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How do I Choose the Best Fingernail Fungus Cure?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

In most cases, the best way to choose a fingernail fungus cure involves seeking a doctor's help. Typically, a doctor will recommend oral medication for the treatment of fingernail fungus. Less often, a doctor may recommend the use of medicated nail polish or antifungal lotions. As an alternative to prescription treatments, however, you may consider over-the-counter (OTC) products for dealing with nail fungus, but they often prove ineffective.

One of the best ways to choose a fingernail fungus cure involves a visit to see a medical professional. A doctor will typically evaluate your fingernails to determine whether you have a fingernail fungus or a different type of infection. Once you have received a positive diagnosis of fingernail fungus, your doctor will likely prescribe a medication to treat it. While he may recommend particular medications in such a case, you may compare them based on their effectiveness and likelihood of causing side effects.

The anti-fungal healing properties of aloe vera can be used to treat nail fungus.
The anti-fungal healing properties of aloe vera can be used to treat nail fungus.

If you obtain a fingernail fungus cure from your doctor, you will likely have to take an oral medication. There are many oral medications your doctor may prescribe, but terbinafine and itraconazole are among the most commonly prescribed medications for dealing with fingernail fungus. Typically these medications allow you to grow in new nail that replaces the fungus-ridden fingernail. You may need to take an oral antifungal medication for two to three months. You probably won’t see the results of the treatment until you have a significant new nail growth, however.

Over-the-counter products aimed at curing fingernail fungus may be ineffective.
Over-the-counter products aimed at curing fingernail fungus may be ineffective.

Though generally less effective, your doctor may alternatively prescribe a prescription-strength antifungal nail polish for curing your fingernail fungus. To use it, you will usually have to paint the infected nail with it every day and coat the skin of the surrounding area as well. According to some reports, this fingernail fungus cure may help to clear fingernail fungus in about a year’s time. Additionally, your doctor may prescribe a topical lotion or cream, though this will likely only prove effective in conjunction with an oral medication.

There is a range of over-the-counter (OTC) medications you may consider when you are trying to obtain the best fingernail fungus cure. For example, you may find antifungal drops that are advertised as capable of defeating fingernail fungus. Some stores also sell antifungal nail polish, creams, and lotions with which you can coat your nails in an effort to kill the fungus. The problem with OTC treatments is they are often not effective.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

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    • The anti-fungal healing properties of aloe vera can be used to treat nail fungus.
      By: Photographee.eu
      The anti-fungal healing properties of aloe vera can be used to treat nail fungus.
    • Over-the-counter products aimed at curing fingernail fungus may be ineffective.
      By: Tyler Olson
      Over-the-counter products aimed at curing fingernail fungus may be ineffective.