Onychomycosis, oronychomycosis, affects toenails more often than fingernails. Onychomycosis is caused by dermatophytes such as Trychophyton rubrum or Trychophyton fluccosum. It is much less frequently caused by moulds or yeasts. The infected nail plate becomes thickened, takes on a characteristic milky-yellow colour and becomes brown and brittle over time.

Topical treatments include OTC (over-the-counter) medications, which can be purchased at any pharmacy. The most commonly used drugs contain in their composition:

• 8% ciclopirox in the form of nail varnish,
• amorolfine at a concentration of 50 mg/ml also in the form of a varnish,
• compound preparations containing boric acid, salicylic acid, gallic acid, acetic acid or methyl salicylate.

Medication in varnish form should be applied once to several times a week. Before applying the varnish, the plate must be shortened and filed. Before applying another layer of varnish, the previous one should be washed off.

In the event that over-the-counter medication does not help - it may be necessary to re-visit the doctor and implement a therapy based on prescription drugs e.g. terbinafine, itraconazole, fluconazole. General therapy will bring relief and allow the disease to be cured when topical medications fail. When treating ringworm, regularity is key.

Remember - do not underestimate ringworm. It is a disease which spreads quickly, which makes it easy to infect other residents!