
I Am A 35M. I Have Recurrent Mild Tinea Pedis,

Question: I am a 35M. I have recurrent mild tinea pedis, and onychomycosis.
The tinea pedis is usually managed with OTC medications. Terbinafine has been the most effective for me, although my dermatologist has also prescribed 2%25 ketoconazole creme. The onychomycosis has not been cured despite three rounds of laser treatments.
I have three questions:
1) Is oral antifungal medication contraindicated for someone in my condition who is otherwise in good health? I have no underlying health issues. I take medication daily for acid reflux, but am otherwise healthy.
2) Short of oral antifungals, is there anything I can try for the onychomycosis? I have had it for over ten years. It does not look severe. I usually file it down with a nail file and the nail looks mostly normal.
3) Which is clinically superior in treating tinea pedis: ketoconazole cream or terbinafine? Anything else I am not considering?
The tinea pedis is usually managed with OTC medications. Terbinafine has been the most effective for me, although my dermatologist has also prescribed 2%25 ketoconazole creme. The onychomycosis has not been cured despite three rounds of laser treatments.
I have three questions:
1) Is oral antifungal medication contraindicated for someone in my condition who is otherwise in good health? I have no underlying health issues. I take medication daily for acid reflux, but am otherwise healthy.
2) Short of oral antifungals, is there anything I can try for the onychomycosis? I have had it for over ten years. It does not look severe. I usually file it down with a nail file and the nail looks mostly normal.
3) Which is clinically superior in treating tinea pedis: ketoconazole cream or terbinafine? Anything else I am not considering?
Brief Answer:
Regarding toe nail fungus
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to ask a doctor service. I have gone through your query and noted your concern.
In onychomycosis, since there is not only involvement of the nail plate (which is tough for the creams to penetrate) but also the nail bed and nail matrix, so topical antifungals creams are often ineffective. Oral terbinafine is the drug of choice for onychomycosis. You can safely take oral terbinafine which is not at all contraindicated in a healthy young male such as you. Besides you can use antifungal nail lacquers like amorolfine or ciclopirox which can penetrate the tough nail plate.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if you need any more assistance.
Regarding toe nail fungus
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to ask a doctor service. I have gone through your query and noted your concern.
In onychomycosis, since there is not only involvement of the nail plate (which is tough for the creams to penetrate) but also the nail bed and nail matrix, so topical antifungals creams are often ineffective. Oral terbinafine is the drug of choice for onychomycosis. You can safely take oral terbinafine which is not at all contraindicated in a healthy young male such as you. Besides you can use antifungal nail lacquers like amorolfine or ciclopirox which can penetrate the tough nail plate.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if you need any more assistance.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj


Thank you Dr Kakkar. What about the comparison between topical terbinafine and ketoconazole for tinea pedis?
Thanks again.
Thanks again.
Brief Answer:
Regarding topical antifungal
Detailed Answer:
hi.
Both are effective but terbinafine topical is better than ketoconazole for tinea pedis.
take care.
Regarding topical antifungal
Detailed Answer:
hi.
Both are effective but terbinafine topical is better than ketoconazole for tinea pedis.
take care.
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. Vaishalee Punj

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