Onychomycosis is the medical term for fungal infection of the nail. Medical sources say that it is the most common disease of the nails and constitutes about a half of all nail abnormalities. It is not an especially rare occurrence among the general population either, as it affects between six and eight percent of the adult population
In most cases it is a painless affliction that is characterized by appearance. The nail can turn yellowish and crumbly, and can separate from the toe. It may also develop a cloudy appearance. Treatment of toenail fungus is difficult because the fungus is embedded within the nail.
There are several options for treatment – including no treatment, if the patient is not bothered by the appearance. This disease can also develop under fingernails – although rarely – and in that circumstance appearance can be an important issue. Because the fungus is so difficult to get to, treatment can take a long period – up to a year.
The options include both topical and systemic treatment. An anti fungal medication is applied to the toenail, while the patient also takes an anti-fungal medication that provides fungus protection through the circulatory system. If you are determined to find a cure for your toenail fungus, be prepared for a year’s worth of oral medication and topical treatments applied to the toe.
There have been several clinical studies that have experimented with various combinations of topical and systemic medications. There was also a test that suggested better results in approving the appearance of the toenail through a combination of aggressive trimming and frequent application of a topical antifungal medication.
Currently in Phase III development in preparation for FDA approval is a topical application containing a strong antifungal agent combined with a penetration enhancer that will help put the medication on the source of the affliction. Two other topical medications are in Phase II trials, one being a Schering-Plough product and the other by NanoBio Corp.
Another treatment approach altogether is currently being tested by a company called Noveon that has already developed a laser in use for cataract surgery and other eye treatments. Another laser product called the PinPointe FootLaser has been sold to many podiatrists around the country with assurance of FDA approval, which it has – but only for use in dentistry. In March of 2009 the FDA challenged the manufacturer on its illegal marketing of the laser system as “FDA approved.”
Curing a toenail afflicted with fungus is to some degree a cosmetic proposition, since the disease causes no discomfort other than from its unattractive appearance. Nevertheless there are millions of people who have developed this disease that will take advantage of a toenail fungus cure provided the chances are good for elimination of the fungus. It some of the aggressive treatment approaches now being tested can shorten the current lengthy treatment period, that will bring additional patients through the podiatrist’s door as well.