Treatment of Fungal Nail Infections
 

 Fungal nail infections affect around 1 million people ...
 

This makes it the most common nail complaint in the UK. And it's more than a cosmetic problem – many people don't realise that it's a medical condition that needs early and effective treatment.
 

Fungal nail infections can be treated with antifungals, which kill the microorganisms responsible in order to stop the infection.
 

Antifungals for fungal nail infections come as oral treatments (ones you swallow e.g. tablets) or topical treatments (ones you apply directly to the nail e.g. creams and nail lacquer). You can buy some treatments over the counter from the pharmacy, while for others you will need to get a prescription from your doctor.

For mild fungal nail infections

Effective treatment for mild fungal nail infections is available over the counter from your nearest pharmacy, which means that most cases can be properly treated without an appointment.
 

A review of treatment with a pharmacist  is recommended every 3 months. Speak to your pharmacist for advice on Curanail, clinically proven to kill the fungus responsible for fungal nail infection. 
 

Curanail is available specifically for mild fungal nail infections. It comes as a nail lacquer (which is applied like nail varnish) and contains amorolfine, an ingredient that was until recently only available on prescription. Unlike some other cosmetic products, Curanail nail lacquer is clinically proven to penetrate into the nail and attack the fungus living inside.
 

For severe fungal nail infections
 

Where a large part of the nail is affected or more than two nails are infected, you may need to go to your doctor to get a prescription for stronger treatments.
 

Treatment success
 

Stick to treatment: antifungal treatments for fungal nail infections take a long time to work as the infection has to be eliminated from the entire nail. The only way this can happen is for the nail to grow out. This can be around 6 months for fingernails and 9-12 months for toenails.
 

Treat athlete's foot: any fungal skin infection, such as athlete's foot, is treated at the same time as fungal toenail infection. This helps prevent the athlete's foot infection spreading into the nails and causing another infection after the fungal nail treatment has been completed.
 

Choose a treatment that fits in with your routines: some traditional topical formulations, such as creams and solutions, need to be applied to the nails at least once a day because they are easily wiped or washed off. Amorolfine is applied once a week because the nail lacquer is retained in the nail bed for up to 7 days. Some people may find a once weekly routine a better option in helping them to stick to long term treatment.