Different Types of Treatment for Fungal Nail Infection

Fungal infection of the nails, also called onychomycosis is a common condition, which arises due to several factors, like taking communal showers, wearing tight shoes for long periods of time and certain medical conditions such as Athlete's foot, compromised immune system and poor blood circulation. Whatever be the actual reason of this fungal disease, its removal is of prime importance, as delay in rendering treatment may only worsen the condition further, leading to heightened pain and infection. Treatment for fungal nail infection takes several forms, depending upon the stage or intensity of the infection. Let us delve deeper into the various modes of treating this problem.

·        Nail removal:

Once the infection has been diagnosed at the foot clinic, the podiatrist may simply remove the nail's top layer or a chunk of it, as this is the area, which first comes in contact with fungal colonies found in the soil or water, and routes them into the rest of the nail. This is a preliminary procedure and employed when infection is superficial. Follow-up care like regular trimming or filing of nails is recommended to keep them healthy.

·         Topical medication i.e cream:

Topical medications like creams are usually prescribed when the fungal infection is not very severe. Since nails are quite hard for external medications to penetrate, topical applications are traditionally less effective than oral medications for treating fungus. Antifungal applicants and lacquers such as Ciclopirox, Amorlfine, Jublia and Kerudin are approved for external application. They treat local fungus and prevent relapse of infection after cure. Having a success rate of 70%, they produce effective results in a matter of 12 months.

·        Oral antifungal treatment:

Oral therapy is the most recommended treatment for fungal infections, as it is effective most of the time and sometimes the only option to get rid of thick nail fungus. Effects of the treatment may be visible only after a year, because that is the time needed by the old nail to grow out. Antifungal oral medications include, Terbinafine, Griseofulvin, Itraconazole and Fluconazole.

Foot clinics nowadays, may resort to innovative treatment for this disease like photodynamic therapy, laser treatment and use of electric currents. Many a time, a combination of traditional treatment with an innovative treatment, speeds up healing and makes it more effective. So, to get rid of your problem, first consult with a foot care clinic and then take the right treatment as suggested by the specialists over there.