My dermatologist prescribed Amocoat. It’s a topical solution, applied like a nail varnish once a week. The results are encouraging but patience (pun!) is required.
I think I broke the nail when I stubbed my big toe really hard on a bed leg. That then allowed an infection to take ‘root’ LOL. Once the initial infection was treated, it’s been about 18 months with once a week treatment over the infected area. The oral route is faster… but I opted for the topical treatment this time.
I just reviewed my application procedure. Perhaps it wasn’t quite correct. However, the nail has slowly regrown its color and shape.
Amocoat Nail Lacquer | Hwangs Pharmaceutical co., Ltd.
I probably don’t need to tell you… but it’s important: don’t cross infect your toenails. While you have the nail infection, there is a risk you can spread it to other nails so keep towels and tools separate and sterile as you can.
This is a translation of the instructions (edited for clarity) by Bing.
This medicine must be prescribed by a physician. Apply this oil to the patient’s hands and toes 1~2 times a week.
Instructions: Patients should apply this oil as follows:
1. Before treatment, use nail scissors or knives to cut off the nails’ infected area or smooth the nail surface as much as possible (wear gloves to avoid touching the infected nails to avoid infection;
In this case, it was impossible because the infected area was in the corner of the toe!
The more thoroughly the nail is treated before treatment, the higher the cure rate), wipe it with alcohol tissue paper to clean the surface of the infected toe (fingernail). Be careful not to file the skin around the toe (fingernail).
Note that files used on infected toes (nails) are contraindicated for use on healthy toes (nails).
2. Apply the liquid medicine evenly to the surface of the infected nail with the dosing board (included with the bottle), 1~2 times a week, preferably before going to bed, and try to apply the liquid medicine under the nail or skin if possible to enhance the efficacy. Allow the nail polish to dry to form a thin film (about 3~5 minutes) and repeat the application to the affected part of each infected toe (fingernail). Do not bathe or shower for 8 hours after taking the drug.
3. This medicine bottle should be closed immediately after use to prevent the oil from volatilizing and drying out.
4. Wipe the neck of the neck with alcohol cotton paper to keep it clean after use.
5. Before each application, wash off the membrane with alcohol as much as possible, then trim and smooth the infected nails with nail clippers or files (precautions are the same as above), and then evenly apply the liquid medicine to the affected area with a drug delivery plate.
6. Repeat steps 1 to 5 until the toe (fingernail) regenerates and the affected part heals, without interruption. The duration of treatment depends on the condition of the affected area, usually 6 months for fingernails and 9 to 12 months for toenails. If organic solvents (diluents, alcohol, etc.) are used in the work. Impermeable gloves should be worn to protect the integrity of the oil on the toe (finger) nails. Note: Please bring your own nail clippers, files, and alcohol swabs.