Your Options for Nail Fungal Treatment

Malibu doctors and pharmacies offer a number of nail fungal treatments that are meant to provide relief from onychomycosis (fungal infection of the fingernail or toenail). But which nail fungal treatment is best? Before investing in one of the numerous products advertised as a nail fungus cure, consider the pros and cons of each treatment.

Oral Nail Fungus Medication

Terbinafine (aka Lamisil) can be taken orally to treat nail fungus. Terbinafine works by inhibiting a certain enzyme vital to fungal growth, thereby causing the fungus cells to eventually breakdown.

Pros of oral nail fungal treatment: Terbinafine has a high success rate, ranging up to about 70 percent. Terbinafine/Lamisil is also relatively affordable, if the costs are covered by your medical insurance.

Cons of oral nail fungal treatment: Lamisil has a pervasive biodistribution, meaning it affects more than just your nails. Reports indicate that oral nail fungus cures can have adverse side effects on your liver, central nervous system, sense of taste and gastrointestinal system.

Topical Nail Fungus Medication

Terbinafine can also be applied topically as a cream or ointment. The active ingredient and treatment mechanism is the same as oral medication.

Pros of topical nail fungal treatment: When applied externally, Lamisil has a much lower risk of side effects.

Cons of topical nail fungal treatment: Creams and ointments have success rate percentages in the single digits. Daily application of creams can be a chore and, if you’re not careful, you could spread the infection from your toenails to your fingernails or vice versa.

Laser Nail Fungal Treatment

The PinPointe Footlaser works by specifically targeting the fungus cells without affecting the surrounding tissue or the internal body functions. Fungal infections are eradicated with a selective laser, thus allowing a healthy nail to grow back naturally.

Pros of laser nail fungal treatment: Laser treatments carry virtually no side effects and have success rates above 85 percent. Results can be achieved with a single treatment, which takes less than an hour and requires no surgery, no anesthesia and no medication.

Cons of laser nail fungal treatment: Infections may return if proper preventative measures are not taken (i.e. frequently changing socks and wearing footwear in public showers). This is true for all nail fungus treatments, however.

Want to learn more about your options for nail fungal treatment? Torrance area doctors offer free phone consultations.