How do you get rid of onychomycosis?
In white superficial onychomycosis, a number-15 blade or curette can be used to scrape the nail surface or the white area, and remove infected debris. In proximal superficial onychomycosis, the healthy nail plate should be gently pared away with a number-15 scalpel blade.
What does onychomycosis look like?
Onychomycosis makes the nails look white and opaque, thickened, and brittle. It usually produces no symptoms other than a cosmetic problem. Treatment includes avoiding artificial nails, using safer application techniques and only new artificial nails, and using topical and oral antifungal medications.
What is the best treatment for onychomycosis?
Systemic antifungal agents are the most effective treatment for onychomycosis, but cure rates are much less than 100%. Terbinafine (Lamisil) is the most effective systemic agent available.
What really kills toenail fungus?
Hydrogen peroxide can kill fungus that grows on toenails. You can directly wipe hydrogen peroxide on your infected toes or toenails with a clean cloth or cotton swab. Hydrogen peroxide can also be used in a foot soak.
What happens if you lose a fingernail?
If you lose a whole nail, experts say it will likely regrow if the matrix isn’t severely damaged. The matrix is the skin below the nail. Fingernails and toenails grow out of the matrix. Nails develop when cells in the matrix increase in number and become flattened and pushed together.
How do you treat an infected fingernail?
Treatment of a finger infection may include a procedure known as incision and drain. This is done by a physician who drains the infected fluid from the area. A topical antibacterial ointment may be applied to the finger or around the fingernail.
What is the treatment for fingernail fungus?
Treatment for a nail fungus may include topical creams, gels, nail lacquers, or oral medications (antifungal drugs). Rarely, surgery may be required. Although seldom done, removal of the infected nail can be performed to permit direct application of a topical antifungal.
Why are my finger nails changing colors?
When healthy fingernails begin to change color or texture, one of the most common underlying causes is nail fungus, which can cause the nails to crack, peel, and change color and texture.