Antifungal Lacquer
Your doctor may prescribe the anti-fungal lacquer ciclopirox (name brand Penlac) for a mild or moderate case of toenail fungus. According to the Mayo Clinic, ciclopirox is applied daily as a nail polish to the toenail and surrounding skin and removed weekly before repeating the process. Typical treatment with ciclopirox lasts for approximately one year.
Oral Medications
The doctor may prescribe an oral medication such as itraconazole (brand name Sporanox) or terbinafine brand name Lamisil), especially for patients who have cellutitis or a risk factor for cellutitis (such as diabetes). Oral medications may also be prescribed if the patient is experiencing discomfort or pain from the toenail infection, the infection is widespread, or the patient wants a faster treatment because the toenail is unsightly. According to Intelihealth, either oral medication may be prescribed for up to 12 weeks but can have troublesome side effects.
Topical Medications
A topical cream may be prescribed in conjunction with oral medications and over-the-counter lotions containing urea. The nail surface may be debrided prior to application to lessen the nail surface and possibly promote absorption of the medications.
Surgery
Surgical removal of the infected toenail may be recommended if the infection is extremely painful or severe; the new nail will take up to one year to grow in. Ciclopirox is sometimes prescribed in conjunction with surgery in order to treat any fungal infection of the nail bed.
Laser Therapy
Photodynamic therapy may be performed, in which the toenail is first treated with an acid and then irradiated with a laser.
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