Fungal nail treatment can be performed by a physician or at home under the care of an experienced dermatologist. The nail usually becomes yellow or brown and feels hard and then starts separating from the nailbed. Sometimes, bleeding may occur. Treatment for fungal nail infection usually takes one week and should not be repeated frequently. Common reasons for this type of infection are toenail injuries, nail trauma, toenail fungus and diabetes.

Most people resort to prescription treatments for fungal nail treatment. Oral medication is the most common option. It can take about a week to see the initial results and then the infection is likely to come back. In addition, some oral medications cannot be taken for certain allergies or pre-existing medical conditions.

Topical treatments are also available from your doctor or at a pharmacy. Many times, these are applied directly to the fungal nail treatment site. If the infection is at the toenail or cuticle, a prescribed antifungal topical cream is applied directly. This should be applied regularly and it usually takes at least a week to see the effect of the treatment.

When your toenails are yellow or brown, they are probably infected with dermatophytes. These are small fungi that typically live in nails. A fungal nail treatment is recommended when the infection affects the nails and the skin around it. It is used to treat superficial infections of toenails and cuticles. Fingernails may also be infected with these fungi.

Home or over-the-counter treatments are usually applied directly on the infected area. There are various types of antifungal cream, solution, powders and even oral medications. The oral medications are usually the most effective treatment because they reach deep into the nail bed and infect the fungus from its source. Topical treatments are often used, but they do not penetrate the nail bed. Most over-the-counter fungal nail treatment products are applied directly to the skin, although there are some solutions that need to be injected under the tongue.

It is important to remember that fungal nail infections do not just happen. Proper health care can help prevent fungal nail treatment problems and keep nails healthy. Keep your feet clean and dry, wear socks and shoes that keep feet dry and comfortable, practice good hand hygiene and try to keep your hands away from the infection site. In addition to taking regular care of yourself, you may want to consult with your doctor about the best course of action for your particular situation.