Nail fungus turns finger and toenails yellow, brittle and can even be painful. The infection is more likely to occur in adults and on the toes. According to The National Institutes of Health, wearing closed-toe shoes, keeping skin moist for a long time and minor skin or nail injuries contribute to nail fungus infections.
Step 1
Consider taking oral antifungal medications prescribed by your doctor. Common medications prescribed to cure nail fungus include terbinafine (Lamisil) and itraconazole (Sporanox). Understand that treatment may take 6 to 12 weeks to begin, the Mayo Clinic says. New fungus-free nail growth must replace the existing infected nail. Expect waiting four months or more for the nail fungus to clear up. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), about 50 percent of infections are cleared up using oral medications.
Step 2
Apply ciclopirox (Penlac) to your nails. The clear lacquer prescription medication will remove outer layers of your nails. Paint the solution on the infected nail and surrounding skin, the Mayo Clinic says. Wipe of the layers after seven days using alcohol. Use the medication for approximately one year for mild and moderate fungal infections.
Step 3
Use topical ointments. The creams often do not cure the infection alone, but can assist in treatment when used in combination with other treatment methods. Use prescribed ointments in conjunction with lotion containing urea---which can be purchased over-the-counter. Lotions with urea will speed up medication absorption, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Step 4
Opt for surgery as a last resort. Have the entire nail removed. Understand it will take up to a year for the new nail to fully grow back.
Things You'll Need
- Terbinafine (Lamisil) or itraconazole (Sporanox)
- Ciclopirox (Penlac)
- Alcohol
- Lotion containing urea
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