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Fungal nail infection

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Nails - fungal infection; Onychomycosis; Infection - fungal - nails

Treatment:

Over-the-counter creams and ointments generally do not help treat this condition.

Prescription anti-fungal medicines taken by mouth may help clear the fungus in about 50% of patients. However, such medicines can cause side effects or may interfere with other health medicines the patient is taking.

In some cases, the nail may be removed by the doctor. Nails grow slowly, so even if treatment is successful, a new, clearer nail may take up to a year to grow in.

Expectations (prognosis):

Fungal nail infections may be difficult to treat and may become a reservoir for fungal organisms, causing them to return in the skin or nails. The fungal nail infection is cured by the growth of new, non-infected nails. Even with successful treatment, a relapse is common.

Complications:

• Permanent damage to the nails
• Secondary skin infections, including paronychia
• Recurrent fungal infections of the nails or other parts of the body

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you experience persistent fungal nail infections, or if the fingers become painful, red, or drain pus.

• Review Date: 10/26/2006
• Reviewed By: Michael S. Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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