Pain, nail deformation and interference with daily activities such as typing, playing a musical instrument or walking are all common complaints. Patients whose fingernails were affected needed only six weeks of treatment to achieve similar benefits. There is also an intermittent dosing approach, which is more popular in most countries. A one-week per month treatment schedule for three or four months may generate a slightly better response rate than the daily therapy. This method is also less expensive, requiring half the doses of continuous therapy.
Studies have yet to be conducted regarding intermittent dosing of terbinafine.
Currently, research is being conducted to determine the effectiveness of fluconazole administered intermittently for one day a week until the affected nail grows out. The results are expected in the next six months. The development of these oral anitfungal treatments for onychomycosis and their respective dosing regimens, allows those afflicted with the disease effective, personalized treatment methods. Patients should be advised not to go barefoot in public places, to put antifungal power in their shoes and socks and to throw away old footwear. American Academy of Dermatology, 1999.