Nail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a condition usually caused by organisms called dermatophytes and sometimes by yeasts. Toenails are the most common site of infection; although, fingernails can also be involved. The fungus creates a thickened, discolored and misshapen nail that crumbles. Nail fungus is difficult to eliminate, with treatment of toenails taking twice as long as that of fingernails, according to the Merck Manuals Medical Library.
Oral Medications
Oral medications are most effective at clearing a nail fungal infection, but these drugs can harm the liver. Care must be taken to ensure that the patient has no history of liver problems.
Terbinafine and itraconazole are the two prescription, antifungal medications doctors use to treat an onychomycosis infection. The drugs work about 50 percent of the time, but the fungus often returns, reports MedlinePlus. Treatment with oral medications lasts six to 12 weeks; although, it can take up to one year for the infection to resolve.
Topical Medications
You can try over-the-counter, antifungal creams and liquid solutions, but the success rate is low. Because nail fungus is often under the nail or in the nail bed, penetration by topical medicine is difficult.
An antifungal nail lacquer called Ciclopirox can be an effective treatment in many cases. A study by A. Shemer, et al, published in the February, 2010, issue of “Journal of Dermatology,” concluded that the drug works slightly better than other topically applied medicines.
Surgery
For particularly severe cases, surgery is an option, describes the Mayo Clinic. Sometimes, doctors will use a combination of surgery and a topical, antifungal treatment. A healthy nail can begin to grow after the diseased nail is removed.
