Nail Fungus

Before your treatment, your doctor will arrange for a consultation to talk about the changes you’ve noticed in your nails and the different options available for treatment. Your doctor will begin with a complete medical history and an examination of your nails. He/she will scrape the nail, or material from under the nail, and test it for the presence of fungi. This test is important because other diseases such as psoriasis or lichen planus can mimic Onychomycosis.

Take this opportunity to ask all the questions you have about the elimination of this fungus. Learning everything you can about your options is the key to making an informed decision about your treatment. See Questions to ask your doctor below.

• Ciclopirox – a nail lacquer that is applied with a brush to the afflicted areas.
• Fluconazole – a fungistatic, which means it stops fungi from multiplying but doesn’t actually kill them. Available in pill form.
• Griseofulvin - acts by forming deposits in keratin cells, preventing fungal infection of new cells. Most commonly taken in pill form. Eating a high fat meal helps your body absorb this medication.
• Itraconazole - taken orally either in capsule or liquid form. Taking this medication with food helps maximize its absorption.
• Terbinafine comes in both topical and oral preparations, but the oral treatments are considered more effective in curing nail fungus infection.

• Individuals who are not pregnant or dependent upon oral contraceptives for preventing pregnancy (Griseofulvin users only).
• Individuals who do not have lupus or porphyria (Griseofulvin users only).
• Mature enough to fully understand the treatment process
• Knowledgeable about the treatment
• In good physical and psychological health
• Realistic in their expectations

The above is only a partial list of the criteria that your doctor will consider in determining whether or not this treatment is appropriate for you. Be sure to ask your doctor if she/he considers you an ideal candidate for this treatment.

• Ciclopirox— may cause burning, itching, redness, swelling, or other signs of irritation.
• Fluconazole— possible side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, dark yellow or brown urine, dizziness, skin rash, redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of skin, including inside the mouth. On rare occasions, Fluconazole has caused liver damage.
• Griseofulvin¾ may interfere with oral contraceptives containing estrogen, resulting in unwanted pregnancies, and should not be taken during pregnancy. It may worsen lupus symptoms in patients suffering from lupus-like diseases and increase attacks of porphyria in patients with acute intermittent porphyria. It can increase the effects of alcohol including rapid heartbeat, increased sweating and redness of the face. Other possible side effects include sensitivity to sunlight, headache, dizziness, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and unusual tiredness. Rarely, Griseofulvin can cause liver damage.
• Itraconazole—may cause nausea, headaches, fatigue, abdominal cramps, rash and potassium loss.
• Terbinafine—may cause nausea, fatigue, diarrhea, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, flatulence, rash, and taste disturbances, such as making foods taste salty. Changes in the ocular lenses and retina have been reported. On rare occasions, Terbinafine has caused liver damage.

1. Are the desired results I described realistic?
2. Is there an alternative remedy that I should consider as well?
3. How long will the treatment take?
4. How much does it cost?
5. What is your experience in performing this treatment?
6. What percentage of patients have had significant complications? (The physician should disclose this information to you.)
7. Will you repeat or correct treatment if it does not meet agreed upon goals? And if it must be repeated / corrected, will I be charged again? (The physician should provide you with his/her policy on this issue.)
8. May I see "before and after" photos of recent patients? (The physician should provide many photos of recent patients.)
9. Could I observe the exact treatment I am considering before I decide to have it done? (Either on videotape or ask to view one in real life.)
10. What should I expect during the treatment in terms of pain, what to watch for, bathing, and level of activity?
11. Have you ever had your malpractice insurance coverage denied, revoked, suspended?
12. Do you offer patient financing?

• Tell your doctor about any allergies you have (to foods, drugs, environmental elements.)
• Tell your doctor about all medications, herbal supplements or natural supplements you are taking (both prescription and non-prescription), including such natural substances as Echinacea and St. John’s Wort.
• Be sure to tell your doctor if you smoke. Smoking can lead to complications and poor healing.
• Carefully follow any instructions your doctor gives you.

The information on this web site is only intended as an introduction to this procedure. This information should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed nor as a guarantee of the result. The best method of determining your options is to consult a qualified dermatologist who can answer specific questions related to your situation.

At iEnhance, find information on top plastic surgery procedures such as breast augmentation, liposuction, facelift, tummy tuck, BOTOX ® Cosmetic, eyelid surgery, thermage, rhinoplasty; as well as teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, and other cosmetic dentistry procedures. Locate a plastic surgeon, cosmetic surgeon, cosmetic dentist, or specialist today!