USF-COM
Department
of Family Medicine
Patient Education Information on...
Index of
Patient Education Topics
What is onychomycosis?
Onychomycosis is an infection of the nails of either the hands or feet
by fungus. Another name you may here is tinea unguinum. This is the same
thing.
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What are the symptoms?
The nails will turn much whiter than they usually are, will get thick and
chalky and sometimes crumbly.
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Why did I get this?
There is no particular reason why you got this. It doesn’t mean that something
else is wrong with you. Nail fungus is very common.
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What can I do about it?
Anti-fungal creams will not help. It has to be treated with pills. Two
of the most common pills used are itraconazole and terbinafine. Your doctor
will give you a prescription, which you should follow. Treatment can take
anywhere from 6 weeks up to 3 months. So be patient and keep taking your
medications as long as your doctor instructs.
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Will I get it again?
Unfortunately the fungus does frequently come back. If it does you should
schedule another appointment with your doctor to discuss treatment.