What is the best medication for treating gray nail fungus?
Disease description:
I've had gray nail (onychomycosis) for some time, and the nails have become thickened and discolored, which is very unsightly. I would like to ask what medication is most effective for treatment?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Gray nail generally refers to onychomycosis (nail fungus). There is no single "best" medication for treating nail fungus; the choice of drug depends on the severity of the condition, the patient's overall health, and considerations of potential side effects.
Oral antifungal medications, such as itraconazole and terbinafine, are typically used for severe or widespread infections because they can penetrate beneath the nail plate to exert their effects. These medications usually require long-term administration and may have certain side effects, such as liver function impairment. Therefore, strict adherence to medical instructions is essential during treatment.
Topical treatments, including antifungal solutions, gels, or nail lacquers, are suitable for mild to moderate cases—for example, ciclopirox and amorolfine. These medications can be applied directly to the affected area to exert antifungal effects. However, it is important to consistently follow the prescribed regimen and to thin the infected nail before application to facilitate better drug penetration.
Treating onychomycosis is a long-term process; patients must have sufficient patience and strictly follow medical advice to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes. Additionally, maintaining good personal hygiene and avoiding sharing personal items with others can help reduce the risk of cross-infection.
