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Medical Health Encyclopedia
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Nail infection, candidal
Nail infection, candidal


Fungal nail infection

Alternative Names:
Nails - fungal infection; Onychomycosis; Infection - fungal - nails

Treatment:

Creams and ointments are generally not helpful in treating this condition.

Text Continues Below



Oral medications such as Sporanox (itraconazole) or Lamisil (terbinafine) may be taken for several months. While these medicines may clear the fungus in about half of all patients, they can cause numerous side effects. Many people are not able to take these medications because of other medications that they are taking, or other medical problems.

Nails grow slowly, so even if treatment is successful, a new, clearer nail may take up to a year to replace the old nail.



Expectations (prognosis):

Fungal nail infections may be difficult to treat and may become a reservoir for fungal organisms, causing them to return in the skin or nails. The fungal nail infection is cured by the growth of new, non-infected nails. Even with successful treatment, a relapse is common.



Complications:
  • Permanent damage to the nails
  • Secondary skin infections, including paronychia
  • Recurrent fungal infections of the nails or other parts of the body


Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you experience persistent fungal nail infections, or if the fingers become painful, red, or drain pus.




A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

 







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