It's rare for a fungal nail infection to disappear on its own. That's why it's advisable to see your doctor for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
If you do have a fungal nail infection the good news is that there are effective treatments that may help restore your nails to their original, healthy state.
Oral treatments
Tablets or capsules are swallowed and the medicine travels
to the site of infection (skin and nails)1,
where it attacks the fungus. Oral treatments are generally
used to treat more severe infections.1,2,3
Topical treatments
Lacquers, creams or paint are applied directly to the
effected nails. Some topical products are indicated
in mild to moderate fungal nail infections. If you've
tried this treatment and it hasn't worked or the condition
has come back, you should speak to your doctor.
Athlete's foot or tinea medications
Although a fungus causes both athlete's foot and nail
fungus infections, athlete's foot sprays and creams
are not indicated for treating fungal nail infections.2
Clipping or filing your nail
Clipping and filing your nails is not an effective treatment for nail fungus infection. It can make nails look better for a short time, but clipping and filing doesn't reach all of the infection. You also need to be careful of how you clip and file your nails so you don't damage your nail or nail bed. You should talk to your doctor and get a proper diagnosis of your condition.
If you've tried different treatments on your nails
and you haven't yet been to a doctor, you should
talk to your doctor and get a proper diagnosis of
your condition. Your doctor will be able to tell
you whether you have a nail fungus infection or
another problem.
Darkes JM, et al. Terbinafine: a review of its use in onychomycosis in adults. Am J Clin Dermatol
2003; 4: 39-65.
Roberts DT et al. Guidelines for treatment of onychomycosis; Br J Dermatol.
2003; 148(3): 402-10.
Arikian SR et al. A multinational pharmacoeconomic analysis of oral therapies for onychomycosis.
Br J Dermatol 1994; 140 (suppl 43): 35-44.
