Question: What is the best remedy for athlete's foot/toenail fungus? Ozone therapy? Colloidal silver? All topical treatments have failed.

Dr. Hibberd's Answer:

Athlete's foot is most easily treated by topical treatment. I like to avoid oral treatments, if possible, due to the potential for drug interactions and mild potential liver toxicity seen with some oral antifungal treatments. We now have pulsed treatment regimens that are much less toxic since the medicines are taken monthly for short intervals instead of daily for weeks and months on end.

Not all treatments are available to you without prescription. It might be best to see your doctor if you are unsure what to use, and to be sure the agents you plan on using will be effective. Most cases of athlete's foot will respond to prescription topical treatment. An occasional case will require oral medication, also. Do not forget to have your footwear inspected, and replace the liner if necessary.

Toenail fungal infection is more resistant, and treatment lasts over several weeks or months and may be provided in intermittent pulse or low dose daily treatment options. Onychomycosis (toenail fungus) responds best to oral medication, though topical measures can occasionally be effective if you are patient and persistent.

Other options are available, and in the past, surgical removal of the nail with many months of antifungal were required. The newer oral agents are far more effective and less problematic for most people.