infections affect about 12 percent of all Americans. Also known as onychomycosis, fungal nail infections are initially characterized by a white spot; eventually, nails become brittle and discolored. Though clearing them can be tough, fungal nail infections on the fingers can be treated in various ways.
Oral Medications
According to MedlinePlus, oral prescription medications clear fingernail fungal infections in about 50 percent of patients. There are a variety of side effects that occur when taking the medications, including liver damage. The medications may not be recommended for those suffering from liver damage or heart disease.
MayoClinic.com reports that the most effective medications include terbinafine and itraconazole. The clinic advises oral medication for diabetics, cellulitis suffers and patients with severe nail pain. Medications must be taken for six to 12 weeks. New nail grows fungus-free to replace the infected nail. Four months or longer may be required for the fungal infection to be eliminated. Still, infections often recur and second and third treatments may be required.
Topical Medications
MedlinePlus says that fingernail fungal infections generally cannot be treated with over-the-counter topical medications. Prescription-strength solutions may treat minor fungal infections.
Topical lacquers contain ciclopirox, a medication that is applied to nails and surrounding skin once a day. The solution may be used for up to a year to treat infections, according to MayoClinic.com. Additional topical medications may also be used in conjunction with oral medications.
Removal
In rare cases, the entire fingernail may need to be removed. The nail must be extremely painful and infected for a medical professional suggest its removal. The new nail will grow back in several months, but can take up to 12 months to be full grown. An additional treatment involves photodynamic therapy in which a laser irradiates a fingernail after an acid treatment, reports MayoClinic.com.
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