Suggest treatment for fungal infection on the toe nail
Patient: I'm 40 year old male about 175 pounds and I don't have diabetes or any other health problem that I'm aware of.I've had toenail fungus on right toe for about two years now.  About two months ago, I started soaking it bleach/water for about 30 min a day.  The appearance has changed dramatically.  Now the skin around the nail is red and scabby and about two days ago I can see a clear liquid coming from where the nail and the skin meet.  I also have a slight fever. I don't have any money to see a doctor, is there something I can do without seeking medical help, to see if it will go away on it's own. Doctor: Hello,Welcome to HCM,Seems to be a case of fungal infection worsened by secondary bacterial infection leading on to pain and swelling.I would advice to maintain strict control of blood sugar which is the most likely cause for recurrent fungal infectionIf i was your treating doctor i would have asked you to take an oral antibiotic for a week to resolve the secondary bacterial infection followed by application of a topical antifungal cream either terbinaine or clotrimazole twice daily for a month.An oral antifungal is often required in case of recurrent fungal infections. My choice of drug is oral fluconazole 150 mg once/week for 4-6 weeks.An antifungal dusting powder also helps to prevent recurrences once the infection is cured.An oral antihistamine once daily would help you deal with the itching associated with fungal infection.Thank you.