Medical Treatments for Toenail Fungus

Home remedies are just there for immediate care to our fungi problems. However, fungal infections might be stubborn and unlikely to recover after a week. If the fungi persist after one week provided that you have done the proper home remedies, it is a sign that your feet already need medical attention. The following are possible medical treatments for nail fungus.

Anti-fungal Oral Medications
Unhealthy looking toenails characterized by discoloration, irregular shape, chipping off, cracking or even nail separation are more likely to suffer from fungal infection. The first remedy a doctor might tell you to do is to take oral medications. Commonly prescribed oral drugs include Sporanox and Lamisil having the generic names itraconazole and lerbinafine respectively. Oral meds might be needed by those who are suffering from diabetes, cellulitis, or those who feel unbearable pain due to the fungal infection.

Topical Treatments
Antifungal creams or ointments are also possible remedies for your toenail fungi. Your physician might advise you to use an antifungal polish like Penlac which contains Ciclopirox. This must be put on to the affected nails everyday without removing the first layers. Coats must only be removed on the seventh day, to allow the anti-fungal agent to act on your nail as well as shielding it from other infectious organisms. The doctor may also suggest you to apply anti-fungal cream or lotion into the surface or underneath the nail. If both topical treatment and oral medication doesn’t work, you might have to undergo a minor surgery where your nail will be removed, allowing a new nail that is fungal free to grow.

Additional Advices
Your physician would also provide you some steps on how to take care of your toenails, keeping it free from any fungal infection. Good foot hygiene is probably the first one. Keeping them trimmed and cutting them across are ways. Replacing socks regularly and washing your shoes at least every two weeks is another step. Also, never walk barefooted on unclean surfaces or shared surfaces like locker rooms, pools and shower rooms.