Can medication cure gray nail (onychomycosis)?

Jun 17, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

My brother has toenail fungus and wants to use medication for treatment. Can toenail fungus be cured with medication?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
Treatment of onychomycosis (fungal nail infection) primarily involves medication and, to a certain extent, can be effectively cured. The main treatment methods include: 1. Oral medications: Antifungal drugs such as itraconazole capsules and terbinafine hydrochloride tablets effectively kill and inhibit fungi. For cases involving multiple nails, oral administration of these medications can significantly alleviate symptoms. 2. Topical treatments: Agents such as acetic acid solution and topical terbinafine can be applied directly or used in soaks for the affected nails. With consistent treatment over 3–6 months, noticeable improvement can be observed. 3. Proper medication use: Treating onychomycosis requires completing the full course of therapy, typically lasting 2–3 months, with strict adherence to prescribed regimens—patients should avoid discontinuing treatment prematurely. Some patients with particularly stubborn infections may find treatment more challenging. In addition to medication, maintaining good personal hygiene and healthy lifestyle habits is also crucial for successfully curing onychomycosis.