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Treatment of onychomycosis: an update

A A Shirwaikar1, T Thomas, A Shirwaikar

  • 1Department of Pharmaceutics, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal-576 104, India.

Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences
|March 4, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Medicated nail lacquers offer a safer and quicker treatment for fungal nail infections (onychomycosis). This topical approach reduces toxicity and shortens treatment duration compared to older oral antifungal agents.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Fungal skin infections are highly prevalent in humans, affecting areas like the scalp, hands, and feet.
  • Dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds are the primary fungal agents causing these infections.
  • Onychomycosis, a fungal infection of the nails, traditionally treated with oral antifungals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To introduce medicated nail lacquers as a novel treatment for fungal nail infections.
  • To highlight the advantages of medicated nail lacquers over oral antifungal agents.

Main Methods:

  • Development and application of medicated nail lacquers for topical treatment.
  • Comparison of efficacy and safety profiles with oral antifungal therapies.

Main Results:

  • Medicated nail lacquers demonstrate reduced toxicity compared to oral antifungals.
  • The new lacquers offer a shorter treatment period for onychomycosis.

Conclusions:

  • Medicated nail lacquers represent an improved therapeutic option for onychomycosis.
  • This topical treatment minimizes adverse effects and treatment duration, enhancing patient compliance and outcomes.
Keywords:
Onchomycosisantifungal agentsnail lacquersnails

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