Other Nail Fungus Treatment Options
If oral medications arent an option for you, other treatments exist, such as:
- Prescription-strength nail cream or polish
Creams and polishes are medicated topical solutions that you have to apply daily. These nail fungus treatments contain medicine thats absorbed by your nails and your skin, fighting the infection over time. But they may take as long as one year to work. Surgery is obviously the final option if nothing else has worked. Removing your infected nail, temporarily or even permanently, lets your NYC dermatology doctor put antifungal medication directly onto your toe or finger, where its most needed.
Should I Treat My Nail Fungus
Yes! You always should treat toenail fungus because it can cause thickening of the nail, yellow and brown nail changes, and can even spread to your other healthy nails. If you let the fungus go, the fungus can cause pain in the toes not only when clipping and filing the toenails, but also with walking and shoe gear. You can also transfer the fungus to your family members as well so protect them and your other healthy nails by getting treatment as soon as you notice the nail changes.
So What Exactly Is Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus is an infection of the toenails, also called onychomycosis . In reality, it can affect both your fingernails and your toenails, though is much more common in toenails.
The fungus can also spread from your nails and nail beds to the skin between your toes. This is called athletes foot, and similarly, toenail fungus can be caused by athletes foot.
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How To Treat Severe Nail Fungal Infection
Some people opt not to do anything about their nail fungal infection because they are not bothered by it at all, or at least they have adapted to live with the condition. However, it is recommended that the infection is treated immediately because it might get worse.
For severe nail fungal infection cases, treatment is necessary. In such cases, the infection may even spread to other parts of the body and will compromise the overall health of the patient.
Doctors are likely to prescribe oral fungicidal medicines to treat severe nail fungal infections depending on the patients condition, medical history, other ailments, and restrictions. While oral treatments are generally considered effective, but they are slow in delivering results and they come with side effects. Therefore, doctors take into consideration their patients individual health records in prescribing oral fungicidal medications.
Its not the most common solution, but surgery is also sometimes recommended for extreme cases of onychomycosis. A part of the nail or the entire nail can be removed in the surgery, which can be done in a clinic or in the doctors office. By removing the nail, the fungi infection is also removed, allowing a new and healthy nail to grow back. It takes time for the new one to grow fully, though, and the fungi may even return during the recuperation period.
Take Care Of Your Toes
Use soap and water to wash your feet, and dry well, including between toes. Trim your toenails â straight across â to keep them shorter than the end of your toe. Make sure the tools you use are clean, too. Wash clippers and files with soap and water, then wipe with rubbing alcohol. You might be tempted to cover up discolored nails with polish, but donât. Your nail bed canât âbreathe,â which keeps fungus from going away.
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Fungal Infection Of The Nails
Dirt, poor hygiene, and living in a humid area are all causes of a fungal infection in your toenails. Fungal toenail infections can cause discoloration, making your nail appear any of these colors:
If a fungal infection is causing your nail discoloration, you may have success treating it with an over-the-counter antifungal cream.
People In Danger For Feet Fungus
You can establish nail fungi because of a variety of factors, such as:
- As we age, our blood flow slows down, we are more exposed to fungal infections, and also our nails grow much more gradually
- Sweating greatly
- Having actually had athletes foot in the past
- Walking with no feet cover in wet public areas, such as swimming pools, fitness centers as well as shower rooms
- Injuries to the skin or nails or skin problem, such as psoriasis, prevail
- A weak immune system, diabetes or blood circulation concerns
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When To See A Doctor About Toenail Fungus
The patient should contact the doctor if there is no abatement in symptoms after applying over-the-counter medications and preventative care measures.
A doctor should also be seen if the symptoms worsen:
- The toe swells, turns red, remains hotter than the rest of the body, or becomes tender.
- The infected toe and the surrounding area begin to leak pus.
- The area surrounding the infected toe develops red streaks.
- A fever of 100.4 or higher develops.
- The infection begins spreading to the skin.
- The pain level becomes intolerable.
If You Observe Certain Nail Changes
For prompt, effective treatment of your toe nail condition , you should see a podiatrist as soon as possible, especially if you notice certain changes to your nails. These abnormalities may include toenail deformities, discoloration, or thickening. By seeing a podiatrist as soon as possible, you can reduce the risk that youll suffer permanent damage to your toenails.
If you are in need of a foot doctor in Sugar Land, TX , visit Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists or call 281-242-3338.
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Wash Your Feet Every Day
When you shower or bathe, be sure to use mild soap and warm water to wash away potential contaminants. After you are done washing, make sure you dry your feet thoroughly before putting on socks and shoes. Pay special attention to the areas between your toes, since fungus and other microorganisms find these places to be particularly appealing.
Know Not To Be Afraid
Surgery can be nerve-wracking and scary. Nobody likes pain, hospitals, scalpels, cuts, and anesthesia. The whole idea can be very unpleasanteven reading about it can turn the stomach!
But, it is very important to remember that thousands of people have experienced nail removal and have lived to tell about it! While there may be some discomfort and pain following the procedure, if a qualified doctor or other medical professional has concluded this is the best treatment for your specific problem, let that give all the comfort it should. We are very blessed to live in a world where so many health problems can be easily corrected!
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Q: Does Medicare Pay For Diabetic Shoes And Custom Orthotics
A: Medicare will cover diabetic shoes and inserts with some patients.
- Patients must meet and have specific qualifying conditions that must be verified by the Physician managing their diabetes.
- If you have diabetes, you should have an annual foot evaluation performed by a foot doctor or podiatrist to determine if you are eligible for this benefit through Medicare and other insurance carriers.
What Kind Of Doctor To See For Toenail Fungus
If you notice unusual changes in your nails you need to see a foot nail doctor, who is a podiatrist. A podiatrist deals with all your foot, ankle, heels, and nail issues. They effectively offer toenail fungus treatment Houston and recommend surgical treatment where necessary. Some people prefer visiting a dermatologist, but then the specialist must be able to diagnose and treat skin, hair, and nail conditions.
Toenail fungus is caused by dermophytes fungithat thrive on the keratin andthe skin keratin is a component of the nails and the hair. The fungus gets under the nail bed in addition to causing discoloration, which is one of the visible symptoms, it grows and it destroys the nail growth. The nail may fall off, become brittle, thicken, and harden. The condition can be very challenging to get rid ofsometimes.
Home remedies do not cause any harm, however, relying on them when looking to get rid of the fungus can be risky. This is because most of the time you do not have the correct diagnosis and it could be dangerous for your health. If left untreated toenail fungus causes deformity and severe pain.
If home remedies are not improving your fungal toenail, you may want to consult a nail fungus doctor at DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center. Dr. Ejodamen Shobowale, a foot and ankle specialist will provide you with the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. She has many options for toenail fungus treatment in her Houston office
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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.
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Make Certain That Your Feet And Also Feet Are Properly Maintained
An adjustment in the texture or shade of your nails suggests illness. A fungus in its onset could be your chance to catch it.
Your physician or pharmacologist can tell you what to do if you think you have athletes foot, or one more condition.
The fungi can likewise infect your toe nails if it is not treated.
The effectiveness and also cost of treatment for fungus infections vary widely.
The antifungal medicine requires to permeate the nail bed to be fully effective.
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Time To See A Podiatrist
If you have tried over-the-counter antifungal products such as cream, spray, powder, or ointment and your athletes foot is not improving after two weeks, consult with a podiatrist. Athletes foot should not be left untreated since the infection can spread to other areas of the body.
Those with a condition such as diabetes or poor circulation should consult with their doctor at first signs of an infection. These conditions put you at a higher risk of developing a severe bacterial infection of the leg or foot and can lead to further complications.
A podiatrist will examine your feet to diagnose athletes foot and determine if the infection has spread. In addition to an examination, a skin sample test may be done to rule out other causes of the infection. If at-home treatment has not worked, your podiatrist may prescribe an oral antifungal medication or a stronger cream, spray, ointment, or powder. A prescription medication will attack the fungus and prevent it from spreading. Your podiatrist will recommend treatment based on your personal case and needs.
Depending on your specific case, athletes foot typically can clear up in two to four weeks. To prevent reinfection, you will need to take the prescription as long as it was prescribed by your doctor even if the athletes foot has cleared up.
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Know It May Have To Be Permanent
At this point, if he or she has not discussed this with you earlier, the doctor may recommend that you have the nail permanently prevented from growing back. This is only done in severe cases of fungus or other disorders where the problem would simply keep occurring if the nail grew back.
To do this, the doctor must destroy the nail matrix, which is the part of the toe that produces keratin, the element that toenails are made of.
The matrix can be dissolved chemically, which is the most common. This is called chemical cauterization, and involves the application of a chemical called phenol. Occasionally, some patients report their nails growing back, but generally this method is effective.
If this does not work, your doctor will perform a surgical matrixectomy. A flap of skin is surgically created at the base of the nail, where the matrix is located. After retracting the flap, the matrix is surgically removed.
Words From Our Patients
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Dr. Pandit is so nice and is really one of the most genuine people I have ever metNo big box hospital treatment here. The entire staff knows you by name.
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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 doctorhands 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.
Patient of Dr. Pandit
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Dr. Pandit is so nice and is really one of the most genuine people I have ever metNo 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.
A. D.
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Best foot doctorhands 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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What Is Nail Fungus
Also called onychomycosis, nail fungus is a common condition that causes your nails to become discolored, thickened, and crumble at the edge. Fungal infections can affect your fingernails, but this condition is more common in toenails.
Signs and symptoms of nail fungus include:
- White to yellowish-brown nails
- Debris buildup beneath the nail
Toenail fungus can spread from one toe to others and affect many toes at the same time. When a fungal infection affects the skin between your toes, its called athletes foot.
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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.
Clearing Fungal Nails With Cutera Laser Genesis
Dr. Szpiro and Dr. Manchanda are experts in the treatment of toenail fungus through the use of laser therapy. Dr. Szpiro has also lectured extensively on laser treatment at the APMA Annual Scientific Meeting.
Toenail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis, is a very common infection of the nail. Initially, toenail fungus may present as white spots on the nail or black spots beneath the nail. Ridges will typically start to form, and the nail will seem rougher to the touch. As the infection progresses, the nail may thicken and become brittle, discolored, or misshapen. The growing fungus separates the layers of keratin in the toenail, which leads to the characteristic distorted look.
Toenail fungus is notoriously difficult to cure with over-the-counter medicines. From foot soaks to ointments, the efficacy of such treatments is extremely varied. Our practice, however, offers the Cutera Laser Genesis, advanced laser technology available to clear toenail fungus and a variety of other skin conditions through the Cutera Laser Genesis procedure. Treatment itself involves the delivery of pulsed laser energy to the targeted area of the nail and/or skin, where it passes through and is absorbed to reach the fungus. Cutera Laser Genesis is safe, comfortable, and effective.
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