Does Dermatologist Treat Toenail Fungus

Can I Wear Nail Polish If I Have Toenail Fungus

You may feel tempted to cover up a discolored toenail with nail polish. If you are using a topical antifungal, you probably should not use polish. Some providers may tell you not to wear it in any case. Polish traps in moisture from the nailbed . Because fungi thrive in moist environments, wearing nail polish may make a fungal infection worse. However, the nail continues to grow with or without polish.

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

Also Check: Why Do I Bite My Nails

When To Go To The Doctor

If you suspect that you have nail fungus, dont hesitate to seek medical treatment. Over-the-counter antifungals may help keep the fungus from spreading to other nails, but they arent as effective at treating the nail bed as prescription medications. The dermatologists at The Dermatology Clinic can diagnose nail fungus and determine which course of treatment would be the most effective for your specific case. In addition, they can recommend ways to prevent nail fungus from reoccurring after it has been treated. Schedule an appointment today.

• Scare away signs of aging with our October special! SkinPen Microneedling treatments

Don’t Miss: How To Get Rid Of Nail Mold

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

What Does Toenail Fungus Look Like Symptoms And Treatment

Toenail fungus is nobodys friend. What does toenail fungus look like? It has several early-stage symptoms. This is important to note because if you dont treat it early, it can be a longer and more arduous process to get rid of it. Clearing your feet of toenail fungus is important because its not only incredibly contagious, but it can spread to other areas in your body and can cause more serious health issues.

Also Check: How To Take Off Gel Nails At Home

Toenail Fungus Treatment Complications

Here are some things to think about when deciding on a nail fungus treatment.

If you have a disease like diabetes, your doctor will make sure you treat nail fungus. This illness often makes you more likely to have other problems from minor foot issues.

You may not be able to take antifungal pills because of side effects or because they donât work well with other drugs you take. If that’s the case, try a product that goes onto your nail. Your doctor will call this a topical treatment.

Be patient. Your nails may not look “normal” after treatment. It can take as long as a year to 18 months for your nail to grow out a fungus.

Improves Nail Health And Appearance

The essential oils in Kerassentials promote the growth of nail keratin and fight against fungal infections. Keratin makes your nails look healthy and feel pretty. Moreover, keratin also makes sure that fungal infections are considerably reduced. The vitamins and minerals in Keraessentials promote a beautiful appearance of the skin and nails.

With fungal attacks, your skin and nails suffer redness and inflammation as well. So the Kerassentials’ natural formula has anti-inflammatory properties to deal with these collateral damages.

Recommended Reading: How To Heal Nail Fungus

Best Ways To Treat A Nail Fungus

Nail fungus can cause thick, discolored nails, and, for some patients, it can even be painful. An Internet search will bring up plenty of ways to treat the condition, but which ones are best? Dermatologist Dr. Christopher Hull discusses what nail fungus actually is, why its so hard to get rid of, and which treatments work best.

When To Call A Doctor For Severe Nail Fungal Infection

Nail fungal infections can be treated without going to the doctor. They can be successfully and easily cured with over-the-counter medications. Many topical ointments, though, get a bad rap because they are thought to be ineffective in treating nail fungus. However, newer topical solutions that have 10% undecylenic acid and nail-penetrating essential oils are proven to provide effective, safe, and fast cure.

For severe cases of nail fungal infections, its best to see a doctor for best possible treatments. These include worst case scenarios of onychomycosis, in which patients deal with discomfort or increased pain and swelling, other infections, red streaks extending from the area, discharge of pus, and fever with no other cause.

Its also best to go to a doctor if the fungal infection appears to be spreading to the surrounding skin. Other people also seek a doctors advice even if their nail condition is a moderate case because the appearance of the infected nail bothers them.

A general practitioner may be able to handle nail fungal infection cases. However, it is recommended to seek a dermatologist to pinpoint the problem. A dermatologist can give proper diagnosis on skin and nail conditions, and therefore will be able to identify the fungal infection and what type it is.

Recommended Reading: What Is The Best Base Coat For Nails

What Treatments Do You Recommend

Since its clear that leaving toenail fungus untreated can be very dangerous, its a verygood idea to know what kind of treatment you can use. So if you believe you have contracted nail fungus we recommending treating it as soon as possible. You can start by using our top recommendations Funginix and Purely Northwest Toenail Fungus System.

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.

Recommended Reading: What Is Uv Led Nail Lamp

The Initial Causes Does A Dermatologist Treat Toenail 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

> > > This Unusual Morning Habit Helps Me Keep My Fungus In Check .

How Is Toenail Fungus Treated

Toenail fungus is notoriously tricky to treat. You may need to treat tinea unguium for several months to get rid of the fungus. Still, toenail fungus often comes back.

A skin specialist or foot doctor can explain your treatment options. If you have a mild case that doesnt bother you, your healthcare provider may recommend no treatment.

Tinea unguium treatment options include:

Oral antifungal medication

You can take a prescribed oral antifungal medication to treat the fungus. Options include terbinafine , itraconazole or fluconazole . Youll need to take the medication every day for several months . Your healthcare provider may use blood tests to check for potential medication side effects. These medications can affect your liver and interact with other medications, so oral antifungals arent for everyone.

Topical medication

You can regularly apply a topical medication right onto your nail. The medication treats the fungus over time. Topical medications are most effective when paired with oral medications.

Laser treatments

Your healthcare provider will direct a high-tech laser beam and special lights at your toenail to treat the fungus. Lasers are U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved for temporary increase of clear nail in nail fungus, but theyre not a cure. Cure rates for laser treatment are lower than oral and topical mediations. Your healthcare provider wont typically use lasers as first-line treatments for nail fungus.

Read Also: How To Cure Gel Nail Polish Without Uv Light

Other Options For Foot And Nail Fungus

Oral antifungal medications offer a different approach to treating nail fungus. Studies have shown the most effective treatments to beterbinafine and itraconazole. They help a new nail grow free of infection, slowly replacing the infected portion of your nail.

Oral medications are generally prescribed for foot fungus and nail fungus related to

• A history of cellulitis.
• Pain or discomfort resulting from the nail infection.

The course of treatment generally lasts from 6 to12 weeks, but full results are not realised until the nail grows back completely, which can take up to four months. Recurrent infections are common, particularly if your feet become warm and moist inside your shoes.

Antifungal drugs for foot fungus may cause side effects from mild to extreme . This course of therapy is not recommended for people suffering from congestive heart failure, who have liver disease or take certain types of medications.

Other treatment options for nail fungus

Your doctor may also suggest these nail fungus treatment options:

Determining Severity And Outcomes

In 2011, Carney et al. proposed a classification system for grading the severity of onychomycosis . The authors goals were to establish an objective method for defining mild, moderate and severe onychomycosis using a numerical scoring system. This scoring classification accounts for the area of involvement , which is then multiplied by the score for the proximity of disease to the nail matrix , and 10 points are added if the presence of a longitudinal streak or patch is seen or if there is greater than 2 mm of subungual hyperkeratosis. Mild nail involvement with onychomycosis is classified as a score of 5 or less moderate, 6 through 15 and severe, 16 through 35. A baseline or clinically cured nail is classified as a score of 0. This index provides a standardized method for evaluating onychomycosis that can be utilized throughout a patients treatment course. This is a promising tool, however, further research is necessary in order to properly correlate nail disease severity with prognostic outcomes.

Also Check: How To Apply Dashing Diva Nail Strips

The Initial Causes Does A Dermatologist 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

> > > This Unusual Morning Habit Helps Me Keep My Fungus In Check .

What Causes Tinea Unguium

A type of mold called a dermatophyte causes tinea unguium. Dermatophytes are fungal microorganisms . They feed off of keratin, a protein found in your fingernails and toenails. Keratin makes nails hard.

Dermatophytes are the cause behind 90% of toenail fungal infections. But other types of fungi can infect your toenails as well.

Don’t Miss: Supplement For Hair Skin Nails

Possible Risks And Complications

A podiatry laser has no effect on healthy tissue. It targets only the infected areas. Happily, patients who undergo laser nail treatment for fungus removal should experience no discomfort during or after the treatment.

In some cases, patients have reported feeling a warming sensation or a slight pinprick.

Recommended Reading: How To Repair Nail Holes In Drywall

How To Prepare To See Your Doctor

• List any symptoms, even ones that you feel are not likely related to your nail condition. This can affect your doctors treatment choices.
• List any medications that you are currently taking. Some nail fungus treatments may have interactions with other drugs. List any allergies or other personal information that may be relevant.
• Inform the doctor of any other health problems that you have. Conditions like cancer, diabetes and psoriasis can make you more vulnerable to infection or could make certain treatment options not good for you.

Read Also: Does Kerasal Cure Nail Fungus

Prevents Skin Aging And Offers Several Skin Benefits

The Kerassentials natural formula can help to prevent skin aging in a number of ways. The natural oils and mineral oils it contains are rich in vitamins and nutrients that can offer natural remedies for a range of skin problems. This, in turn, helps maintain optimal skin that will help you look younger for longer.

Additionally, the use of natural and organic ingredients helps to reduce the risk of side effects or allergic reactions, making this an ideal choice for those with sensitive skin. So, if you are looking for a supplement to gift you healthy skin, Kerassentials is the answer.

Am I A Good Candidate For Toenail Fungus Treatments

If you notice white or yellow spots on your toenails, brittleness or other signs of toenail fungus, we recommend you schedule a consultation with Dr. Waibel to learn about your treatment options.

Toenail fungus not only causes embarrassing cosmetic changes to your toenails but may also cause pain and toenail loss. Jill Waibel, MD, FAAD, the board-certified dermatologist at Miami Dermatology and Laser Institute, offers men and women in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Kendall and surrounding communities in Florida treatments for toenail fungus. To learn more about our treatments for toenail fungus, today to schedule a consultation.

Don’t Miss: How To Take Off Dipped Nails

Check Your Nails To Find Early Signs Of Infection

Following these precautions will reduce your risk of getting another infection. Fungal infection, however, are very common. You can get another one. Early treatment delivers the best outcome. You can find signs of an early fungal infection by checking your nails and the skin around them at least once a month. You want to look for:

• Changes in nail color, such as a white spot or brown or yellow streak
• Changes to the texture of your nails
• Soreness or swelling around a nail
• Dry, itchy skin

If you notice any signs of infection, make an appointment to see your dermatologist.

Dermatology News

© 2019 American Academy of Dermatology. All rights reserved. Reproduction or republication strictly prohibited without prior written permission. Use of these materials is subject to the legal notice and terms of use located at