Nail fungus topical medication is the most common treatment option. It is the most readily available one as well. You may find all kinds of topical medication for nail fungus at your local drug store. Before seeking medical attention for nail fungus, people often try various home remedies or over-the counter-treatment to try to treat it at home. As such, almost every single patient will aim to use over-the-counter topical treatments for nail fungus. But does it ever work?

Types of topical medication

The biggest advantage of topical medication treatment is that it allows direct application to the affected area. It will reduce the chance of systemic drug reactions. This treatment is safe for most people to try. Topical treatments for nail fungus include ointments, creams, and solutions with antifungal ingredients, most notably Tolnaftate and Clotrimazole. These medications can be purchased at all local drugstores and most grocery stores. These are applied to the nails topically. This is done in the effort that the antifungal agent will kill the fungus. Killing the fungus will cure the infection. However, the sad reality is that topical treatments for nail fungus are almost entirely ineffective. 

Effectivity of nail fungus topical medication

Topical treatments for nail fungus are successful in curing it less than 6% of the time. The reason that topical treatments for nail fungus are so ineffective is that the fungus is actually growing on the nail bed. The fungus typically is not on the nail itself. When the topical treatment is applied to the nails, it is only sitting on top of the nail and not able to reach the nail bed. Since topical treatments are very weak, they are not an effective means of curing nail fungus at all. However, these topical treatments for nail fungus can be good at preventing future infections. And are often prescribed after more effective treatment to prevent reinfection. 

The most effective way to treat fungal infection

Laser treatment for nail fungus has been a relatively new option for treatment. It is the safest and quickest option though. If you need to cure nail fungus, laser treatment is the best and safest treatment option. In our clinics, our nail doctors use the FDA-approved PinPointe laser. The laser treatment is safe, fast, and highly effective. The only downside to this treatment is that insurance does not cover it. However, to help our patients we accept all FSA and HSA accounts in our offices. We also, offer our patients a payment plan option in which they may split up their payments in three installments. Our payment plans do not have an interest. You can schedule a free consultation with a doctor at one of over 150 locations by calling 1-(800) 672-0625.