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Toenail Fungus Treatment by a Physician

Toenails are a common site for fungus growth. This occurs because shoes and socks provide a dark, damp environment where fungus can grow, and the nail protects the fungus which is growing underneath. Toenail fungi can cause toenails to appear yellow or brown, thick or brittle. It can be painful as well. There are several methods of preventing toenail fungi, but once you are infected, if topical antifungus creams do not resolve the infection, it may treatment by a physician.

  1. Diagnosis

    • Doctors often can diagnose toenail fungus by purely looking at it. However, to determine exactly type of fungus, doctors may need to send a small tissue sample to a laboratory. This sample can be scraped from the toenail, it's generally relatively painless.

    Treatment by a Physician

    • Doctors can prescribe a number of antifungul medications to treat toenail fungus. Typically, doctors do not prescribe oral medications for mild infections, which can be cured with over the counter anti-fungal creams. Antifungi medications prescribed by doctors are usually oral. These medications include terfinabine, griseofulvn and itraconazole. To avoid a recurrence, continue the use of the antifungul until the fungus is gone and the treatment has run its course. The course of treatment may be between six weeks and six months, depending on the condition and severity of the infection.

    Itraconazole

    • Itraconazole is a fat soluble antifungul. Since 1997, it has been available in capsule and liquid form. Generally, the capsule form is prescribed for treatment of foot fungus, and the capsule should be taken with food. Sedatives and antacid drugs can adversely interact with Itraconazoles, as well as numerous other drugs.

    Griseofulvn

    • Griseofulvn is usually given in a tablet form. The dose is usually between 500 and 1000 mg per day. Although rare, potential side effects include stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea, headaches, skin problems or possible photosensitivity.

    Side Effects

    • Prescription antifunguls can have side effects including stomach pain, liver damage or headaches. The medications may not be appropriate for those who have heart problems or liver damage. These antifunguls can also cause adverse drug interactions with other medications, so it is essential that your physician knows about all other medications you are taking, before prescribing an antifungul.

    Surgery

    • According to the Cleveland clinic, surgery may be necessary in certain cases. A surgical procedure can involve a physician removing the infected toenail to apply an antifungul agent directly to the fungus. However, the Cleveland Clinic suggests that surgeries for this problem are rare.

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