Antifungal Oral Medications
Discolored, crumbly and cracked toenails likely have a fungus deep inside the nail, causing such unsightly symptoms on your toes. Oral medications are often the first line of defense against toenail fungus that your doctor may prescribe. The drugs Sporanox (itraconazole) and Lamisil (terbinafine) are commonly prescribed, says the Mayo Clinic. People who are diabetic, have had the condition cellulitis (or have risk factors for it) or who have pain in the toes because of the fungal infection may need these antifungal oral medications to treat it.
Topical Treatments for Toes
Antifungal medications can be applied directly on the toenails to get rid of a fungal infection, according to the Mayo Clinic. Your doctor may prescribe a special nail polish, Penlac (ciclopirox), that contains an antifungal ingredient. This lacquer can be applied to the nail and skin on the toe daily, removing layers once a week and replacing with fresh lacquer. The doctor also might recommend that an over-the-counter or prescription lotion or cream be rubbed into the nail, or filing the nail to allow topical medications to better penetrate the surface. For very severe cases of toenail fungal infections, your doctor might surgically remove the nail to allow a new, healthy nail to grow back--infection-free.
Prevention
Your doctor also can give you tips on how to prevent a fungal infection from striking your toenails again. Good hygiene is important, so keep feet clean and dry with short nails. Wear clean socks that pull moisture from the skin, and try applying an antifungal product (either a powder or spray) to your feet before you slip on your shoes and socks. It's also important to watch where you put those toes, so wear sandals or shoes in public places, such as locker rooms or pools; don't go barefoot.
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