Fungus Infection of the Nails (part 2)

December 8th, 2009 | Author:

Bren Fisher asked:

Most mild to moderate cases of fungal infection of the nail can be treated with medications. However, there are severe cases of fungal infection or those associated with intense pain or a completely deformed nail which may need more aggressive treatment. In such a case complete removal of the nail is the best therapy. In fact the infection is cured when the nail is removed- something which cannot be guaranteed with any medication. Nail removal can easily be accomplished in a few minutes under local anesthesia. Nail removal is perhaps the best treatment of a fungal infection. Once the nail is removed, there is no need to take any medications.

Removal of the nail is done in a physician’s office. The toe area is cleaned with an antibiotic solution. A small amount of local anesthetic in-between the web space and in few minutes the toe is numb. The procedure is relatively painless. Once the toe is numb the entire nail is removed. After the nail removal the toe is bandaged and the recovery is fast. Trauma to the toe should be avoided and the toe should be cleaned with water every day. In a few months, a new nail starts to grow.

Nail removal for a fungal infection is faster and much cheaper than taking anti fungal medications for months. It also rapidly cures the infection.

While nail removal may sound harsh; it is the most effective therapy today. The new nail takes about a year to grow.