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.
Recommended Reading: How To Do Your Nails At Home
What Is A Fungal Infection
There are two broad categories of fungal infections:
Dermatologists treat fungal infections of the skin, as well as fungal infections in hair and nails. Often, these infections appear as itchy, scaley, rashes on the skin.
Superficial infections are known by common names such as athletes foot and ringworm, or by medical names that indicate the fungus and location. These infections include:
Nail fungus, knowns as onychomycosis or tinea unguum, is the most common fungal infection with over three million cases a year.
Read Also: How Long Does Liquid Nails Take To Dry
Do I Need To See A Toenail Fungus Doctor
However, if youve tried these home remedies and youre noticing a marked increase or a lack of improvement in your symptoms, it is recommended you visit a doctor. Especially if the nail becomes painful.
If you are a person suffering from low circulation, a weakened immune system, and/or diabetes, it is also highly recommended that you skip the at-home treatments and go straight to seeing a foot fungus doctor, as you are at a higher risk of severe complications.
Don’t Miss: How To Apply Color Street Nails
What Kind Of Doctor Should I See For Toe Nail Fungus
Maintaining your toenails devoid of fungus might not be high on your important agenda list, yet it must be. What Kind Of Doctor Should I See For Toe Nail Fungus
We live in an environment that is almost filled with fungis, as well as their preferred location to live is dark, wet, toasty, like inside our footwear.
Its therefore quite simple to obtain a nail fungal infection . If you lack these two nutrients, you are at risk of getting toe fungus.
Around 14 percent of the populace is influenced by toe nail fungal infections, which cause fifty percent of all nail conditions.
It is occasionally tough to deal with nail fungi. Its a risky infection to overlook, due to the fact that it can turn into a much more serious one otherwise taken care of.
If you have toe fungi, we will certainly be talking about how you can efficiently remove it as well as help prevent it from reoccurring ever once again.
Donât Miss: Can Tea Tree Oil Help With Nail Fungus
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.
Dont Miss: How To Get Rid Of Acrylic Nail Fungus
Don’t Miss: What Can You Take To Make Your Nails Stronger
Fungal Nail Infection Causes
A fungal nail infection is caused by an overgrowth of fungi. These fungi fall into three categories:
-
Dermatophytes
These cause most cases of toenail fungus infections and also cause athletes foot, which can spread from person to person.
-
Moulds
Moulds are usually found in soil and these typically do not spread from one person to another. It is uncommon for you to catch a nail infection this way.
-
Yeasts
Yeasts are normally found on the body and can cause a nail infection if they grow out of control.
Fungal nail infections are usually triggered when the conditions are right for the fungi to grow. This includes when:
- Your feet or hands are warm, moist and in dark conditions for a period of time, for example if you wear socks, shoes or gloves
- Your feet and hands arent kept clean and dry
- Nails are broken or damaged
- You have a weakened immune system or are suffering from certain other illnesses, like diabetes
Also Check: How To Remove Nail Polish
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.
Recent Posts
Recommended Reading: What Is The Best Quality Nail Polish
Is There Any Way To Prevent Toenail Fungus
Theres no way to prevent toenail fungus entirely, but there are steps you can take to significantly lower your risk. Dr. Qualtire recommends:
- Washing your hands and feet regularly
- Trimming your nails straight across
- Wearing shoes that are made of breathable materials
- Giving up nail polish and artificial nails
You can also lower your risk of toenail fungus by wearing shoes in public locker rooms and pool areas.
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.
|
Related Links: |
Read Also: What Do I Need To Do My Own Acrylic Nails
What Is The Difference Between Podiatrist And Podologist
A podologist is a medical doctor who has studied the anatomy of the legs and feet, diseases of the lower limbs, and skin diseases that affect the feet. … A podiatrist, by contrast, is trained and qualified to treat a range of foot conditions, perform surgeries, prescribe medications, and design rehabilitation plans.
Who Should I See To Treat Toenail Fungus
Your podiatrist can help you take care of not only your feet and ankles, but also your toenails. One very common condition that podiatrists treat are fungal toenail infections. These infections often start as athletes foot, a skin infection, before spreading to the toenails, although they can also occur on just the nails. Symptoms of toenail fungus include changes in the texture, color, and shape of the nail. The nail may become crumbly, brittle, or thickened and develop yellow, white, or brown spots. In more severe cases, the nail can change shape, separate from the nail bed, emit a foul odor, and make wearing shoes uncomfortable. If you have toenail fungus, and particularly if you have toenail fungus and diabetes, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for treatment.
If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact the foot specialists of Certified Foot Care. Our doctorscan provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Symptoms
- Warped or oddly shaped nails
- Yellowish nails
You May Like: What’s The Best Way To Cure Toenail Fungus
How Can You Recognize Toenail Fungus
Essentially, the main symptom of toenail fungus is the discolored appearance. Affected nails are dull, darkened, and distorted. In addition to visual cues, your toenails will also be thickened, yet brittle and crumbly. When the infection has been present for an extended period of time and become more severe in nature, you may even detect a slightly foul odor.
Some patients experience pain with this condition, particularly when the fungal infection causes toenails to separate from their respective nailbeds.
What Is Tinea Unguium
When a dermatophyte causes toenail fungus, the condition is called tinea unguium. A dermatophyte is a mold that needs a protein called keratin to grow. Keratin is the main structural material of your nails that makes them hard. Dermatophytes cause 90% of toenail fungal infections. Tinea unguium is also known as onychomycosis.
Don’t Miss: How To Apply Gel Nails
Podiatrist & Alternative Medicine Located In Cumming Ga
If your toenails are yellow, brown, thick, or brittle, you may have toenail fungus. Mild cases usually respond to over-the-counter treatments, but more serious cases may require the expertise of a podiatrist. At Integrity Foot & Ankle Center, LLC, in Cumming, Georgia, board-certified podiatrist Patrick Qualtire, DPM, provides diagnosis and treatment of toenail fungus. To schedule an appointment, call the office and speak with a friendly team member, or book a consultation online today.
Treating A Fungal Infection At Home
Sometimes, its possible to treat a fungal infection at home, although it can take a very long while and isnt always effective. If you wish to try, you will need to follow a cleansing routine daily for many months in order to suppress the infection. Some cosmetic issues related to toenail fungus can be resolved through filing off white markings and applying an over-the-counter antifungal medicine.
Also Check: How To Stop Bitting My Nails
You May Like: How To Patch Nail Holes In Drywall
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.
Dont Miss: How To Treat Green Nail Syndrome
If You Believe You Have Toenail Fungus And Require Treatment Look No Further Than Advanced Foot And Ankle Specialists Our Dedicated Staff Can Create A Treatment Plan That Is Right For You Call Today Or Book An Appointment Online
Toenail fungus is a common fungal infection affecting the feet. It can arise from a number of different causes, although it can be tricky to determine exactly how it was contracted. Oftentimes, toenail fungus is transmitted in a locker room, where it is warm and moist and many people walk around barefoot. These places are the perfect breeding ground for toenail fungus and other fungal infections, so be sure to wear flip flops to avoid contracting them!
Dont Miss: How Long Is Nail Tech School
Also Check: What Is The Best Uv Gel Nail Polish
What Happens If I Dont Treat Toenail Fungus
According to Dr. Wagenseller, In many cases, it is not necessary to treat toenail fungus, and the condition is more often a cosmetic concern. If the appearance of your toenails is your biggest concern, you may want to forego medications that can have serious side effects. If the fungal infection is more serious and you notice a foul-smelling discharge or other signs of infection, treatment is necessary to ensure your whole body health and safety. Otherwise, determining whether or not to treat toenail fungus is really a matter of personal preference.
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
Also Check: Long Lasting Manicure At Home
What Are Possible Treatments For A Toenail Fungus
Often our patients are proactive and take over-the-counter products. However, often those medications do not solve the problem long-term. Even if you find relief from your symptoms, repeat infections are common. Thats why it is imperative to have your condition properly diagnosed by our expert podiatrist who will recommend and prescribe the besttreatment for you! Your podiatrist at Weil Foot & Ankle may suggest a combination of prescription drugs and topical approaches to solve your problem or recommend the most advanced non-invasive Lunula Laser Treatment for toenail fungus.
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.
Read Also: Where To Buy Pure Acetone For Nails
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
Podiatrist Located In West Covina Ca & Alhambra Ca
Fungal nail infections can become so severe that your nails gradually chip away and you start feeling pain. If youre noticing yellowing, brittleness, or thickening in your toenails, board-certified podiatrist Henry Tseng, DPM, provides the latest treatments at his private practice, Dr. Henry Tseng. Book your nail fungus evaluation at the West Covina or Alhambra, California, clinic locations by clicking the online booking feature or by calling either clinic.
Also Check: What Are Color Street Nails
What Symptoms Develop Due To Toenail Fungus
The first sign of a toenail fungus is a white or yellow spot that appears under the tip of your toenail. This discoloration marks the area where the fungus invaded.
As the infection spreads deeper into the toenail, the nails become thick and take on a yellow, green, or black color. Your toenail may become misshapen. Its also common for the nail to become fragile, making the edges crumble or crack.
> > > Best Toe Fungus Treatment Available
If you suspect your nails are infected with fungus, it is important to see a doctor. You should consult a doctor for treatment. A nail fungus can be treated with home remedies. Baking soda and vinegar can also help to eliminate the fungus. In some cases, you can even apply a diluted solution of one of these solutions. You should avoid touching the affected area as it may cause further complications.
Read Also: How To Stop Picking Skin Around Nails
What Tests Might Be Done
Your doctor may be able to tell that you have a fungal nail infection just by looking at your toes or your fingers. But they may do some tests to be sure.
They may decide to take a sample of your nails. The clippings can be tested to see if fungus is in them.
If you do have nail fungus, you and your doctor will decide what treatment is best for you.
Take A Full Medical History
The first step is to take a history of the problem, says podiatrist , DPM, CEO of HappyFeet LLC. In other words, I want to know how long have you had this and what previous treatment youve had. A podiatrist needs to understand the extent of the problem and any other medical factors which may influence their choice of toenail fungus treatment. A full medical history is also important because the first line of defense is usually oral medication, but this treatment can have side effects for people with underlying health issues. Make sure you reveal everythinghere are 14 things to never lie to your doctor about.
Recommended Reading: Best Pedicure St George Utah
When Do I Need To See A Podiatrist For Nail Fungus
Because nail fungus can be difficult to treat, its important to have an evaluation at the office of Dr. Henry Tseng as soon as you notice any symptoms. Common warning signs of nail fungus include:
- Thickening or brittleness
Fungal nail infections are a particularly serious concern for diabetics since poor circulation can cause the infection to progress rather quickly. In any case, before your nail fungus causes pain or makes you feel self-conscious about your nails, schedule an evaluation at the office of Dr. Henry Tseng.
