See A Podiatrist For Toenail Fungus Treatment
If youre uncomfortable with the appearance of your toes, make an appointment with a podiatrist. Professional, modern treatment methods are more effective at clearing up fungal infections than over the counter and home remedies.
Tackling a fungal infection on your own could be difficult and frustrating. Over-the-counter creams are often not strong enough to treat infections appropriately, and more complex treatments arent available for consumer use. The toenail fungus doctors, or podiatrists, at Arizona Foot Doctors are qualified to deal with many foot and ankle issues, including toenail fungus, and are dedicated to making you feel confident and comfortable throughout the treatment process.
After a gentle evaluation, our podiatrists will prescribe the most appropriate treatment for your situation, identify any underlying causes, and help you avoid future infections.
What Are The Risk Factors Of Toenail Fungus
While toenail fungus can affect people at any age, it is most likely in older adults. You are more likely to get a fungal infection if you have reduced circulation due to diabetes or an autoimmune condition. Your risk is also heightened if your feet sweat a lot, or if you often get athletes foot. Sores or wounds on the feet may make you more prone to developing a severe fungal infection
Surgical Treatments Last Resort If Problem Persists
- Nail fungus infections may also be treated by chemically or surgically removing the nail.
- A urea compound is commonly used to treat overly thick nails. This type of treatment should only be performed by a licensed and trained foot doctor.
- The surgical removal of the nail is only effective with additional therapy. This type of procedure is usually in addition to the use of oral anti-fungal medications.
- Your foot specialist may opt to provide a combination of topical, oral, and surgical therapies to effectively treat the fungal infection.
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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
Podiatrists Located In Brentwood Chesterfield Creve Coeur St Peters & Webster Mo
If your toenails are thick, yellow, and crumbling, dont hide them in shoes. The team of podiatrists at Foot Healers offers effective treatments for toenail fungus that will leave you with healthy toenails. Get treatment for toenail fungus at any of the five Foot Healers offices in Brentwood, Chesterfield, Creve Coeur, St. Peters, and Shrewsbury, Missouri. Call or schedule a consultation online today.
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What Can I Expect If I Have A Toenail Fungus
While toenail fungus is common, its usually not harmful. Symptoms mostly affect the look of your toenail.
Toenail fungus may spread to the skin between your toes or other areas of your body. When getting dressed, put your socks on first to reduce the chance of spread.
Treating toenail fungus takes a long time, and it doesnt always work. Even then, toenail fungus often returns. Discuss the pros and cons of treating toenail fungus with your healthcare provider to determine whats best for you.
Practicing good hygiene and foot care reduces the chance toenail fungus will come back. If you have diabetes, getting regular foot exams may help you address foot problems before they get serious.
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What Are Fungal Toenails
Fungal toenails develop from infection with fungal microorganisms. The fungus attacks the toenail where the cuticle grows, and as the infection spreads, it makes the nail look thickened and yellow, and can also be painful. Fungal infections are often picked up at public places where people walk barefoot, such as swimming pools and locker rooms.
Feet are prone to infection with fungus because the warm, moist, dark environment in your shoes provide the ideal breeding ground for fungal growth.
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Over The Counter Treatment Options
Toenail fungus is treated by slowing the funguss growth which in turn minimizes the damage to the toenail. Nail fungus will most likely be diagnosed by the appearance the nails surface. Its important to understand that your nails may become thick or discolored for reasons besides a fungal infection. Your foot doctor may order lab tests by taking a sample of the nail to certain of the right diagnosis has been reached. Toenail fungus often penetrates into the nails and skin, which can make it resistant to treatment.
Be Aware! Toenail fungus removal There are number of over-the-counter medications that can be purchased for relief. However, these medications have only limited success in treating the problem, as the fungus has a tendency to live deep beneath the nail.
For this reason, its wise to contact Dr. Jarman your local Podiatrist in Gilbert AZ to treat the issue as soon as you notice nail changes, discoloration, or thickening.
What Are The Risks Of Leaving Toenail Fungus Untreated
Some of the risk factors include:
- Thick, misshapen toenails that cause pain when walking or wearing shoes.
- Spread of the fungus, resulting in athletes foot, or to the genitals, resulting in jock itch.
- Widespread infection resulting in cellulitis, which is a risk especially for individuals with a compromised immune system.
- Avulsion or loss of nails if the infection isnt treated or doesnt get better.
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How Is Toenail Fungus Diagnosed
You cant tell by looking at a toenail whether the cause of the discoloration is fungal. Several other health conditions can cause similar symptoms, including:
- Traumatic injury
- Vitamin deficiency
Its important to get the correct diagnosis if you have symptoms of nail fungus so you can receive the right treatment.
The first step is to send a sample of your toenail to the lab for testing. Once your podiatrist at City Podiatry knows which strain of fungus is causing your symptoms, or rules out fungal infection as a cause, they can identify the most suitable treatment approach. The podiatric team also uses genetic testing to enable customized treatment for fungal toenails.
Will A Podiatrist Treat Toenail Fungus
Fungal infections in the toenail are relatively common, causing foul smells and unsightly appearances around the nail plate. If you recognize the symptoms of toenail fungus, you must meet with the right doctor, a podiatrist, for proper treatment.
Podiatrists will treat toenail fungus by using topical creams, removing part of the nail, and or using more modern methods like laser therapy to eliminate the infection. At Arizona Foot Doctors, our podiatrists conduct a thorough evaluation of your nail before starting treatment to better understand the infections origin, possible underlying conditions, and to create a treatment approach that best fits your needs and lifestyle.
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Podiatrists & Foot & Ankle Surgeons Located In Portland Or Gresham Or & Beaverton Or
Nail fungus is easily spread, and once you have it, you need expert medical help to make it go away for good. If you suspect the discoloration on your nails might be fungus, board-certified podiatrists Brian M. Bowen, DPM, and Timothy J. Mineo, DPM, at Eastside Foot & Ankle offer treatments to help save your nail. The practice has two convenient locations in Portland and Gresham, Oregon. Get expert care today by calling or booking a consultation online.
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What Treatments Are Available For Fungal Toenails
Treatment options for fungal toenails include:
- Topical antifungal medication
- Topical keratolytic medication
The team at City Podiatry uses Aerolase® laser technology to penetrate the nail and kill the fungus, a safe treatment option with minimal side effects.
City Podiatry also offers a cosmetic solution to improve the appearance of nails affected by fungus. Keryflex is a temporary medicated nail extension thats bonded to your real nail and grows with it, looking like a natural, healthy nail.
After your treatment program finishes, your nail still has to grow out and be replaced by new, healthy growth. Full regrowth of the nail can take a year or more.
If youve noticed discoloration or thickening of your toenail, dont wait to see what happens. Call City Podiatry or schedule an appointment online today.
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The Initial Causes Do Podiatrists Diagnose And Treat Nail Fungus
If you suspect that your nails are infected with fungus, it is best to consult your doctor and get a diagnosis. Your doctor will ask you about the symptoms and conduct a thorough examination of your nails. A biopsy is required to determine the cause of the infection. Various types of fungus are found in the skin, including the toenails. Among the most common forms of nail fungus are yellow and black, with white patches surrounded by dark brown or white spots.
The infection is caused by fungus. It can spread to the skin and other parts of the body. It is very common to find a nail fungus on the foot in elderly people, and it is often not treated until the condition gets worse. The disease can even be spread to the skin. The afflicted person should see a doctor immediately if they notice any changes in the color of his or her nails.
Nail fungus can occur in the toenails. The infection occurs due to a variety of factors, including excessive moisture, soaking your hands in water, and a lack of hygiene. If the afflicted person is prone to infection, the fungus will grow in the toenails and may spread to other parts of the body. Consequently, it is essential to prevent the nail fungus from spreading to the skin
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Common Symptoms Of Toenail Fungus
Many cases of toenail fungus are mild and may not bother you, so you may not even realize you have a fungal infection. A toenail fungal infection can begin as a white or yellow spot under the toenail and present no other symptoms. As the condition worsens, it may become painful or uncomfortable when you walk in shoes, and you may notice a change in the appearance of the nail.
The following symptoms are common if you have a fungal nail infection:
- Nails that turn white or yellow or have yellow or white stripes
- Thickened or oddly-shaped toenails
- Nails that are brittle or crumbling
- Nails that separate from the nail bed or fall off completely
- Foul odor from the infected toenail
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Who Should I See To Treat Toenail Fungus
Your podiatrist can help you take care of not only your feet and ankles, but also your toenails. One very common condition that podiatrists treat are fungal toenail infections. These infections often start as athletes foot, a skin infection, before spreading to the toenails, although they can also occur on just the nails. Symptoms of toenail fungus include changes in the texture, color, and shape of the nail. The nail may become crumbly, brittle, or thickened and develop yellow, white, or brown spots. In more severe cases, the nail can change shape, separate from the nail bed, emit a foul odor, and make wearing shoes uncomfortable. If you have toenail fungus, and particularly if you have toenail fungus and diabetes, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for treatment.
If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact the foot specialists of Certified Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Symptoms
- Warped or oddly shaped nails
- Yellowish nails
If You Arent Sure Of The Diagnosis
If a podiatrist has never diagnosed you with nail fungus before, you may be incorrectly self-diagnosing your condition. There are many foot and nail conditions that can mimic the abnormalities associated with nail fungus, such as onycholysis, a hematoma under the nail, psoriasis, and paronychia. By scheduling an appointment with a foot and ankle specialist, you can be sure that youre getting the right treatment for your specific condition.
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How Do Dermatologists Diagnose Nail Fungus
To find out if a patient has nail fungus, a dermatologist examines your nails and nearby skin. Its important to check the skin because the fungus can spread. You may already have a skin infection caused by fungus like athletes foot.
To get rid of the infection, you will need to treat all infected areas.
Before giving you the diagnosis, your dermatologist may also take some samples. Collecting a bit of debris from beneath a nail, trimming off part your nail, or scraping off a bit of skin can be very helpful. In a lab, these samples can be examined under a microscope to find out whats causing the problem.
Are you hiding an infected nail with nail polish?
Be sure to ask your dermatologist if you can wear nail polish while treating nail fungus.
How Do Dermatologists Treat A Fungal Nail Infection
Treatment usually begins with your dermatologist trimming your infected nail, cutting back each infected nail to the place where it attaches to your finger or toe. Your dermatologist may also scrape away debris under the nail. This helps get rid of some fungus.
To completely get rid of the infection, most people also need one or more of the following treatments:
Medicine you apply to the nail: If you have a mild infection, a medicine that you apply to your nails may get rid of the infection. This treatment helps keep new fungus out while the nails grow. Fingernails typically grow out in four to six months. Toenails take longer, usually takes 12 to 18 months.
Probably the most difficult part of this treatment is remembering to use it as often as prescribed. Some treatments must be applied every day. Others you apply once a week. To get the best results, its essential that you apply these medicines exactly as directed.
The US Food and Drug Administration has approved the following medicines that you apply to the nail to treat nail fungus:
Side effects from these medicines are generally mild. Possible side effects include redness and swelling, an ingrown toenail, and stinging or burning when you apply the medicine. In clinical trials, none of these side effects caused patients to stop using the treatment.
Antifungal pills, however, can cause side effects. Your dermatologist will watch you closely. Youll also need to have blood tests every month to check for problems.
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How To Prevent Toenail Fungus
Here are some tips to help prevent infection or a recurrence of an infection:
- Wash your feet daily with soap.
- After showering, always carefully dry your feet, making sure to dry between your toes.
- Check your feet and toenails regularly. Look for signs of a toenail infection or any changes in your feet or nails.
- Keep your toenails trimmed. When cutting your nails, be sure to cut them straight across and short.
- Choose socks that can wick away moisture to keep your feet dry even if they sweat. Change out your socks if they become damp.
- Do not go barefoot in public. If you are in a wet public area such as a locker room, shower, or pool area, wear shower shoes or flip flops to protect your feet.
- Choose breathable styles of footwear that have mesh or ventilation and are made from a material such as canvas. Alternate footwear, so you are not wearing the same shoes every day. This gives the shoes time to breathe and dry out between wears.
- Do not share personal items with other people. Items such as socks, towels, nail clippers, or nail files should only be used by one individual.
- After using an item such as a nail clipper, disinfect it with rubbing alcohol.
- Use caution when getting a pedicure and choose a salon that disinfects the equipment used on your feet and has sanitary measures in place.
Do Podiatrists Deal With Fungal Infections
When you detect a fungal infection early, use a lab test to determine the cause, and develop a treatment plan, your podiatrist can prescribe topical or oral medication and debride the affected nail .
How do I get rid of the yellow nail on one of my toes? How can you tell if your nail is thicken and painful to wear shoes? If so, theres a good chance you have nail fungus. Because antifungal creams cannot penetrate through the nail, they are ineffective in treating infections. A podiatrist who specializes in toenail fungus may advise you to seek laser treatment. By penetrating the nail with UV light, you can eliminate fungus without causing damage or harm to the skin or nail. This treatment is painless and non-invasive, and it only takes 10-15 minutes to complete. Some people may need more than one session, while others may only require one.
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