Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Fungal Infection In The Fingernails
Question: I assume I have a fungal infection in one of my fingernails. I tried looking it up on line and I get ads for treatments but I don't know if they are what I need. My nail has thickened and turned yellow. Thanks
Brief Answer:
does sound like a fungal infection based on your description
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Based on the description provided, it does sound like a fungal infection of the nails as you mentioned.
This is called tinea unguium.
Fungal infections involving the finger or toe nails or the scalp unfortunately do not usually respond to topical treatment alone, oral medication is usually needed as well.
The oral options are terbinafine (lamisil), itraconazole (sporanox) and fluconazole (diflucan).
Topical treatment usually does not work well alone because it is not able to penetrate the nail bed enough.
Topical treatment can be tried if : (1) unable to tolerate oral medications, experience issues when medications are used.
Most persons have no problems, but if some do occur then topical can be tried
(2)if the infection involves less than half of the distal half of nail (half which is the most further away from the cuticle).
If this is the case for you , you can try topical options such as ciclopirox, efinaconazole.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
does sound like a fungal infection based on your description
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Based on the description provided, it does sound like a fungal infection of the nails as you mentioned.
This is called tinea unguium.
Fungal infections involving the finger or toe nails or the scalp unfortunately do not usually respond to topical treatment alone, oral medication is usually needed as well.
The oral options are terbinafine (lamisil), itraconazole (sporanox) and fluconazole (diflucan).
Topical treatment usually does not work well alone because it is not able to penetrate the nail bed enough.
Topical treatment can be tried if : (1) unable to tolerate oral medications, experience issues when medications are used.
Most persons have no problems, but if some do occur then topical can be tried
(2)if the infection involves less than half of the distal half of nail (half which is the most further away from the cuticle).
If this is the case for you , you can try topical options such as ciclopirox, efinaconazole.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Are the oral medications you mentioned by prescription only?
Thanks
Thanks
Brief Answer:
usually require a prescription
Detailed Answer:
HI
Sorry about the delayed reply.
They usually require a prescription but you can speak to your local pharmacist to see if this is the case for your area.
Please feel free to ask anything else
usually require a prescription
Detailed Answer:
HI
Sorry about the delayed reply.
They usually require a prescription but you can speak to your local pharmacist to see if this is the case for your area.
Please feel free to ask anything else
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
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
