Fungal Nail Infection
Alternate Names : Onychomycosis, Mycotic Nails
What are the treatments for the infection?
Treatment of a fungal nail infection includes the following:
trimming and thinning the nail plate
taking an oral antifungal medicine, such as terbinafine
removing the nail temporarily and treating the area underneath with an antifungal ointment
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Antifungal ointments may cause an allergic reaction. Oral antifungal medications may cause stomach upset or allergic reaction.
What happens after treatment for the infection?
Antifungal medications are expensive and require monitoring by the healthcare provider for the length of treatment. Once the medicine is stopped, it may take several months before the nail plate is cleared of the fungus. The fungus can, and often does, return. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.
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