Similarly, the known health benefits of vitamins do not always translate into improving nail health. For example, Dr. Rich added that too much vitamin A may actually make nails brittle and fragile and should best be avoided. But there also is some suggestion that the B vitamin biotin at doses of 2.5 mg per day may improve brittle nails in some cases, but it may take four to six months to notice an improvement.

Nail Fungus Could be Here to Stay without Proper Medication

The prevalence of fungal infections, known as onychomycosis, is high and reported to be as high as 30 percent in the senior population. Since the infection occurs under the nail plate in the nail bed, it can be difficult to treat. Dr. Rich explained that the same fungus that causes athlete's foot and ringworm is responsible for nail fungus as well, which is why people with nail fungus are susceptible to athlete's foot and should try not to walk barefoot in public places. They also should wear water sandals or flip flops if they must use public showers.

While topical antifungal medications are readily available to treat nail fungus, Dr. Rich said that most of these over-the-counter formulas don't work very well because these products are only applied on the surface of the nail and do not penetrate deep within the nail bed under the nail plate “ where the fungus lives. Dr. Rich added that systemic medications can work well in clearing nail fungus and target the affected nail bed by way of the bloodstream.

"How fast the nail grows will determine how quickly the nail fungus will clear, but in most cases this can take up to a year," said Dr. Rich. "The nail has to grow healthy from the base up in order for the fungus to clear completely."

In addition, several new systemic medications and topical preparations currently being studied in clinical trials hold promise as future treatments. "There is a lot of exciting research being conducted in treating nail fungus, including creative vehicles to deliver antifungal medication to the nail  such as patches, lacquers, and gels," said Dr. Rich.  

It is important to remember that nail fungus most likely will not subside on its own without some type of prescription treatment. While there is no harm in trying over-the-counter treatments or home remedies, patients should see a dermatologist if the condition does not improve or worsens.

SOURCE American Academy of Dermatology