Nail infection caused by a fungus. Predominant fungus is called a dermatophyte, but also can be caused by molds or yeast. Most commonly affects the toe nails (big toe) first, then slowly spreads to remaining toe nails. Left untreated, many times will spread to the finger nails. This is not a cosmetic condition or problem. It is an infectious disease process and should be treated and eliminated. There are many effective treatment options available today.

My preferred method of treatment for relatively mild cases involves the application of a topical anti-fungal nail lacquer called Penlac© (please click on Penlac© for more information on this product) nightly for approximately three to five months depending on number of nails involved and severity of the disease. In moderate to severe cases of onychomycosis, I recommend the addition of an oral antifungal medication called Lamisil© (click on Lamisil© for more information regarding this medication). This medication is taken once daily for ninety days. The combination of Lamisil© orally and Penlac© topically is rendering success rates of up to 80 to 90% for me clinically. For resistant or multiply recurrent conditions options range from continued topical/oral therapy, to removal of the nails permanently.

If you think you may have onychomycosis, you should see a podiatrist soon. This condition can spread to other family members, and as stated earlier, usually spreads to contiguous toe nails and many times to the finger nails.