See A Dermatologist To Pinpoint The Problem
Foot fungus wont just go away on its own, Dr. Ng says. If you think you have foot or toenail fungus, see your dermatologist, she says. There are several tests that your dermatologist can perform to identify exactly whats going on.
Its important to be aware that there are other diseases which can cause nail changes, she says. For example, we do see things like squamous cell skin cancers in the nail beds and even melanomas, which have a brownish or blackish discoloration.
Toenail Fungus Common Questions
If youre dealing with toenail fungus, the first thing you need to know is that you are not alone. Many people struggle with toenail fungus and have a lot of questions. How did the infection start? Can I treat the fungal infection at home? What kind of doctor should I see for toenail fungus? Does laser nail fungus removal work?
Symptoms of a fungal toenail infection
Although toenail fungus is relatively common, it isnt unusual for people to keep their condition to themselves. Up to a point, its okay to ignore some thickening or discoloration. However, if the condition gets worse, you may begin to experience pain or unpleasant smells. The most common symptoms of an infection include:
- Thickening nails and distortion in shape
- Changes in color until nails are white, yellow, or brownish
- Nails begin to break and crumble
- The nail becomes detached from the toe
- An appearance of dark debris under the nails
- A slightly foul smell
If youve started to notice that nails are becoming warped or break easily, pay attention to whether you have any other related symptoms. Of course, catching an infection early is the best way to prevent further discomfort.
Causes of fungal infections
Toenail fungus treatment options
Do Dermatologists Treat Toenail Fungus If So What Would You
Hello this is Dr. Stan and I will assist you with your question today. I am U.S. trained,
Board Certified and I have 32 years of patient experience. I am happy to help you.
Toenail fungus can be treated with oral medication such as Griseofulvin, topical nail covering such as Jublia, Laser treatment and nail removal. The medications require a prescription from your doctor or Dermatologist. May I suggest a home remedy that works as well or better than prescription medication. Place 1 cup of household Bleach in 2 cups of warm water and soak your feet 15 minutes 3 times weekly. You will see improvement in 3-4 weeks. If your skin gets dry, apply a moisturizer after soaking. Medical Insurance does not cover any of the treatments that are prescription required and the prescription medication takes at least 6 months to be effective.
Thank you for allowing me to provide assistance.
I am available to answer any additional questions you may have.
I hope your medical problem are resolved soon and you feel better. If you find the information I provided helpful, so I am compensated for my service, please rate me with 5-Stars. Thank you
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Home Remedies For Nail Fungus
Some people try over-the-counter products such as Vicks VapoRub or tea tree oil as home remedies for nail fungus. Vicks VapoRub contains camphor and eucalyptus oil, which may have anti-fungal effects when applied regularly over time. Tea tree oil for nail fungus could in theory help because the oil has anti-fungal properties. But dont count on either of these for a fast or permanent cure. Seeing a dermatologist is your best bet for treating nail fungus.
Jessica Brown, a health and science writer/editor based in Nanuet, New York. She has written for Waters Edge Dermatology, Prevention magazine, jnj.com, BCRF.org, and many other outlets.
What Kind Of Doctor Should I See For My Toenail
If you notice any changes to your nails while your toe nail condition is still intact, you should see a podiatrist as soon as possible. Toe deformities, discoloration, and thickening are possible side effects of these abnormalities.
The sides and corners of a toe nail are responsible for digging into the skin surrounding the nail and forming an ingrown toenail. Shoes that are too short, nails that are not properly trimmed, and repetitive activities such as soccer and running are all common causes of shoe problems. If the infection persists, a podiatrist may choose to remove the nail or prescribe antibiotics. The growing flesh of a toenails corner or side causes it to become ingrown. In some cases, infection can occur, as can redness, swelling, pain, and infection. If left untreated, this condition can cause a flare-up of the big toe.
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Prevalence And Risk Factors
The prevalence of onychomycosis is increasing according to studies over the last 20 years, it has increased from 2% to 14% , especially with a rise in men and the elderly , but is relatively uncommon in children . Psoriasis is also a risk factor, particularly in dermatophyte onychomycosis . A 27% prevalence of onychomycosis was reported in psoriatic patients when the toenail was clinically abnormal, and 13% onychomycosis was found in psoriatic patients overall .
Apple Cider Vinegar: Home Remedy For Toenail Fungus
To kill the fungus, affecting the toenail, mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water to make a solution, which is an effective foot soak for toenail fungus. If followed properly, the remedy will show its result in a few weeks.
Alternatively, an anti-fungal scrub can also be prepared by making a paste of grounded rice flour and a few spoons of apple cider vinegar. Use this paste directly onto the affected area and gently scrub it. This will also remove the dead skin cells.
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Treatment Is Important It Can Prevent The Infection From Causing More Damage To Your Nails
If you have diabetes or a weakened immune system, treatment is especially important. After getting a fungal nail infection, people who have diabetes have an increased risk of developing sores that do not heal. Sores that do not heal can lead to a serious health problem. Its important to see a dermatologist at the first sign of a nail problem. A dermatologist can tell you whether you have a nail infection or something else. Early diagnosis and treatment are recommended for everyone who has nail fungus. Caught early and treated, a fungal nail infection is likely to clear and youll regrow a healthy nail.
Treatment can also prevent the fungus from spreading to other parts of your body and to other people.
When To See A Doctor
In most cases, toenail fungus is considered a cosmetic problem. Still, it may cause serious complications for some people.
If you have diabetes, toenail fungus may lead to foot ulcers or other foot problems. According to a 2012 study, chronic toenail fungus is a significant risk factor for bacterial cellulitis of the leg.
If you have diabetes or a weakened immune system, you shouldnt use home remedies for toenail fungus. Contact your doctor for the appropriate course of action.
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What If I Have Black Spots On My Toenails
Many people think that black spots are related to toenail fungus, but Dr. Wagenseller says, Black spots on the toenails are most likely due to trauma, especially if there is a purple hue to them. Try to remember if youve stubbed your toe, dropped something on your foot, or otherwise injured the area around the nail. If you cant seem to remember an injury or you notice these black spots appearing regularly, this may be a warning sign of a more serious condition. According to Dr. Wagenseller, If a black spot on the toenails involves the adjacent cuticle, it should be evaluated by a dermatologist. This can be a warning sign of melanoma in some, but not all, cases.
Toenail Fungus Treatment Done By Doctors
Toenail fungus treatment will give you the confidence to expose your feet again. Our foot doctors offer unmatched expertise curing toenail fungus, since our foot doctors focus exclusively on toenail fungus removal. Our podiatrists serve Los Angeles, New York City, Dallas, Boston, Chicago, Miami, Phoenix and over 60 other major cities. The foot doctors of Laser Nail Therapy offer state-of-the-art toenail fungus laser treatment, combined with first rate patient care. Most of our locations are open 7 days a week from 9am to 9pm.
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Unmatched expertise our foot doctors cure over 1200 toenail fungus patients per month
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Our foot doctors do not use toxic anti-fungal medications
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No need for 12 week course of oral medications
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No anesthesia or recovery period
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Usually, only one treatment required for clear nails
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The laser light targets the fungus under the nail and does not harm the nail or surrounding skin
Toenail fungus laser treatment is a real breakthrough, bringing new hope to millions of patients suffering from this problem. Our experienced foot doctors have successfully treated tens of thousands of patients with toenail fungus, in over 110 locations across the U.S. and Canada. Contact us if you would like to hear how our foot doctors can help treat your toenail fungus. Click here to learn more about Toenail Fungus Treatment Options.
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Do Dermatologists Help With Toenails
Your dermatologist can treat both types of nail problems at home or at a medical facility. It is possible for a nail to grow back after either procedure. However, if the infection does not clear, your dermatologist may be able to treat the nail in order to prevent it from growing back.
Toenail removal takes no more than twenty minutes to complete, and it usually results in no discomfort at all. You can receive a Podiatric Care Technician from your podiatrists office for this service on an outpatient basis. If you have a more severe ingrown toenail , your health care provider may numb and trim it or remove the ingrown portion of the nail. If you have a toenail, it may take 2 to 4 months for it to grow back.
What Are The Treatment Options For Fungal Infections
Infections on your feet or body can be treated with a cream. Since its on the surface, you can treat it with a topical ant-fungal medication.
For fungal infections no longer isolated to a small part of the body , an oral medication is recommended to fully treat the extent of the infection.
Toenail fungus infections are best treated with oral medications. Typically, these medications are about 70% effective and require vigilance in preventing recurrence. Toenail fungus usually disappears within six to twelve months of taking the pill and then require regular cream application to keep it from returning. Using these oral medications intermittently or pulse-dosing can be a way to avoid over exposure to these oral medications.
About 95% of the fungal infections we see as dermatologists are easy to diagnose and treat. Only about 5% require oral medications for deeper infections in the skin.
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Treating Nail Fungal Infections
A dermatologist can diagnose the type of nail fungi that you have. An appropriate treatment plan may then be developed. It is important to note that some fungal infections can be very challenging to eradicate.
Here are a few things to be mindful of when treating nail fungal infections:
- Fingernail infections tend to be easier to eliminate than toenail infections.
- Toenails take 12 months and fingernails take 6-9 months to grow out.
- It is very important to consider sources of re-infection: these sources include communal showers, old shoes and socks, other family members.
- Around 80% of mild infections can be remedied via a topical treatment.
- Fungus grows well in warm and wet environments: people whose feet are constantly wet will find that it is more difficult to eradicate the tinea.
- Infections involving a significant proportion of the nail plate respond best to oral therapies.
- Laser treatments this is a medication-free option. It is more expensive than traditional therapies. At least 2 t 5 treatments are often required.
- Nail removal is an option in recalcitrant cases. This can be performed by either surgery, or chemical application. Antifungal agents are an important adjunct in these cases.
- The cure rate for any treatment modality is generally 65-75%.
If you have any questions or concerns about nail fungus Contact us today.
Lemon Juice: Home Remedy For Toenail Fungus
The citric acid in lemon juice helps in stopping the spread of bacterial and fungal infections in the toenail. Apply fresh lemon juice directly onto the toenail for ten minutes and rinse it with warm water. Repeat this daily for one month.
Lemon juice can also be mixed with olive oil. Use it to massage the affected area.
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What Is Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus is a common fungal infection of the toenail. The medical term for fungal nail infection is onychomycosis.
It typically starts as a discolored spot on a toenail and can spread to the entire nail, causing it to turn yellowish or brownish, thicken, crack or detach from the nail bed. Eventually, toenail fungus can spread to other toenails.
What Are Other Treatment Options For Toenail Fungus
Common treatment options for toenail fungus include taking oral medications, applying topical antifungal medications, or a combination of both. Medications prescribed be a podiatrist offer a higher rate of success. Patients who donât respond to prescription medicines may need to undergo laser toenail fungus therapy to effectively treat the toenail fungus.
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Should I Go To A Dermatologist For Nail
If you have concerns about your nails, it is best to consult with a dermatologist. This is especially true if you have any changes in your nails such as color changes, texture changes, or growth changes. A dermatologist can help to determine the cause of these changes and provide you with the best treatment options.
Toes and fingernails are not usually required to be cared for more than they are on a daily basis. Because of its numerous layers, protein keratin is more complex than one may think. If nails appear abnormal on a regular basis, a physician should consult with a skin specialist. Make a sharp point with a pair of nail clippers or scissors. Trimming the midsection should be refused. Hand lotions have the potential to improve the appearance of nails and cuticles. The best way to stop and avoid starting your fingers is to stop and not start them.
It can be difficult to remove or keep nails or dry cuticles, causing thin patches of skin to form. In addition to these and other conditions, Derick Dermatology has 18 locations throughout Chicagos suburbs where patients can receive prompt care. When nails are frequently switched between wet and dry, they can become brittle, thin, or soft, causing the nails to break. Foot problems are more likely to occur when the toes are exposed to mold and fungus than when the hands are not. Sweat or athletes foot can also cause problems.
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What Are Foot And Toenail Fungus
Foot fungus is commonly known as athletes foot and is a fungal infection of the skin. While foot fungus most often occurs between the toes, it can also affect the entire sole of the foot. Toenail fungus, referred to as onychomycosis in the medical community, is a fungal infection that occurs in the toenails. These two infections are caused by the same fungi.
Foot fungus symptoms include:
- White marks and/or yellow streaks on nails
- Brittle, crumbling nails
- Thick, hard to trim nails
Signs Of A Toenail Fungal Infection
- Discolored toenails. Nails can be brown, black, white, or yellow. Usually a small area changes color at first and it slowly spreads.
- Thickened toenails. Over time, the nail becomes thick, material builds up under the nail, and the nail can develop an irregular shape, grooves, or a crumbling appearance.
- Affects one or more toenails. The fungus may spread to other toenails. The big toe is most commonly affected. The fungus can also occur in fingernails.
- Starts at the end or side of the toenail. The infection gradually spreads toward the cuticle.
- Usually painless unless there are skin changes or injury to the nail bed or if shoes press on the thick nail.
- Athletes foot. Some people will also have skin fungus on their feet, which looks like red, peeling skin between the toes.
Dr. Rx
Patients may say that they are embarrassed to go to the pool or the beach, or they avoid wearing sandals. They describe their nails as thick, crumbling, and abnormally colored. One patient described their nails as looking like an animals horn, which is pretty accurate. But they are so thrilled when they see results from treatment! Dr. Anne Jacobsen
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