Fungal Nail Infections

Surgery

Surgical nail removal may be used to treat severe or recurring fungal nail infections. Once the diseased nail tissue is removed, an antifungal cream can be applied directly to the infected area. This is likely to be more effective than using one of these treatments alone. Nail removal is rarely necessary.

Surgical nail removal can be done to remove either the entire nail plate (avulsion) or part of the nail plate (debridement).

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Author:	Douglas Dana Sabra L. Katz-Wise	Last Updated: October 11, 2006
Medical Review:	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine Tom Bailey, MD - Family Medicine Randall D. Burr, MD - Dermatology
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