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The most effective treatments are oral anti-fungal medications like terbinafine (Lamisil) or itraconazole (Sporanox). Generally, they must be taken for 12 weeks. The are prescription medicines and are fairly expensive. There are possible side effects including, in rare cases, liver damage.

Another alternative is a prescription anti-fungal nail polish called ciclopirox (Penlac). It is applied daily to the nail and the surrounding skin. Every 7 days you must clean off the built-up applications with alcohol and begin anew. The nail polish may need to be applied for 12 months (versus 12 weeks for the oral treatment). It is said to cure only 1 in 10 cases completely. There are also over-the-counter creams and ointments. They generally are not effective in eradicating the fungus, which is in the root of the nail. Because the toenail grows so slowly, it will take about a year before your nail shows no lingering signs of the infection.

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16y ago

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