Fungal Nail Treatment Process

TREATMENT PROCESS 

This is my current treatment process videos may reflect previous treatment plans. 

Nail Sample - Take a nail sample to verify the organism before treatment. Return to office in 2-3 weeks.

Review Options - At the follow up we will review the nail sample and treatment options. My current options include topical treatment (5% effectiveness), laser treatments (20% effectiveness), oral treatment (80% effectiveness), and combination therapy may increase effectiveness. At that time I will give you blood tests (liver function test if needed) and a prescription for medication. 

Biotin - Many patients take Biotin, Zinc and Folic Acid to help with nail growth during the course of the oral medication. I recommend 2,500 mcg per day. 

Shoe Sterilizer - Patients can help prevent recurrence by sterilizing their shoes with an ultraviolet-light shoe sterilizer called shoe zap. I recommend using it once a month during the treatment period for 15 minutes. Weekly I recommend a shoe spray in the shoes that are used most frequently.  

Treatment Length - Usually treatment takes a year or longer as a new nail has to grow out. Many instances of incomplete cure come from incomplete treatment. Your nail grows about 1mm per month. 

• 1st Prescription
  
  • 90 Days - Take 1 pill daily
• 2nd Prescription - I usually send to Walmart or Stop & Shop as most insurances only pay for 90 days per year 
  • 25 Weeks- Take 1 pill per week
  • 65 Days - Take 1 pill daily

Prevent Recurrence - Preventing recurrence can be through periodic follow-up visits and/or shoe sterilizers and precautionary measures. I recommend using topical Terbinafine 1% one week per month to prevent the recurrence of athlete's foot which can lead to recurrent nail infection. Here is the amount to apply and the location to apply on your foot. You can purchase on Amazon.

PRODUCTS 

Here are some of the best recommendations I have found on Amazon to start treatment before you come into the office.