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Fingernail Infection Treatment

Fingernail infections are caused by the presence of nail fungus. It usually starts as a white or yellow spot under the nail, and then spreads and worsens until it can cause the entire nail to thicken, discolor, or flake. Nail infections can recur frequently and can be difficult to treat. In severe cases, doctors may have to cut an abscess to cure it, or even remove the entire nail and wait for re-growth. In other cases, oral or topical medications--and--even home remedies--can improve nail infections.

  1. Oral Medications

    • Your doctor may prescribe an oral antifungal medication to treat your nail infection. These medications generally heal the nail by re-growing healthy nail tissue (free of infection). Therefore, it takes time to see the results, as the infected portion of the nail has to gradually grow itself out. Typically, patients take oral antifungal medications for a period of six to 12 weeks. Full results will be visible after the nail grows out entirely.

      Some risks are associated with oral antifungal medications, including side effects such as rashes or even liver damage. Discuss the benefits versus risks with your doctor.

    Topical Medications

    • Your doctor may use topical medications instead of the oral variety to treat your infected nail. For mildly infected nails, antifungal polishes exist; you paint them onto your nail the same way you would use nail polish. This particular method has had minimal results, but could be effective if used regularly for a long period of time (possibly even one full year) on a mildly infected nail.

      Other topical creams (antifungal products) also exist. Typically, these cannot cure your infected nail alone, but you can take them in combination with oral medications.

    Home Care

    • You can make some progress at home toward treating and curing your nail infection. Begin by soaking your nail every day in a mixture of 50 percent warm water and 50 percent antibacterial soap. This will keep the nail clean and prevent further infection. You also should avoid using nail care tools (clippers, files) on healthy and infected nails. Keep separate tools for your infected nail.

      Studies have shown that vinegar helps to prevent fungal growth. You can try soaking your infected nail in a mixture of one part vinegar to two parts water daily. Soak your nail for 15 to 20 minutes at a time; if your skin becomes irritated, try reducing the number of days you use this solution or adding more water to your soak.

      Anecdotal reports have even indicated that VapoRub is effective in treating nail fungus. No actual clinical evidence exists to support this claim.

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