An infection of the toenails occurs when fungi infects one or more of your nails, explains MayoClinic.com. The color may be yellow or white, appearing under the tip of the nail. Eventually the nail thickens, becomes discolored and begins to crumble around the edges as the fungus spreads deeper. This is embarrassing and can be painful. These infections can be hard to treat and may recur.
Step 1
Take a prescription oral antifungal medication, such as terbinafine or itraconazole, for six to 12 weeks. The medication helps the new nail grow back infection-free, however, you will not see this effect until the nail grows back completely. MayoClinic.com states that it may take four months before the treatment eliminates the infection and that a recurrent infection is possible.
Step 2
Paint your nails with an antifungal nail polish, once a day for seven days. After seven days pass, use alcohol to wipe off the layers of polish, and begin the process again.
Step 3
Apply a topical antifungal medication, using it in combination with other medications. Before prescribing these creams, your physician may reduce the amount of infected nail by filing the top layer of the nail. This also makes treatment more effective.
Step 4
Ask a doctor to remove the nail. New nail growth can take up to one year. During the time of surgery, the doctor may treat the nail bed with an antifungal medication to reduce the risk of continued infection.
Things You'll Need
- Antifungal medication
- Antifungal creams
- Antifungal toenail polish
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