What Doctor Do I See For Nail Fungus

Should I See A Dermatologist Or Podiatrist For Toenail Fungus

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What Is Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus is a widespread fungal infection that affects the toenails. Less commonly, nail fungus infects the fingernails. Nail fungus is also called onychomycosis.

Toenail fungus happens when fungi get between the toenail and the toenail bed . This usually happens through a crack or cut in your toe.

Podiatrist Located In Porter Ranch Ca Westwood Ca Encino Ca And Los Angeles Ca

Getting rid of toenail fungus is difficult on your own. When over-the-counter remedies dont work, Dr. Syamak Yamini offers prescription-strength options to attack fungus at the source. If youre looking for a podiatry specialist to help you get rid of unsightly fungus, call or use the online scheduler to see Dr. Yamini at his Porter Ranch, Encino, and Los Angeles, California, locations.

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When To See A Doctor

Itâs time to go from self-care to seeing a medical professional if any of these six conditions apply in your case.

• Blunt trauma to the toenail, such as a heavy object dropped on the toe, which may need to have a fracture or wound treated
• Severe swelling, pain, or redness of the toe
• Discharge from under the toenail
• Toenail becomes loose
• If you have neuropathy, diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, or any condition that affects healing or circulation
• Discoloration appears as a linear streak or a stripe going with the length of the nail. Although a streak of pigment is often normal, in some cases it may be a sign of the skin cancer melanoma.

If the nail is raised, the doctor may relieve the pressure by drilling a hole through the nail. If it is loose, the nail may be trimmed or even reattached to protect the nail bed while the nail is regrowing.

You should avoid removing or drilling the injured nail at home. Doing so could lead to infection and slow the healing process. If you are unable to seek immediate care, bandage the nail and avoid trimming or cutting of any sort.

How Do You Know When To See A Toenail Fungus Doctor

For the reasons listed above, it is highly recommended to visit a doctor as soon as you start to feel any discomfort.

Dont try to stick it out! Its always better to be safe than sorry. Staying healthy is very important, especially for the body parts that carry you around!

Do you have any tips on seeing your doctor for toenail fungus?

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When To See A Podiatrist About Nail Fungus

When to See a Podiatrist About Nail Fungus

Your local podiatrist can accurately diagnose and effectively treat an incredible array of problems that affect your feet, including nail fungus. While many people think of nail fungus as a minor inconvenience or merely a cosmetic issue, it can in fact lead to serious health problems. When left untreated by your Houston podiatrist , nail fungus can lead to permanent nail damage and infections that spread beyond your feet. While its best to visit your foot doctor sooner, rather than later, you should definitely take the time to schedule an appointment if the following factors apply to you.

When To See A Doctor For A Lost Toenail

wikiHow Staff Editor. Staff Answer. If your toenail is about to come off or so much of the nail is lost that you cant trim it, you should see a doctor. Do not completely remove the nail if it is still attached at all and if the nail does happen to come off you should bring it with you to the doctor.

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Changes In Nail Structure

Nail damage may also lead to changes in the nail’s structure. These changes may occur after an injury from a heavy object, chronic rubbing against the shoe, or in response to irritation from infections.

Some of the most common changes in nail structure are:

• Nail thickening: This is caused by damage to the nail’s growth center. It responds by producing a thicker nail.
• Nail loosens or falls off: Sometimes the entire nail or a portion of it will loosen or fall off. This is called nail avulsion. It’s often a temporary condition, and the nail will regrow over the course of a couple of months.
• Permanent nail changes: You may see permanent splitting or a decrease in size. If there is severe damage to the area where the nail starts to grow, it may not regrow.

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.

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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.

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What Can A Doctor Do For A Broken Toenail

You have a lot of pain or swelling. Your toe might throb or feel tight. The toe is crooked or mangled. You see blood pooling under 1/4 or more of the remaining nail. A doctor can numb the area, stop any bleeding, and treat the nail. That could include cleaning, trimming, and putting the nail back in place if its detached but in good condition.

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Ask The Doctors What Can I Do About Toenail Fungus

Dear Doctor: I had toenail fungus two years ago, and my doctor prescribed Lamisil. It took a long time, but it worked. Now the fungus, which is so ugly, is back again. Why is it so hard to get rid of, and are there any new treatments available?

Dear Reader: Toenail fungus is fairly common, but that’s not much consolation to the 6 million or so people in the United States who have to put up with it. It’s an often-unsightly infection caused by a microscopic organism called a dermatophyte that lives beneath the toenail. More precisely, it colonizes the portion of the nail known as the matrix, which is underneath the cuticle.

Initial symptoms are a yellowish or brownish discoloration of the toenail. As the infection progresses, nails will often become thickened, crumbly and malformed. Although the fungus affects the appearance of the nails, it actually lives on the layer directly beneath the toenail. That’s why it’s so difficult to treat.

Your nails are made up of keratin, a tough, fibrous protein. The same hard shell that protects your toes is giving shelter to the fungus. For topical medications to be successful in killing the fungus, they have to be able to reach it.

Anti-fungal creams and liquids are available, both in over-the-counter preparations and by prescription. But because nails are not porous, it’s difficult for the medication to reach the infection in concentrations great enough to kill the fungus. As a result, success rates for topical treatments are low.

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Diagnosis And Treatment Of Subungual Melanoma

Diagnosing and treating subungual melanoma is much more involved.

Once your doctor performs the initial assessment and determines you might have subungual melanoma, theyll commonly suggest a nail biopsy.

A nail biopsy is the primary diagnostic tool available for making a definitive diagnosis. A dermatologist or nail specialist will remove some or all of the nail for examination.

If theres a diagnosis of cancer, depending on the severity and how early it was found, treatment can include:

• surgery to remove the affected nail
• amputation of the knuckles of the finger or toe
• amputation of the entire finger or toe

Should I See A Doctor For Toenail Fungus

A fungal infection of the toenails can be unpleasant, unsightly, and sometimes even painful. It can also lead to more severe complications in people who have diabetes or poor circulation. If you have toenail fungus, you may find that you have thickened, discolored, brittle, or crumbly toenails. Additionally, the shape of your nail bed may change, and the feet may have an odor, ranging from mild to foul. These symptoms could worsen over time if left untreated. Treatments for toenail fungus can include oral medications, medicated nail polishes or creams, and in more severe cases, nail removal. If you notice that the condition of your nails is worsening, or if you have diabetes or poor circulation, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for treatment.

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Princeton Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

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Nail Fungal Infection Treatment

Prescription medicines can treat a fungal nail infection. Oral antifungal medicines help a new nail grow. This will replace the infected nail. You may need to take antifungal medicine for 6 to 12 weeks. Some oral medicines are not safe for people who have liver problems. They are not safe for people who have a history of congestive heart failure. Tell your doctor if you have one of these conditions. Your doctor will decide which medicine is right for you.

Apply topical treatments to the top of your nail. Topical medicines usually do not cure fungal nail infections.

In severe cases, a doctor might remove the nail completely. It can take several months to a year for the infection to go away.

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Podiatrists Located In Garfield Ridge Chicago Il

Nail fungus is a common condition with the potential to cause permanent nail damage and serious infections. The expert podiatrists at Miklos Foot and Ankle Specialists in the Garfield Ridge neighborhood of Chicago offer effective treatments for nail fungus. Its best to treat nail fungus as soon as you notice it call or book an appointment online today.

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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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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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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.

Living With A Nail Fungal Infection

If you have a nail fungal infection, some things can help:

• Keep your nails cut short and file down any thick areas.
• Dont use the same nail trimmer and file on healthy nails and infected nails. If you have your nails professionally manicured, bring your own nail file and trimmer from home.
• Wear waterproof gloves for wet work . Wear 100% cotton gloves for dry work.
• Wear socks made of wicking material . This pulls moisture away from the skin. Change your socks when they are damp from sweat or if your feet get wet. Put on clean, dry socks every day. Put over-the-counter antifungal foot powder inside your socks to keep your feet dry.
• Wear shoes with good support and a wide toe area. Dont wear pointed shoes that press your toes together.
• Avoid walking barefoot in public areas, such as locker rooms.

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What Type Of Doctor Should I See About My Nail Health

A doctor who specializes in treating nail and skin disorders is called a dermatologist. You may see your regular doctor about your nail health concerns, and he or she may refer you to a dermatologist. You can also find a dermatologist online at www.aad.org or by calling 462-DERM.

How To Prevent Future Ingrown Toenails

Along with this home remedy for ingrown toenails, you also need to prevent future issues. This starts with wearing proper-fitting shoes. To ensure your shoes fit right, the toe of the shoe, referred to as the toe box, should provide enough space so that your toes arent crowded, a frequent cause of ingrown toenails. When you stand up in the shoe, strive for a halfâinch of space between your longest toe and the tip of the shoe.

We also advise all patients to cut their toenails straight across with clean, disinfected toenail clippers. Keep feet clean and dry, and protect them from injury by wearing shoes when necessary.

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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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There Is A Wide Range Of Options With Varying Success Rates

Other than keeping your toenails trimmed and perhaps painted, you may not pay much attention to them unless a problem develops. Healthy toenails are pink, shiny and smooth, but a fungal infection can cause them to become discolored, thick, brittle and even painful.

Toenail fungal infection, known as onychomycosis, is a common but challenging condition toenail fungus treatments include a wide range of options with varying success rates.

Causes of toenail fungus

Fungal nail infections are usually caused by fungi called dermatophytes that infect the skin beneath the nail yeast is another common culprit. Toenails are especially vulnerable to infection when your bare feet contact damp surfaces such as showers, swimming pools and locker rooms. If you have athletes foot, the infection can spread to the nails.

Wearing closed shoes such as athletic shoes for extended periods also can contribute to infection if your shoes and/or socks are damp from perspiration or heat. Moreover, if your shoes fit snugly enough to put pressure on your toes, they can damage the nail bed, making it more susceptible to infection.

People with chronic diseases, such as diabetes or circulatory problems, also may be more prone to toenail infections.

Symptoms of toenail fungus

Toenail fungus symptoms can develop slowly over time and may go unnoticed at first. Symptoms can include:

Toenail fungus treatments

• Tolnaftate
• Terbinafine

When to see a doctor for toenail fungus

Preventing toenail fungus

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