Prescription Treatment for Fungal Toenails (Onychomycosis)
Fungal toenails can be stubborn and embarrassing, but effective treatment is available. After years of testing, newer oral medications have been found to be both effective and safe for chronic nail and skin fungal infections. At Foot Centers of Maryland, our podiatrists help patients in Baltimore, Glen Burnie, Timonium, and Reisterstown, MD choose the right prescription treatment to clear onychomycosis and keep it from coming back.
Request an AppointmentHow Oral Antifungal Medication Works
Topical products often struggle to reach fungus living in and under the nail plate. Oral antifungal medications work from the inside, traveling through the bloodstream to the nail bed where the infection lives. These medications are generally well tolerated and are highly effective for chronic skin and nail fungal infections. Studies have shown that about 71% of patients are cured with treatment.
What to Expect During Treatment
Toenails grow slowly, so clearing a fungal infection takes patience. It typically takes about 6 to 12 months for the infected nail to grow out and be replaced by a clear, healthy nail. Your podiatrist will monitor your progress during follow-up visits.
Is Oral Treatment Right for You?
Before prescribing medication, your podiatrist will confirm the diagnosis, review your health history and current medications, and may order lab testing. Oral treatment may not be the best choice for everyone, so we also offer other options:
- Professional Debridement: Thinning thick nails to relieve pressure and help topical medicine penetrate.
- Prescription Topicals: Medicated lacquers and solutions for milder infections.
- Combination Therapy: Using more than one approach for stubborn infections.
Learn more about the signs, causes, and full range of toenail fungus treatment.
Preventing Reinfection
- Treat athlete’s foot promptly, since the same fungus can spread to the nails
- Use antifungal spray or powder in your shoes
- Wear sandals in locker rooms and public showers
- Keep your feet clean and dry and change socks daily
- Do not share nail clippers or footwear
Fungal Toenail Treatment FAQs
What is onychomycosis?
Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the toenail that causes thickening, discoloration, and brittle or crumbly nails.
How effective is oral medication for toenail fungus?
Newer oral antifungal medications are highly effective, with about 71% of patients cured.
How long does it take for a fungal nail to clear?
It usually takes about 6 to 12 months for the infected nail to grow out and be replaced by a healthy nail.
Are oral antifungal medications safe?
They are generally safe and well tolerated. Your podiatrist will review your health history and medications and may order lab work before treatment.
Why don’t over-the-counter treatments work?
Most over-the-counter products cannot penetrate the nail plate to reach the fungus underneath.
Can toenail fungus come back?
Yes, reinfection is possible. Treating athlete’s foot, disinfecting shoes, and wearing sandals in public showers help prevent it.
What if I cannot take oral medication?
Professional debridement, prescription topicals, and combination approaches are available as alternatives.
Start Clearing Your Fungal Toenails
Find out which toenail fungus treatment is right for you. Call (410) 844-4700 - Overlea Office, Mercy Office, Reisterstown Office, Glen Burnie Office, or Lutherville Office or request an appointment at our Overlea, Mercy, Glen Burnie, Lutherville, or Reisterstown office.