- Discussion:
- most often caused by dermatophytes (Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton interdigitale);
- affects 3-5% of younger patients, but effects up to half of the elderly population;
- Treatment:
- medicated nail polish:
- indicated if there is only one or two involved nails;
- typically applied twice a week until your nail is cured;
- amorolfine (Loceryl)
- ciclopirox (Loprox)
- synthetic broad-spectrum antifungal agent that inhibits the growth of dermatophytes
- oral medications:
- itraconazole (Sporanox);
- can be taken daily for 12 weeks;
- can be taken once a week per month for three months;
- drug interactions include terfenadine, astemizole, cisapride , midazolam, triazolam or lovastatin.
- terbinafine (Lamisil);
- can be taken daily for 12 weeks;
- fluconazole: is also effective against toenail fungus
