Understanding Penlac

There are many treatments on the market today for nail fungal infections.  If you have a fungal infection, then you know that it can be unsightly and difficult to get rid of.  It's very important, when dealing with this, or any other health issue, to become educated in your various fungal treatment options.  There are medically prescribed treatment plans and drugs, over the counter medications, and home remedies that are all used to fight nail fungal problems.  One of the prescribed treatment options is called Penlac.

What is Penlac?

Penlac is a brush-on prescription medicine that has been approved by the FDA for treating nail fungus.  It is recommended for people who have mild to moderate problems.  Its FDA approval means that it's been clinically tested many times and has been found to be safe and effective for treating this problem.  Unlike other treatments, Penlac works from outside the body and is not invasive.  This makes Penlac desirable for people who are on many other medications, and don't want to worry about how this medication will interact with others. 

Penlac is prescribed by a doctor only when the pale semicircle at the nail's base is healthy and not infected.  Usually, Penlac is prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.  Penlac does require a lot of patience.  It can require as much as six months of daily use and periodic nail removal for a patient to see an improvement in symptoms.  Usually, treatment lasts up to 48 weeks and it's even possible that the nails that are infected won't be 100% clear when the treatment is complete.  

How Do You Use Penlac?

When using Penlac, patients are requested to apply the topical solution one time a day to all infected nails.  The lacquer should be applied with the applicator brush and should be generously applied to the entire nail evenly.  The lacquer should also go on the nail's underside and the skin beneath it.  Patients should wait a brief amount of time before putting on socks or shoes (about 30 seconds), but must wait 8 hours before taking a bath or shower.  Once a week, after applying a new coat everyday, patients should remove the Penlac Nail Lacquer with alcohol and should then try to remove as much of the damaged nail as possible using scissors, nail clippers or nail files.   If a treatment is missed one day, it isrecommended to immediately apply the lacquer when you remember.  However, if it's very close to the time of the next treatment, then it's recommended to simply skip that one dose.

Penlac Side Effects

There are not too many side effects with Penlac.  It's possible to have a rash or redness right around the nail that is being treated.  It is also possible to have itching, burning, swelling and other issues related to the treatment; all issues and side effects should be immediately discussed with a doctor.  Researchers haven't yet concluded if Penlac is safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women - so it must be discussed with a doctor and used with caution if pregnant or nursing.

Every nail fungal treatment has its advantages and disadvantages.  Penlac is certainly one non-invasive option for treating nail fungal problems and one that many people are using successfully today.