Nail fungus is one of those conditions that doesn't seem all that bad until you experience it for yourself. There are few things more painful and irritating than onychomycosis, the technical name for a nail fungus. What's more, such fungal invasion can be extremely difficult to treat and eradicate from the system.

Tiny fungal organisms called dermatophytes find their way into fingernails or toenails, where they set up camp. The hard, sheltered, protective surface of the nail provides just the right conditions for fungus to take root and multiply, when it can spread to other nails on your body and even to other people through shower stalls, docks, or other moist places where people are barefoot. Because the dermatophytes exist beneath the nail surface, they can be extremely difficult to reach with topical treatments.

You will know you have a nail infection when you start experiencing pain in your nail bed. Fungi also cause finger and toenails to become discolored, frail, and malodorous. Chances are, you will want to be rid of the condition as soon as possible, as it often renders even the most mundane of activities into Sisyphean chores.

Treating Nail Fungus
When it comes to treating nail fungus, physicians generally recommend two primary means of medication: external and internal. External drugs are usually applied in topical creams, some of which are available without a prescription. Other, more powerful medications can be ingested in tablet form, where they will operate through the bloodstream.

One such medication is called Lamisil. In its prescription-strength tablet form, Lamisil flows through the bloodstream and accumulates in the nail bed. There, it will battle the fungal infection and prevent any future outbreaks and unwanted spreading of the fungus. The active ingredient in Lamisil is called terbinafine.

Internal ingestion of Lamisil is often deemed a more effective treatment than external topical ointments. This follows plainly, since creams--effective though they may be--are only able to cover a certain surface area around the nail. When terbinafine travels through the bloodstream, it attacks the invading fungus from within, reaching places a cream couldn't dream of going.

Prescribing Lamisil
Because of its strength and a few cautionary necessities, Lamisil is only available with a prescription. Most doctors will recommend some over-the-counter remedies before allowing full-strength Lamisil to be prescribed to patients. Should you feel that you need a treatment this powerful for your nail fungus issues, speak with your physician about prescribing Lamisil. He or she should be able to advise you as to whether or not Lamisil is right for you.

Lamisil has been known to cause issues for people with liver or kidney conditions. If you have difficulty with these organs, your doctor will likely advise you against taking the medication. There are other conditions, such as immunity problems, that may also interfere with the prescribing of Lamisil. The best way to ensure that you will be prescribed the right medication for your personal situation is to open a dialogue about Lamisil with your physician.