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Does Cephalexin Help Cure Toe Nail Fungus?

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Posted on Thu, 20 Apr 2017
Question: Does cephalexin Tx toe nail fungus?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (6 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Information

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Cephalexin will not treat toe nail fungus at all. Cephalexin is an antibiotic which kills bacteria. Toe nail fungus is caused by fungi, which is different from bacteria. An antibiotic such as Cephalexin may be used in a situation where fungi have caused breaks in the skin that are then infected with bacteria. But it will only treat the bacterial infection, not the underlying toe nail fungal infection.

Toe nail fungus is very difficult to treat. Oral antifungals are sometimes used in severe situations, but these can be hard on the liver. And the toe nail fungus can come back again. There is a new topical anti fungal that has recently been approved for toe nail fungus that is considered as effective as the oral antifungals.

I hope this information answers your question. If I can help with further information, please let me know.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (4 hours later)
Thanks, what is the new topical anti fungal?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (58 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Information

Detailed Answer:
It's called efinaconazole (topical). Cure rate is still on the low side.

I'm including a link to a recent (June 2016) medical article which discusses treatment options. I don't think it will "link" here so you will need to copy/paste it into your address bar.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (12 hours later)
Thanks!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Your welcome!

Detailed Answer:
Your welcome!

Best regards,
Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, MD
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3133 Questions

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Does Cephalexin Help Cure Toe Nail Fungus?

Brief Answer: Information Detailed Answer: Hello, Cephalexin will not treat toe nail fungus at all. Cephalexin is an antibiotic which kills bacteria. Toe nail fungus is caused by fungi, which is different from bacteria. An antibiotic such as Cephalexin may be used in a situation where fungi have caused breaks in the skin that are then infected with bacteria. But it will only treat the bacterial infection, not the underlying toe nail fungal infection. Toe nail fungus is very difficult to treat. Oral antifungals are sometimes used in severe situations, but these can be hard on the liver. And the toe nail fungus can come back again. There is a new topical anti fungal that has recently been approved for toe nail fungus that is considered as effective as the oral antifungals. I hope this information answers your question. If I can help with further information, please let me know.