Skip to main content
  • Language
    • Afrikaans
    • Albanian
    • Arabic
    • Armenian
    • Azerbaijani
    • Basque
    • Belarusian
    • Bengali
    • Bulgarian
    • Catalan
    • Chinese (Simplified)
    • Chinese (Traditional)
    • Croatian
    • Czech
    • Danish
    • Dutch
    • Esperanto
    • Estonian
    • Filipino
    • Finnish
    • French
    • Galician
    • Georgian
    • German
    • Greek
    • Gujarati
    • Haitian Creole
    • Hebrew
    • Hindi
    • Hungarian
    • Icelandic
    • Indonesian
    • Irish
    • Italian
    • Japanese
    • Kannada
    • Korean
    • Lao
    • Latin
    • Latvian
    • Lithuanian
    • Macedonian
    • Malay
    • Maltese
    • Norwegian
    • Persian
    • Polish
    • Portuguese
    • Romanian
    • Russian
    • Serbian
    • Slovak
    • Slovenian
    • Spanish
    • Swahili
    • Swedish
    • Tamil
    • Telugu
    • Thai
    • Turkish
    • Ukrainian
    • Urdu
    • Vietnamese
    • Welsh
    • Yiddish
  • 01243 378 812
  • Text Size
    • Increase Text Size
    • Decrease Text Size
    • Reset Text Size
Emsworth Surgery Providing NHS services
Providing NHS services
Search
Show Main Menu
  • Home
  • Self Help
  • Self Referrals
  • Appointments
  • Prescriptions
  • NHS Services
    • Minor Injuries and emergency care
    • NHS 111 Online
    • COVID-19 & Flu
    • Travel Health
    • Health A to Z
    • Medicines A to Z
    • Live Well
    • Local Support and NHS Services
    • Childhood Vaccinations
    • NHS Screening
    • Social Services
    • Find Your NHS number
    • Social Care and Support
    • Continuing Healthcare Assesments
  • Services
    • Admin Forms - contact us
    • Online Services
    • Join the Practice
    • Self Referrals
    • Self Help
    • Test Results
    • Clinics
    • eConsult
    • Local Support and NHS Services
    • Private Fees
    • Blue Badge
  • Information
    • News
    • Our Team
    • Friends and Family Test
    • Opening Times
    • Quack Newsletters
    • Patient Participation Group
    • Medical Students
    • Our Commissioners
    • Practice Performance
    • Patient Proxy Access
    • Keeping your details up to date
    • Care Quality Commission
    • Sharing your information
    • Complaints Procedure
    • Policies
    • Vacancies
  • Contact Us
    • Contact Details
    • Admin Contact us Forms
    • Repeat prescription request
    • Fitnote request
    • Change of Address
    • Travel Cancellation
    • Firearms application
Home > Fungal Nail infections

Fungal Nail infections

  • Fungal nail infections
  • Terbinafine -medication

Fungal Nail Infections: Understanding and Management

Fungal nail infections, or onychomycosis, can cause significant discomfort and more often concerns about the look of the nails. They typically present as thickened, discolored, and brittle nails.

Proper diagnosis and treatment are essential for effective management.

Alternative possible diagnosis and why treatments may not work

 

Before treating a suspected fungal nail infection, it’s important to consider other possible conditions that can mimic or coexist with fungal infections:

  1. Nail Psoriasis: Characterized by pitting, ridges, and sometimes a yellow-brown discoloration. Often associated with psoriasis elsewhere on the body.

  2. Trauma or Injury: Physical damage to the nail can lead to discoloration and thickening, often without fungal involvement.

  3. Bacterial Infections: Can cause nail swelling and redness, particularly around the cuticle area.

  4. Lichen Planus: An inflammatory condition that can affect nails, leading to thinning and ridging.

  5. Aging Changes: Older adults may experience nail thickening and discoloration due to normal aging rather than infection. This is not a treatable condition but may be improved by following the advice below.

Non-Prescription Treatments

Patients can try several non-prescription treatments to manage mild fungal nail infections:

  1. Topical Antifungal Treatments:

    • Amorolfine: Available over the counter -  An antifungal nail lacquer applied once or twice a week. It requires careful application directly to the nail and surrounding skin.
  2. Antifungal Powders or Sprays: These products help keep feet dry and prevent fungal growth but are not an active treatment for the fungal nail disease if present. These are used particularly in shoes. Look for products containing miconazole or clotrimazole.

  3. Tea Tree Oil: A natural remedy with antifungal properties. It should be diluted with a carrier oil (like coconut oil) and applied to the affected nails twice daily. Results may vary, and can take several months to see improvements.

  4. Vicks VapoRub: Some patients report benefits from applying Vicks VapoRub, which contains camphor and eucalyptus oil, directly to affected nails twice daily.

  5. Nail Care:

    • Regularly trim and file affected nails to reduce thickness.
    • Maintain proper foot hygiene and dry your feet thoroughly after washing.

Prescribable Medications

If non-prescription treatments are ineffective after several weeks or months, your GP may discuss with you stronger medications, including:

  1. Oral Antifungal Medications:

    • Terbinafine: A common oral antifungal treatment for fungal nail infections. It works by inhibiting fungal growth.

    Dosage: Typically, a course of terbinafine lasts for 6-12 weeks, depending on the severity and site of infection.

    Risks associated with taking terbinafine

    • Liver Failure: Terbinafine can affect liver function and, in rare cases, lead to liver failure. Liver function should be monitored through blood tests, especially in patients with pre-existing liver conditions or those taking other medications affecting the liver.
    • Side Effects: Other common side effects may include gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, diarrhea), headache, and skin rashes.

      When to Seek Medical Advice

If you suspect a fungal nail infection, consult your GP if:

  • The infection is persistent and has not improved with non-prescription treatments after 6-8 weeks.
  • You have severe pain or discomfort.
  • There are signs of secondary bacterial infection (redness, swelling, or pus).
  • You have underlying health conditions (e.g., liver disease, diabetes) that could complicate treatment.

 

Managing fungal nail infections effectively involves a proper diagnosis and an understanding of available treatment options. Non-prescription treatments can be effective for mild cases, while stronger oral antifungal medications like terbinafine may be necessary for persistent infections. Always discuss with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for your specific situation and to monitor for potential side effects

Last Updated 20 Mar 2025

Site

  • Sign In
  • Sitemap
  • Back To Top

About

  • Disclaimer
  • Website Privacy
  • Website Accessibility
  • Cookies
  • Content Attribution

Contact

Emsworth Medical Practice

North Street, Emsworth, Hampshire, PO10 7DD

  • 01243 378 812

Westbourne Surgery

George and Dragon Surgery, The Square, Westbourne, PO10 8UE

© Neighbourhood Direct Ltd  2025
Website supplied by Oldroyd Publishing Group

Loading...