How To Medically Treat Nail Fungus

Warning: This article is for information only and can not be used to supplement your doctor's advice. You should contact your doctor for nail fungus treatment.

Treatment Of Toe Nail Fungus

Medical Care:

Several years ago the medical management of OM was limited to topical therapy and 2 unreliable systemic drugs: griseofulvin and ketoconazole. Topical therapy is beneficial only for mild cases involving the very distal nail plate. The use of griseofulvin and ketoconazole is plagued by high relapse rates (70-85%), prolonged treatment regimens (10-18 mo for toenails), constant laboratory monitoring, and numerous adverse effects. The introduction of newer oral agents has revolutionized the medical treatment of OM and reduced potential adverse effects and drug interactions. As the rate of recurrence remains high, even with newer agents, the decision to treat should be made with a clear understanding of the cost and risks involved as well as the risk of recurrence..

Topical antifungals

The use of topical agents should be limited to cases involving less than half of the distal nail plate or for patients unable to tolerate systemic treatment. Agents include amorolfine (approved in other countries), ciclopirox olamine 8% nail lacquer solution, sodium pyrithione, bifonazole/urea (available outside the United States), propylene glycol-urea-lactic acid, the imidazoles, and the allylamines.

Topical treatments alone are generally unable to cure OM because of insufficient nail plate penetration. Ciclopirox solution has been reported to penetrate through all nail layers but has low efficacy when used as monotherapy. It may be useful as adjunctive therapy in combination with oral therapy or as prophylaxis to prevent recurrence in patients cured with systemic agents.

Oral therapy

The newer generation of oral antifungal agents (itraconazole and terbinafine) has replaced older therapies in the treatment of nail fungus. They offer shorter treatment regimens, higher cure rates, and fewer adverse effects. Fluconazole (not approved by the Food and Drug Administration [FDA] for treatment of nail fungus) offers an alternative to itraconazole and terbinafine. Derivatives of fluconazole may also be available soon. The efficacy of the newer antifungal agents lies in their ability to penetrate the nail plate within days of starting therapy. Recent evidence shows better efficacy with terbinafine than other oral agents.

To decrease the adverse effects and duration of oral therapy, topical and surgical treatments may be combined with oral antifungal management.

Surgical Care:

Surgical approaches to nail fungus treatment include surgical nail avulsion and matrixectomy by chemical or mechanical means. Chemical removal by using a 40-50% urea compound should be reserved for patients with very thick nails or for those who may not tolerate mechanical avulsion.

Removal of the nail plate should be considered an adjunctive treatment in patients undergoing oral therapy.

A combination of oral, topical, and surgical therapy can increase efficacy and reduce cost.

Activity: Activity does not need to be limited during treatment, but patients should be educated about avoiding direct contact with high-risk areas in public places.

Gregory Mburu is a medical professional and a marketer part time. He post info about nail fungus on his blog at http://nail-fungus-cure.blogspot.com

---

Mexico: Drugs Galore!

You are going to find this incredible and I assure... Read More

Jet Lag Pills ? Panacea or Placebo Effect?

We live in an age that demands an instant cure... Read More

195,000 Die Annually From Hospital Mistakes

It just seemed too absurd to be true, but there... Read More

Medical Tourism Opportunities in India

More and more people have started travelling to India for... Read More

Three Questions People Are Asking About Health Care in America

Q. Why is there so may uninsured people in America?A.... Read More

The Importance Of Using Electric Wheelchairs To Improve Mobility

No person likes to feel housebound and dependent on others.... Read More

Relafen: A New Drug with an Old Danger

Individuals who regularly take Relafen (nabumetone) or other anti-inflammatory medications,... Read More

Generic Drugs: How They Cost You Less?

If you are wondering why the chemist has charged much... Read More

10 Benefits of an Electronic Medical Record

Electronic Medical RecordAn Electronic Medical Record is a secured electronic... Read More

At Last! Good News For Gout Sufferers!

Gout, an arthritis affliction with its roots in antiquity, has... Read More

The Power of Ice

Using ice to treat injuries is one of the oldest... Read More

Safely Mimicking the Effects of Accutane Without the Side-effects or Costs

Since 1982 Accutane has been a reliable, if not controversial,... Read More

Bextra, Some Facts To Consider

For those who take Bextra, there are many warnings out... Read More

Zyprexa Lawsuits

Zyprexa is an antipsychotic medication that works by changing the... Read More

?Do you suffer from Osteoarthritis? Here?s how to tell!?

The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis (OA). This... Read More

Healthcare Providers -- Its Time for Your Physical

I think this is a good time for a checkup,... Read More

5 Risks to Avoid When Purchasing Discount Medicines Online

With the increasing price of prescription medications, many consumers are... Read More

Tempest in a Tea Cup, Wisdom in a Sake Cup

What an oxymoron the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine has... Read More

How Is Mold Like AIDS?

Don't laugh. Both get a lot of coverage in the... Read More

Find a Doctor

How to find a doctor? There's no magical route to... Read More

Medical Malpractice Suits: Death By Medicine

A recent report has found that Americans are more frightened... Read More

Top Ten Reasons Why We Hate IBS!

Irritable bowel syndrome can be a nightmare?constant diarrhea and terrible... Read More

Death by Fluoride

A wee bit of fluoride makes teeth and dentists happy,... Read More

Building A Medical Spa Inside Your Existing Medical Practice

The physicians conundrum: Everywhere, physicians are contemplating or engaged in... Read More

Technology Over Drugs for Stress Related Tension Disorders

As much as 95% of the population suffers from some... Read More

Toenail Fungus: Treatment and Prevention

A thick, yellowish nail with splotchy white areas is a... Read More

Lipitor Side Effects

Lipitor is a drug intended to help lower cholesterol. The... Read More

Lamisil Side Effects Lawyer: Lamisil Tablet

While the recent Lamisil commercial featuring Digger, a disgusting cartoon... Read More

Zoloft Side Effects: Akathisia and Violent Behavior

Zoloft is an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor); a prescription... Read More

Chronic Head, Facial, Or Neck Pain That Won?t Go Away - Could It Be TMJ?

I stumbled across TMJ when I needed treat a literal... Read More

Hypothermia - The Cold Facts

If you ever go to cold countries, you should undoubtedly... Read More

Bextra, Vioxx and Side Effects ? Do You Need Aa Lawyer?

The recent withdrawals of the prescription medications Vioxx and Bextra... Read More

Cholesterol Treatments Options: Statins

Satins are pharmacuetical drugs that work by restricting the enzyme... Read More