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Suggest Treatment For Toe Nail Fungus
Question: How do you cure toe nail fungus
Brief Answer:
Here is some information on treating toe nail fungus:
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
Toe nail fungus happens to many people, especially over 60 years old. If it is not severe and not bothering you much, you can just try to ignore it and file the nails down to thin them so that there isn't as much weight from the excess thickness. But if you want to treat it aggressively and are willing to work at it for 2-3 months to 1 year, here are some suggestions:
1. Oral antifungals (by prescription) used for 6 - 12 weeks. The most effective oral antifungals are Lamisil (terbinafine) or Sporonox (itraconazole). The oral medications are most effective when you use them along with the topical nail antifungals. They are not as effective in people over 65 as they are in younger people though. And there is a down side to using oral antifungals - the most concerning is that they have the risk of causing liver damage. They can also be contraindicated with certain other medications. If you do go the oral anti fungal route, make sure to have your liver function tested (via blood tests) during the course of the treatment.
Antifungals do not treat the appearance of the current nail. If it works, however, the new nail will grow in healthy. It may take at least 4 months for the new nail to grow in and to see the results.
2. Topical antifungals - these do not have the same risks as the oral antifungals, but are somewhat less effective or take longer than the orals.
- Antifungal nail polish (by prescription) called Penlac: This is painted on the nail and nearby skin every day for 7 days, then wipe the excess nail layers clean with alcohol and start over again. This may take about a year.
- Antifungal nail cream (prescription): after thinning the nail with a lotion containing urea, you rub the cream into the nail.
3. Nail removal: if the infection is very bad and painful, the nail can be surgically removed and the new nail will slowly grow back.
4. Vick's VapoRub: One study of 18 patients showed that 56 percent had partial improvement, and 17 percent saw no improvement. The ointment is applied daily.
I hope this information helps. Good luck to you.
Here is some information on treating toe nail fungus:
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
Toe nail fungus happens to many people, especially over 60 years old. If it is not severe and not bothering you much, you can just try to ignore it and file the nails down to thin them so that there isn't as much weight from the excess thickness. But if you want to treat it aggressively and are willing to work at it for 2-3 months to 1 year, here are some suggestions:
1. Oral antifungals (by prescription) used for 6 - 12 weeks. The most effective oral antifungals are Lamisil (terbinafine) or Sporonox (itraconazole). The oral medications are most effective when you use them along with the topical nail antifungals. They are not as effective in people over 65 as they are in younger people though. And there is a down side to using oral antifungals - the most concerning is that they have the risk of causing liver damage. They can also be contraindicated with certain other medications. If you do go the oral anti fungal route, make sure to have your liver function tested (via blood tests) during the course of the treatment.
Antifungals do not treat the appearance of the current nail. If it works, however, the new nail will grow in healthy. It may take at least 4 months for the new nail to grow in and to see the results.
2. Topical antifungals - these do not have the same risks as the oral antifungals, but are somewhat less effective or take longer than the orals.
- Antifungal nail polish (by prescription) called Penlac: This is painted on the nail and nearby skin every day for 7 days, then wipe the excess nail layers clean with alcohol and start over again. This may take about a year.
- Antifungal nail cream (prescription): after thinning the nail with a lotion containing urea, you rub the cream into the nail.
3. Nail removal: if the infection is very bad and painful, the nail can be surgically removed and the new nail will slowly grow back.
4. Vick's VapoRub: One study of 18 patients showed that 56 percent had partial improvement, and 17 percent saw no improvement. The ointment is applied daily.
I hope this information helps. Good luck to you.
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
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