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What Doctor Do You Go To For Toenail Fungus

Toenail Fungus Podiatrist Or Dermatologist

The Best Treatment for Toenail Fungus, According to a Podiatrist

Toenail fungus is a common condition that can be caused by a number of different things. podiatrist or dermatologist are usually the best people to see for this condition.

In the majority of cases, toenail fungus causes foul smells and unsightly appearances around the nail plate. If you are experiencing symptoms of a fungal infection, you should consult a podiatrist for the proper treatment. Before starting treatment, a podiatrist carefully examines your nail to determine the cause of the infection. It is possible to treat toenail fungus with a laser with a wavelength of 1064nm. A nailbed can be heated to a temperature above 350 degrees Fahrenheit, killing any fungi and spores that may exist. Medications, such as topical creams and nail lacquer, as well as prescription pills, may be prescribed. Professional, modern treatments are more effective than in-house remedies for treating fungal infections.

If you have a fungal toenail infection, your podiatrist may prescribe antifungal medication to treat it. This medication will aid in the treatment of an infection and prevent it from returning. In addition, the proper trimming of your toenails can help to prevent fungi from spreading. If you have any questions about your toenails or want to make an appointment with a podiatrist, please do not hesitate to contact us at Certified Foot and Ankle Specialists. You can rely on us to ensure your feet and ankles are in good shape.

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.

What Is Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus is a common condition that causes your nail to thicken and become discolored, and then eventually crumble. Also called onychomycosis, the fungus that infects your toenails is the same as what causes other fungal foot infections, such as athletes foot.

Though mild cases of toenail fungus may not cause problems, self-care treatments often cause the fungus to return. Dr. Glubo and Dr. Dawn offer advanced treatments for toenail fungus at Grand Central Foot Care, including topical medications that arent available in pharmacies.

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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.

What Are The Symptoms Of A Toenail Fungus Infection

Toenail Fungus Pictures added by viewers!  Toenail Fungus

Fungus can cause visible changes in your nails, and you may see white, brown, or yellow spots that grow on the nail surface. You may also notice your nail appears thicker than usual. In some cases, affected nails can thin out and become crumbly, eventually falling off.

An early diagnosis is important for successful treatment. For this reason, you should check the health of your feet daily, especially if you have diabetes or another underlying health condition. Dr. Hunter can diagnose a fungal infection based on the appearance of your nail.

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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 .

With fungal nail infections, the main cause is typically

Certain behaviors and preexisting conditions that can affect your risk of nail fungus include:

There are many overlaps between nail fungus and nail cancer. Since its easy to mistake cancer of the nail for a fungal infection, you should see a doctor immediately to get a definitive diagnosis.

See a doctor immediately if you suspect you have toenail fungus or subungual melanoma.

If you wait too long for diagnosis and treatment, theres a risk of the cancer spreading throughout the bodys organs and lymph nodes.

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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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.

Who Gets Toenail Fungus

In Dire Need of a Podiatrist: Trimming Thick Fungal Toenails

Anyone can get toenail fungus, but this condition is more common in older adults. Nails become drier and more brittle with age, resulting in cracks that may allow fungi to enter.

Nail fungus thrives in damp, warm conditions. This means that athletes, especially those who spend a lot of time in water, may be more susceptible to getting nail fungus.

Other risk factors for nail fungus include:

  • History of athletes foot
  • Having diabetes
  • Having a weakened immune system

Walking barefoot in communal areas that foster fungi, such as public pools, showers, and locker rooms, may also increase your risk of getting toenail fungus.

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Foot And Ankle Surgeon & Podiatrist Located In Flower Mound & Lewisville Tx

Toenail fungus can quickly spread to all of your toenails and, in some cases, even your fingernails. Before your case of nail fungus worsens, get it treated with the help of leading board-certified podiatrist Tommie Harris, DPM, at Flower Mound Foot and Ankle Center. Dr. Harris and his Flower Mound, Texas-based podiatry team provide some of the most effective nail fungus solutions available. To book your nail fungus evaluation, click on the online scheduling feature or call the clinic.

Fungal Nail Infection Symptoms

Because the toes and feet are often exposed to damp, warm areas, where the infection is spread, fungal nail infections affect the toes more than the fingers. Your feet are also more likely to be exposed to fungal infections if you:

  • Spend time at swimming pools
  • Walk around a lot in locker rooms
  • Wear the same pair of damp, sweaty sneakers all the time
  • Injure your toenail

At first, you may have no outward symptoms. But over time, your nails may:

  • Have white spots appear on the surface
  • Turn white, yellow, green or brown
  • Grow thicker than normal or, in some cases, thinner than normal
  • Become brittle, with broken or jagged edges
  • Change shape, curling up or down
  • Lift off of the nail bed

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See A Dermatologist For Your Nail Problems

If you have toenail or fingernail problems, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. If the situation warrants, your dermatologist will evaluate the issue and make recommendations for treatment. A board-certified dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in skin, hair, and nail conditions and diagnoses.

How Are Fungal Toenails Treated

Home Remedies for Toenail Fungus

As a starting point, we have to mention that you can find over-the-counter products that advertise as being able to help with this condition. The fact of the matter, though, is that they are not effective.

Many of those OTC use natural ingredients that arent proven to work. When you want the fungus to be eradicated, you need the right kind of medication, which is where our office can help.

Dr. Scudday can prescribe oral and topical medications to target the fungus and restore your nails back to a healthy, clear state.

The oral medications target the infection from the inside-out. They travel through the bloodstream and can reach dermatophytes residing underneath nail tissue. Conversely, topical medication is applied to affected toenails and works to eradicate fungus residing on the surface.

If you have a case of fungal toenails, come in and see Dr. Scudday for treatment at the earliest opportunity. The infection will only continue to worsen the longer it is left untreated.

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How Does Toenail Fungus Develop

Toenail fungus infections are common in people of all ages and can result from environmental conditions or your personal care habits.

Generally, toenail fungus infections develop when you expose your feet to a warm, moist environment, such as a public locker room or swimming pool. If other people have an existing infection, you only need to walk around barefoot in these areas for the infection to spread to your own nails.

You may also be at increased risk for fungal infections in your toenails if you tend to wear the same socks and shoes every day, especially if theyre damp or sweaty. Wet toenails can easily develop a fungal infection that affects the appearance and health of your nails.

Are You Looking For A Toenail Fungus Specialist In Austin Tx

If you are looking for toenail fungus care, you should reach out to an experienced podiatrist. Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists can help. Our office provides a wide variety of advanced, effective treatment options for all kinds of painful conditions. Ready to schedule an appointment? Contact us online our Austin office at 512.328.8900.

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When To See A Foot Doctor For Toenail Fungus

posted: Jan. 05, 2022.

Toenail fungus can be a common occurrence among adults and children alike, so how do you know when to see a foot doctor for your toenail fungus? Untreated toenail fungus can lead to some serious short and long-term effects, making it important for your overall health to seek treatment. One of the best medical professionals to treat toenail fungus in Kissimmee, FL, is a foot doctor, also known as a podiatrist. Experts at Nationwide Foot & Ankle Care, including Dr. Randy Semma, Dr. Michele Bertelle-Semma, and Dr. Stacey Stefansky can help.

If You Observe Certain Nail Changes

How to Treat Toenail Fungus CORRECTLY | Easy Steps (2021)

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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Experienced Toe Nail Fungus Surgeons In South Jersey

Are you, or is someone you love, suffering from severe toenail fungus? If so, it is important to find a foot specialist soon, as this condition is one which can continue to spread even beyond your nails to the skin of your feet. If your condition has already advanced to this degree, you may need to look for experienced toe nail fungus surgeons in South Jersey. Whether you are at the point of needing surgery or simply need a more conservative, non-operative treatment, the foot and ankle experts at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute can help.

  • Medicated nail polish or cream

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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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.

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Removing Toenails To Get Rid Of Fungus

Toenail fungus has many remedies, but is hard to cure

Chemical nail removal is a painless procedure that is used for nonsurgical nail removal. The only thing that can be removed is the damaged and diseased nail, not the healthy part. You undergo this procedure in a clinic or a doctors office. Anvulsion, or the removal of an entire nail, can be done either via an avulsion or via debridement.

Toenail fungus infection, also known as onychomycosis, is a common but difficult condition to treat. Toenails are especially vulnerable to infection when you wear bare feet and only lightly touch damp surfaces. If you have early-stage toenail fungus, home treatments such as those listed below may help. Toenail fungus can be treated at home with a prescription-strength topical medication or an oral antifungal pill. Laser treatment, as opposed to oral medication, temporarily improves the nail while also achieving a lower cure rate. If severe nail bed infections are discovered, surgically removing the infected nail may be required.

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