How to treat a fungal nail infection (onychomycosis)

Treatment of onychomycosis (gray nail) requires selecting the appropriate method based on the condition and should be performed under a doctor's guidance: 1. Surgical nail removal: Suitable for a single severely affected nail. The affected nail is removed under local anesthesia. However, this method is less commonly used clinically and is not recommended for patients with heart disease, hypertension, or diabetes. 2. Oral medication: Such as terbinafine tablets, itraconazole, etc., suitable for cases involving multiple nails. However, the treatment course is long, requiring consistent therapy and monitoring for adverse reactions. 3. Topical treatments: Include soaking the affected nail in acetic acid solution and applying topical medications, such as terbinafine solution or ciclopirox nail lacquer. Long-term consistent treatment is required. 4. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment: For example, soaking the affected nails in a mixture of Chinese herbs like vinegar, Brucea javanica seeds (Fructus Bruceae), and Stemona tuberosa (Radix Stemonae), or applying a mixture of Impatiens balsamina and alum. Several months of consistent treatment may be needed.