Fungal infections of skin and nails
Fungal nail infections present as brittle, discoloured and thicker than normal. Whilst these are not serious infections in terms of health risk, they can be uncomfortable and take a long time to heal and may lead to further problems if left untreated.
Treatment of fungal nail and skin infections
Mild, localized fungal skin infections typically respond well to topical treatments, such as creams, lotions, and ointments. If these topical options are ineffective or if the infection is widespread, systemic (oral) therapy may be necessary. Conditions like athlete's foot should be addressed promptly to prevent further spread.
The initial treatment for fungal nail infections involves applying a topical nail lacquer directly to the affected nail(s). This treatment should be continued for a period of 6 to 12 months. You can expect to see noticeable improvement within 2 to 3 months, as healthy nail growth will be visible starting at the base of the nail. This is indication that the treatment is working.
Nail lacquer is not suitable for individuals who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or under 18 years of age.
Sometimes nail lacquer is not effective and oral tablets can be considered. Oral treatment can be required in excess of a year at times. You can expect to see noticeable improvement within 2 to 3 months, as healthy nail growth will be visible starting at the base of the nail. This is indication that the treatment is working.
Oral treatment is not suitable for patients with chronic liver disease and should be used in caution in patients with kidney disease. While it's rare, there have been some reports of liver side effects, including liver failure, associated with oral medications.
Before beginning any oral treatment, we will ask you to schedule an appointment for liver function tests. After starting the treatment, we will also need to conduct another liver function test one month later, followed by another test six months into your treatment.
Side effects to treatment
If you experience any of the following side effects during treatment, this should be reported to the surgery and medication should be stopped.
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Itching
- Change in skin colour