If I have onychomycosis, do I need to remove the nail to treat it?

Not really

Onychomycosis is the common name for onychomycosis, which is an infection of the fingernails or toenails caused by fungi. For most cases of onychomycosis, the key to treatment is medication, not nail extraction.

The most common ones include topical antifungal drugs and oral antifungal drugs. Topical drugs are suitable for mild, superficial infections, such as amorolfine ointment. Refer to the drug instructions or use it according to the doctor's instructions. The effect is weak and takes a long time to take effect. Generally, it takes at least several months to use.

Oral antifungal drugs include terbinafine, itraconazole, etc. They generally need to be taken according to the course of treatment, and must be used as prescribed by the doctor and followed up regularly.

If medication is not an option, laser therapy may be an option to kill the fungus under the nail through heat.

Sometimes, for example, if onychomycosis is accompanied by frequent ingrown nails or severe paronychia, nail extraction surgery may be necessary to remove the infection and promote the growth of new nails. However, this is not a common treatment and should not be the first choice. Moreover, nail extraction is not a permanent solution. Even if the nail is extracted, the onychomycosis may recur.

Therefore, before considering nail removal, the severity of the condition and the potential risks and benefits should be fully assessed under the guidance of a doctor.

Author: Tang Jiaoqing, MD, attending physician of dermatology

Review | Feng Jun, deputy chief physician of the Dermatology Department of Sinopharm Tongmei General Hospital