Signs And Tests Diagnosis is suspected by the appearance of the nails. This is facilitated by filing the nail surface on a weekly basis or using tape or a bandage to cover the medication overnight. The nail is trimmed back to the line marking normal nail growth. The medications prevents fungus from growing but does not penetrate the nail plate. Consequently treatment must be continued until a new nail is produced.
Treatment is more difficult in older people, perhaps because the blood supply is reduced.
Some of the new antifungal medications seem to penetrate the nail plate directly allowing shorter treatment periods and may result in higher cure rates. Keep the area clean and dry. Change shoes and socks frequently. Dry the feet and hands thoroughly after bathing. Powders such as baby powder or talcum may help to keep the area dry.