Could You Please Check And Let Me Know If This Can Be Treated With Just Topical Medication, Or Do I Need Antifungal Tablets?

Posted on Sat, 12 Jul 2025

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 12 Jul 2025 Answered on

3 days ago Last reviewed on

Question : Hi Doctor,
I have a fungal infection in one of my fingernails — it looks discolored and slightly thick. I've been using Luliconazole cream for a few days.

Could you please check and let me know if this can be treated with just topical medication, or do I need antifungal tablets?

I would prefer to avoid oral tablets if not required.

Thanks in advance!

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (2 days later)

Brief Answer:
Try local medicine terbinafine

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the query and photograph.
It is fungal infection of nail.

Topical medication may not be sufficient to cure this as absorption of medication in nails is very poor. However oral anti-fungal tablet fluconazole 150 mg once a week under guidance of a doctor only as it may have systemic side effects.

You may also apply ointment terbinafine twice daily. It is safe and effective. You may require treatment for at least 4 months. Drink cleaner water.

Let me know if you have any other doubts.
Thank you.

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj