How to Treat Gray Nail Fungus
Disease description:
I've had athlete's foot for a long time. My nails have become very thick, turned grayish-yellow in color, and are extremely brittle, feeling like they could break easily. I'm now afraid to show my hands because they look so bad. I wonder if there is any way to cure this quickly?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Gray nail usually presents as thickening, deformation, gray or yellow discoloration of the fingernails or toenails. In severe cases, it may also be accompanied by debris accumulation under the nail and an unpleasant odor. Methods for treating gray nail mainly include the following:
1. Antifungal creams: Such as miconazole nitrate cream or amorolfine hydrochloride cream. These medications act directly on the affected nails, inhibiting fungal growth.
2. Soaking solutions: Soaking the affected nails in 30% glacial acetic acid solution or povidone-iodine preparation can be done 1–2 times daily. Continued use over several months may yield good results.
3. New topical formulations: For example, 5% amorolfine nail lacquer, applied 1–2 times per week for six months, has shown good efficacy for gray nail.
4. Oral antifungal medications: For patients with severe infection or those who do not respond to topical treatments, oral antifungal drugs such as itraconazole capsules or terbinafine hydrochloride tablets may be prescribed. These medications reach the nail via the bloodstream and eliminate the fungus from within.
5. Nail removal surgery: Patients with severe symptoms, nail detachment, or excessive nail thickening may consider surgical removal of the nail. However, this procedure can cause tissue damage and recurrence is common; therefore, it should be combined with adequate antifungal therapy.
Medication should be used under the guidance of a qualified physician.
