Medication is the most frequent treatment for toenail fungus. A topical antifungal treatment such as Tolcylen, or an oral antifungal medicine, such as Lamisil, is frequently advised. Both of these drugs are effective and safe, but there are other options for treating a fungal toenail.
Some people choose to have infected toenails surgically removed and then apply antifungal lotion to the nail beds. Generally, we do not endorse this treatment unless the toenail is really thick and malformed and causing discomfort. In addition, removing numerous infected toenails can be quite painful.
Laser therapy is a novel treatment for fungal toenails. Depending on the laser, one to three sessions are required, and the procedure is often painless. The laser treatment is not painful, and early findings suggest that the toenail looks better. There are other natural antifungal medicines, such as tea tree oil and garlic, that have had little success in topical applications.
If you notice your toenails are thickening and discoloring, have them looked out before they become worse. Dr. Ejodamen Shobowale, a Houston podiatrist at DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center, can provide a thorough examination.
