How to Cure Gray Nail (Onychomycosis)
Disease description:
May I ask, my mother is 52 years old this year, and recently her fingernails have developed gray nails. We would like to know how to cure gray nails.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
Onychomycosis, medically termed as tinea unguium, is a nail disorder caused by various fungal infections. The following are treatment methods:
1. **Topical Medications**: If the condition is not severe, soak feet in solutions such as compound salicylic acid solution or econazole nitrate solution. Then, apply prescribed topical creams such as naftifine hydrochloride cream or ciclopirox cream on the affected area. Generally, consistent treatment for about three months can effectively cure the infected nails.
2. **Oral Medications**: If multiple nails are affected and the nails become thin and brittle, comprehensive treatment combining oral antifungal drugs is required. Examples include terbinafine hydrochloride tablets, itraconazole capsules, and fluconazole tablets, which can improve cure rates.
3. **Nail Removal Surgery**: If symptoms are severe with ulceration and pus discharge, prompt treatment via nail removal surgery is necessary.
4. **Physical Therapies**: For thickened nails, laser therapy or specialized tools may be used initially to thin the nails, facilitating better drug penetration.
