Customer question:
How to eliminate nail fungus? - question from an anonymous forum customer
Pharmacist's answer:
There are several different ways to deal with fungal nail problems. Let's list a few:
Medicine that you apply to the nail:
A medicine you apply to your nails (mostly creams and gels) can help with a mild fungal infection. This treatment helps prevent new fungus from forming while the nails are growing. Healthy fingernails usually grow in four to six months, while healthy toenails take longer, usually 12 to 18 months.
The medicine applied to the nail's surface should be used as often as the doctor prescribes. Some treatments need to be done daily, while others only apply once a week. To achieve the best results, it is essential to use the medicines according to the instructions for use and according to the instructions of your doctor.
The medicine you are taking:
Your dermatologist will prescribe systemic antifungal pills if you need more aggressive treatment. Oral medications provide a higher healing rate than medications applied to the nail's surface and often work faster. Taking antifungal tablets for two months can cure the infection under the nails, and the usual three-month treatment cures the fungal infection of the toenails.
Combined treatment:
Sometimes nail fungus is difficult to remove. Taking antifungal tablets and applying the prescribed medication to the nails simultaneously can be more effective than doing just one or the other treatment individually.
Removing the nail:
If you have a severe infection or the above treatments don't work, your dermatologist may recommend removing the nails to get rid of the infection. The dermatologist will use one of the following techniques to remove the nail:
- non-surgical nail removal (a chemical is applied to the nail)
- surgical nail removal
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