What Does A Fungal Nail Infection Look Like
When nails are infected by a fungus, they often become thicker and discolored. You also may notice flakes under the nail, white or yellow streaks on the nail, or crumbling at the corner or tip of the nail. Nails also may split or lift away from the skin.
When caught early, a fungal nail infection may clear with a topical antifungal treatment. Many fungal nail infections, however, require medicine that works throughout the body. Your dermatologist may prescribe an antifungal medicine that comes in pill or liquid form. Laser procedures also may be used to treat the nail.
Its important to see a board-certified dermatologist before starting any treatment for a suspected fungal nail infection.
Other conditions may look like nail fungus, and you should not use an antifungal treatment if you dont have a fungal infection.
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What Can You Do
- Practice good foot hygiene, including daily washing of the feet with soap and water drying feet carefully, especially between the toes changing shoes regularly
- Keep shoes and socks dry and wear breathable shoes as a preventative measure
- Wear socks made of fibers that âwickâ away moisture faster than cotton socks
- Avoid wearing excessively tight hosiery, which promotes moisture
- Shower shoes should be worn, when possible, in public areas
- Disinfect home pedicure tools and instruments used to cut nails
- Do not apply polish to nails suspected of infection-those that are red, discolored or swollen
- Use a UV Sani-shoe sanitizer in all shoes to prevent the spread
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Make Use Of Foot Powder
Once your feet are completely dry, dust some after you have actually showered. Some individuals like cornstarch. Some people have found great results in treating toe fugus with this Vietnamese Tonic.
Powdered medication is much better, though. Medicines for athletes feet will certainly aid shield you versus fungis.
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When You Must Visit A Foot And Ankle Doctor For Your Toenail Fungus
If you feel like the situation has gotten out of control and you have not seen any progress with your symptoms after applying the home treatments, its time to pay your doctor a visit.
In extreme cases, you might be experiencing these symptoms. If so, please visit your doctor immediately to care and treat your toenail fungus. Look out for these symptoms:
- A swollen toe turns red with discoloration or becomes tender to the touch.
- Your toe feels hotter than the rest of your body.
- If the infected toe and/or the surrounding area of the toe is starting to leak pus.
- Red streaks around the infected toe.
- If you develop a fever of 100.4 F or higher, then the infection is moving to the rest of your body.
- The infected nail spreads to the skin.
- Intolerable pain
Once you see your doctor and they have indeed diagnosed the fungal toenail infection, they can do a few things to alleviate the pain, discomfort, and get rid of the infection.
Normally, the treatments and cures associated with the infection are oral prescriptions. Also, prescription anti-fungal nail polish soothe your nails. The polish rids your nail of fungal properties. Strength nail cream can also be applied directly to the area that will clean everything up and keep your feet and nails protected.
What Causes Toenail Fungus
It can happen to anyone at any age but is much more common in older adults. As a person ages, their nails become ever more brittle and dry, which leads to cracks in the nails that bacteria and detritus can enter through.
Toenail fungus is also caused by warm, wet environments. If you walk around with wet shoes or go without footwear when navigating public bathrooms or showers, this can lead to foot fungus issues.
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What Does Nail Psoriasis Look Like
Psoriasis is a skin condition that can affect the nails, causing pits, ridges and discoloration. The skin beneath the nail can turn reddish brown. Reddish lines may appear. The nails can crumble, split and separate from the skin.
These nail changes can occur in people with any type of psoriasis. Sometimes, nail changes are the first sign of psoriatic arthritis, a type of arthritis that some people who have psoriasis can develop. Nail psoriasis can affect one or more nails, and it may be painful. Various treatments, including phototherapy, systemic medications and cortisone injections, can help manage nail psoriasis.
Causes Of Fungal Nails:
Toenails are especially vulnerable to come in contact with fungi around damp areas where you are likely to be walking barefoot, such as swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers. Injury to the nail bed may also make it more susceptible to all types of infection, including fungal infection. Those who suffer from chronic diseases, such as diabetes, circulatory problems, or immune-deficiency conditions, are especially prone to fungal nails.
Fungal nail infections are brought about by different fungi. The most well-known reason is a growth called a dermatophyte. Yeast can additionally can cause nail infections as well.
Fungal nail infection can develop in individuals at any age, yet its more common in adults. As the nail ages, it can get fragile and dry. The subsequent breaks in the nails allows fungus to enter. Different variables, for example, decreased blood supply to the feet and a weakened immune system, may make the nail more susceptible to being infected.
Toenail fungal infection can begin from athletes , and it can spread starting with one nail then onto the next.
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Podiatrist Toenail Fungus Specialist
Toenail fungus is an infection underneath the surface of the nail caused by fungi. When the tiny organisms take hold, the nail often becomes darker in color, debris may collect beneath the nail plate, and white marks may appear on the nail plate. The infection is capable of spreading to other toenails, the skin, or even the fingernails. The resulting fungal nails are thicker and difficult to trim making walking painful when wearing shoes. Toe fungus removal can be performed by a podiatrist.
If your condition is mild and not disturbing you, you may not require treatment. If your nail fungus is painful and has caused thickened nails, self-care steps and meds may help. Yet, regardless of whether treatment is effective, nail fungus regularly returns.
Nail fungus is called onychomycosis .
When fungus infects the zones of the skin of your feet, its called athletes foot .
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“Dr. Pandit is so nice and is really one of the most genuine people I have ever met…No big box hospital treatment here. The entire staff knows you by name.”
Mike C.
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“I wish I could give this doctor more than 5 stars! I had a great experience with Dr. Pandit and my foot problem is gone.”
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“Best foot doctor…hands down. I can go on and on, but she is the best in the business, and I wish my other doctor were like Dr. Pandit.”
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How Is Toenail Fungus Treated
Toenail fungus is notoriously tricky to treat. You may need to treat the condition for several months to get rid of the fungus. Still, toenail fungus often comes back.
A dermatologist or podiatrist can explain your treatment options. If you have a mild case that doesnt bother you, your provider may recommend no treatment.
Toenail fungus treatment options include:
- Oral antifungal medication: You take prescribed medication, such terbinafine , itraconazole and fluconazole , to treat the fungi. You will need to take this medication every day for several months . Your provider may use blood tests to check for potential medication side effects. These medications can affect the liver and interact with other medications, so oral antifungals are not for everyone.
- Topical medication: You regularly apply a medication right on the nail. The medication treats the fungi over time. Topical medications are most effective when paired with oral medications.
- Laser treatments: Your provider directs a high-tech laser beam and special lights at the toenail to treat the fungus. Lasers are FDA approved for temporary increase of clear nail in nail fungus but is not a cure. Cure rates for laser treatment are lower than oral and topical mediations so they are not typically used as first-line treatments for nail fungus.
Why Does This Condition Develop
The responsible microorganisms in this case are yeasts, molds, and fungi known as dermatophytes. They are typically found in environments that are warm and damp. Dermatophytes can thrive in the dark and do not require sunlight to survive.
If we take a moment to consider the ideal environment for funguswarm, damp, and darkit can almost perfectly describe a foot encased in a sock and shoe .
When the conditions are right, the offensive fungus will attach to unprotected feet. From there, it usually requires a cut or abrasion of some sort to nestle in and make itself at home. Given the microscopic nature of these fungal spores, the cut doesnt have to be particularly great in sizeeven tiny ones allow microorganisms to enter.
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When To See Your Doctor
Anytime you think you have a fungal nail infection, or any nail problem, and treating it at home doesnât help, see your doctor or podiatrist . The sooner you go, the sooner your doctor can help.
Fungal nail infections can get worse over time. See your doctor if you notice your nail has turned brown or black, if it suddenly hurts, or if it pulls away from the nail bed.
If you have diabetes and you notice that the look of your toenails has changed even a little, see your doctor right away to prevent the problem from getting worse.
How Do I Treat Fungal Toenails
Toenail fungal infections are more difficult to treat than athletes foot because toenail fungus lives under the nail. The nail essentially traps the fungus beneath it and serves as a barrier to prevent medication from actually penetrating to the fungus. The nail bed also lacks the air exposure to dry out fungus-friendly moisture accumulation.
Although there are a wealth of over-the-counter antifungal medications, they are not effective at fully curing and eradicating the fungus they do a better job at maintaining it or addressing the symptoms. To properly treat and get rid of a fungal infection once and for all, treatment by a medical practitioner or foot specialist is often required.
These items are available at our foot clinic and online shop.
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Ask The Doctor: What’s The Best Way To Treat Toenail Fungus
Q.My toenails are thick and discolored. They’re so unsightly that I’m too embarrassed to wear sandals when I go on vacation. What can I do about them?
A. Toenails naturally change in consistency with age. But coupled with discoloration, the thickening, as well as other symptoms like brittleness and white or yellow streaks on the sides, could be a sign of nail fungus. Fungi like to live in the toenails, which provide a dark, moist environment for them to grow. As you get older, reduced blood circulation and the natural thickening of your toenails makes you more likely to develop an infection.
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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
- Diabetes.
- 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:
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What Is The Outlook For Someone With 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 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.
Is Toenail Fungus A Severe Condition
A majority of people with toenail fungus dont seek treatment. They may not recognize the problem or feel that its merely a matter of aesthetics.
Infections can even be present for years without ever causing pain. However, the changes in color and texture of the nail associated with toenail fungus are just the first signs of an aggravating disease that can take months to get under control.
Toenail fungus is an infection underneath the surface of the nail that can penetrate the nail. If left untreated, the infection could spread, thickening the nails and causing pain that impairs your ability to work or even walk. A secondary bacterial or yeast infection in or around the nail plate often accompanies the disease.
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The Initial Causes What Doctor Should I Go To For 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
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How Much Does Toenail Laser Fungus Removal Cost
At our clinic, we include laser fungal therapy and treatment as a covered benefit.
- While it is true that laser therapy is needed, it may require an in-person evaluation, as there are other options if it is decided that it is not worth it.
- In most cases, laser toenail fungus therapy treatments can be in the range of what a standard co-pay would be anyway.
- Visit us for a no-obligation consultation to see if laser toenail fungus therapy is beneficial for you.
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Management Of Nail Fungus
The management of nail fungus depends on the type of fungus, the severity of infection, and the number of nails involved. Since, nail fungus usually involves the nail bed, due to the poor penetration of topical antifungals, their efficacy is limited and chances of re-infection and relapse are in the range of 20-25% cases. Also, systemic antifungals pose a threat to the health of the patient due to their interactions with other drugs and potential hepatotoxicity. Therefore, the combination of these approaches is used to treat the infection.
Recently, two topical agents efinaconazole and tavaborole are found to be more effective than ciclopirox , which is a commonly used topical antifungal. Itraconazole and terbinafine are commonly used oral antifungals. The liver panel should be updated when taking oral antifungals, in addition to monitoring the drug interactions. Their benefits should outweigh the cons and they are especially beneficial when other co-morbidities are present . The limiting factor is that the treatment needs to be carried out for nearly a year to see results.
