There are two primary treatment methods used for nail fungus. Topical treatments (liquids, aerosol sprays, and creams) are commonly used for to treat less severe cases of nail fungus. These treatments are usually acid-based liquids or anti-fungal creams like Tinactin and Lamisil cream. Oral treatments are powerful anti-fungal medications, such as Lamisil or Sporanox. Prescription oral medications are usually used in more severe or difficult cases.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Topical Treatment Advantages
Availalble over the counter (OTC), no prescription required
Very low risk of serious side effects
inexpensive
Topical Treatment Disadvantages
In many cases only functions as a treatment, not a cure. Nail fungus can reappear once treatment stops
Requires multiple applications daily for an extended period of time
Treatments can cause superficial damage to surrounding skin
Topical solutions can be messy, have b odors
Oral anti-fungal Advantages
May be more likely to provide a permanent cure, however recurrence is still very common after prescription medications are used
More effective on stubborn toenail fungus
Typically one pill a day
No smells/odors like those that topical options frequently have
Oral anti-fungal disadvantages
In rare cases, life-threatening side effects have been reported
Other side effects, such as skin rashes and irritation (sometimes severe) seem to be fairly common).
Require a prescription, can be more expensive than topical treatments
