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Nail infection, candidal
Nail infection, candidal
OverviewSymptomsTreatmentPrevention

Fungal nail infection

Alternative Names:
Nails - fungal infection; Onychomycosis; Infection - fungal - nails

Treatment:

Creams and ointments are generally no help in treating onychomycosis. Recently, however, a nail lacquer (called Penlac) has been marketed and may be helpful in some patients.

Oral medications -- such as Sporanox (itraconazole) or Lamisil (terbinafine) -- may be taken for several months. While these medicines may clear the fungus in about half of all patients, they can cause numerous side effects. Many people are not able to take these medications because of other medications that they are taking, or other medical problems.

Nails grow slowly, so even if treatment is successful, a new, clearer nail may take up to one year to replace the old nail.



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: 4/15/2003
Reviewed By: Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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