The Problem with Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a relatively common medical dermatological problem but one that often goes unnoticed in its initial stage of development.
Toenail fungus is an infection that, once it begins to breed in the tissue, presents as a yellow discoloration. Without treatment, the fungus will continue to spread and eventually destroy the nail. To determine whether a fungus is actually present, OC Skin Institute sends a sample toenail clipping to a lab for testing. If no fungus is present but the nail simply appears to be discolored, a cosmetic whitening agent can be recommended to help diminish the nail’s yellowish color.
Because toenails grow at a very slow pace (the big toenail grows at a rate of just 1mm per month), as well as the fact that toenails are practically impenetratable to creams and other topicals, toenail fungus is often difficult to treat. Even if treatment is successful, it can take as long as 6 to 12 months for a nail to grow out and begin to look “normal” again.
Toenail Fungus Pill Treatment
The most effective treatment for toenail fungus is oral medication, most commonly, Lamisil. The typically prescribed course of treatment for Lamisil is what is known as continuous therapy, where the patient is required to take one pill a day for three months. Other clinics subscribe to a different therapy, however, called “pulse” therapy. In this method, the patient must take Lamisil for one week (or seven consecutive days) and then nothing for the following one to two months. Studies have shown that pulse therapy achieves the same, if not greater, results as consecutive therapy, at a lower cost and reduced risk of side effects.
Alternative Treatments for Toenail Fungus in Orange County
Topical agents are the main alternative treatment for toenail fungus, although they are generally less effective. Treatment may vary depending on the condition of the nail, but typically consists of two parts — first the application of an anti-fungal agent, followed by another agent that thins out the nail to give it a more normal look and to aid in greater penetration of the anti-fungal cream. With this method, OC Skin Institute may prescribe a compound so that both agents can be applied as one medicine.
For treatment of toenail fungus in the Orange County, California area, contact OC Skin Institute today to schedule a consultation.