How to Get Rid of Fungi Under the Fingernail

Onychomycosis is the scientific name for a fungal infection of either the fingernail or toenail. Symptoms of this condition include fingernails that have become thickened, brittle, dark in color or otherwise disfigured. Fungi under the fingernail can not only lead to unsightly fingernails but can also be a source of pain or discomfort. Fortunately, a variety of treatments for the condition can help alleviate any discomfort and return the fingernail to its normal condition.

Things You'll Need

• Clotrimazole cream
• Griseofulvin
• Terbinafine hydrochloride

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Instructions

• 1

  Apply liberal amounts of clotrimazole cream to the infected fingernail. Massage the cream into the skin around the nail as well as directly onto the nail. Check to ensure you have applied some of the cream under the nail plate so it makes contact with the fungus.

• 2

  Fight the fungal infection by taking a daily dose of griseofulvin. You must take the griseofulvin every day for six months to a year. While the medicine fights fungal infections effectively, it can cause severe headaches, nausea or even liver damage and blood disorders. Further, do not consume alcohol while taking griseofulvin.

• 3

  Take a daily treatment of terbinafine hydrochloride to fight the fungal infection. Take the medication daily for six to 12 weeks. The main advantage of terbinafine hydrochloride is that the medication does not cause the same side effects as griseofulvin.