6 Ways to Treat Fungal Nail Infections

1. No Go On Over-The-Counter

Nail infections are typically fungal in origin and often follow a fungal foot or skin infection such as jock itch, ring worm or athlete's foot. These infections occur more often in toenails and are not treatable with over-the-counter creams, ointments or other medications alone. Fungal nail infections can be successfully treated by a health care provider with oral anti-fungal medication. The medication will be taken from 6 to 12 weeks, although results may not be seen for up to four months. Recurrent infections are possible and not every nail infection will respond to anti-fungal medication. Oral anti-fungal medications may cause significant side effects (skin rashes and liver damage) in some patients and may also interfere with other medications the individual is taking. Not treating a nail infection can lead to permanent damage of the nails, secondary skin infections that can be serious as well as recurrent fungal nail infections and fungal infections in other parts of the body.

2. Nail Lacquer

Your health care provider may decide to treat your nail infection with a medicated nail polish if your infection is mild to moderate. The lacquer is painted on to the nail and surrounding skin once a day for seven days. At that time the built up layers are peeled off and you begin again with the daily use. Using the medicated nail lacquer daily for a year may help get rid of your nail infection, although research shows only 10 percent of people using it got results. If daily treatment will be difficult for you, this treatment may not be the best solution.

3. Topical Creams and Ointments

Some prescription creams and ointments may be used in addition to oral anti-fungal agents with more success than using either one alone. An additional over-the-counter cream containing urea may be useful in helping to speed up absorption of other medicated creams. Creams, lotions and ointments are not apt to cure the infection alone.

4. Surgical Solution

Some people who are struggling with the brittleness, discoloration, thickening and other disruptive symptoms that identify a fungal nail infection will choose to have the nail removed as a method of treatment. This method of treatment can be successful; however it can take up to a year for a new, healthy nail to grow in.

5. Vicks Vapo-Rub

There has been no formal research done to decide if Vicks Vapo-Rub applied to a fungal nail infection will be successful in treating it. Numerous anecdotal reports do report its legitimacy. Be aware, there are no hard and fast rules on applying the product to a nail infection so ask your health care provider before you use any medication in a way it wasn?t designed to be used.