Fungal Nails (cont.)
Are oral medications for nail fungus toxic?
The newer drugs are unlikely to cause any liver problems in patients without known liver disease. Blood tests are not needed for once weekly treatment with fluconazole; however, people taking longer courses often have their liver function tested before starting the medicine and then
retested during the course of treatment.
What about the cost of oral medications?
A further consideration is cost. Because newer oral antifungal
agents are very expensive, some insurance companies balk at paying
for what they consider a "cosmetic issue," unless nail fungus causes
pain or other functional symptoms.
Conclusion
Nail fungus causes only 50%-60% of abnormal appearing nails. It can be hard to tell the difference between the different causes of discolored nails (even for doctors!) Onychomycosis is often not treated. Reasons to receive treatment include
1. diabetes,
2. previous leg infection (cellulitis),
3. if you have pain or discomfort from your nails, or
4. you would like them treated for cosmetic reasons.
Treatment failures and recurrences are common.
Prevention is the key. The following preventive measures are helpful:
1. Keep your toenails short, and don't dig into the corners of your nails when cutting toenails.
2. Keep feet clean, and dry them thoroughly.
3. Wear dry socks and no tight shoes.
4. Alternate your exercise shoes.
5. Don't soak your hands in water or use harsh cleaners.
6. Treat athlete's foot when it occurs.
Last Editorial Review: 11/7/2007
- fluconazole, Diflucan - Clarifies the medication fluconazole (Diflucan), a drug used to treat oral, esophageal, urinary, vaginal and possibly other organ infections caused by the fungus Candida.
- Diabetes - Learn about type 1 and 2 diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus) symptoms including increased urination, thirst, weight loss, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, skin infections, and blurred vision. Causes and diagnosis information is provided in the information.
- itraconazole, Sporanox - Emphasizes the medication itraconazole (Sporanox), a drug used for the treatment of fungal infections which are isolated to a small area of the body.
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