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
What Is The Most Effective Treatment For Toenail Fungus
The most effective toenail fungus treatment for you will largely depend on your symptoms and situation. Your provider will consider several factors before recommending a treatment plan thats customized to you.
Overall, oral antifungal medications may offer the most treatment potential. Pairing oral drugs with topical antifungal medication may make treatment more effective.
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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What Causes Infections In Ingrown Toenails
Fungi and bacteria such as Pseudomonas, Candida, Staphylococcus, Trichophyton, and Dermatophytes like breeding in moist and warm feet surroundings. In case an ingrown nail breaks the skin, these bacteria invade the area and cause an infection.An infected ingrown toenail is medically referred to as paronychia. Treating it is very important to have health feet and toenails. Moreover, if an infected ingrown toenail is ignored and not treated chronic pain, cellulitis, bone infection, and disfigurement will be the result.
What Are The Symptoms
A nail with a fungal infection may:
- Turn yellow or white.
- Get thicker.
- Crumble and split, and it may separate from the skin.
When you have a fungal nail infection, it can be uncomfortable or even painful to wear shoes, walk, or stand for a long time. The fungus could also spread to other nails or your skin. Over time, the infection can cause permanent damage to your nail or nail bed.
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What Are The Likely Complications Of An Ingrown Toenail Surgery
Complications from an ingrown toenail surgery are very rare, but they can take place. Such complications include; a wound that heals slowly, infection after the surgery, recurrence of the problem, and prolonged tenderness.If you ignore the proper wound care as directed by your doctor then you are at risk of having complications with your wound. The good thing is that these complications can easily be managed. Prescribed antibiotics can deal with the infections.
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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Possible Causes Of Toenail Fungus
First off, how did we get to this point? What might have started with a little yellowing has turned into a full-on fungus. And you really just dont know what to do because youre not certain what caused it in the first place.
The truth of the matter here isit could have been caused by a whole number of thingspoor circulation, diabetes, psoriasis, environmental factors like keeping your feet in water too long or being in a locker room that is hot and humid most of the time, etc. The reason behind your toenail fungus could also be a combination of all these things. A fungal infection can spread and get much worse than it already is. If youre starting to see or feel these symptomsyou might want to consider going to a doctor:
Signs And Symptoms Of Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus starts as a white or yellow spot at the tip of the nail, which then spreads backwards into the nail. The more the infection spreads, the more discolored the nail can become.
The nail will get thicker, and begin to flake and crumble at the edges, becoming ragged and distorting in shape. It will also become darker as debris builds up under the nail, and will start emanating a slightly foul smell. The greater these symptoms, the worse your case.
These infections can range from simple discoloration to mild irritation, to severe and painful. They can be contained in a single nail, or they can spread to the surrounding ones as well.
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Mayo Clinic Q And A: Treatment For Toenail Fungus Isnt Always Necessary
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I am in my late 50s, and a few of my toenails have turned a yellowish color and seem to have thickened. Is this something I should be concerned about? Is there anything I can do to fix this?
ANSWER: What youre likely experiencing is a fungal nail infection. Fungal nail infections are common, especially among older adults. As nail growth slows with age, its easier for fungus to establish in the nail bed. Treatments are available, although they may take some vigilance and are not always necessary.
Toenail fungus usually is caused by a microscopic organism called dermatophyte fungus. It often begins as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your toenail. But as the infection goes deeper, nail fungus may cause your nail to discolor, thicken and crumble at the edge. These fungal infections are more likely to happen in your toenails than in your fingernails because toenails often are confined in a dark, warm, moist environment, where fungi can thrive. Toes also have less blood flow than fingers, making it harder for your bodys immune system to detect and stop the infection. But it is possible for fingernails to be affected.
The older you are, the more likely you are to get toenailfungus. Thats because as you age, your immune system changes. Inaddition, your nails become more brittle and drier over time, creating morecracks where fungus can live.
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What Tests Might I Have For Toenail Fungus
Your provider will probably take a small sample from underneath your nail to further analyze it. Viewing the cells under a microscope can confirm a toenail fungus diagnosis. If the initial test is negative, a scraping can be sent to see if the fungus grows out in a culture. It also helps your provider identify the type of fungus.
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How Can I Take Good Care Of My Nails
Poor nail care can cause nail problems. To keep your nails healthy, dermatologists recommend the following:
- Keep your nails clean and dry. This helps prevent nail infections. Wear breathable socks, and use flip-flops at public pools, gyms, locker rooms and
- Cut your toenails and fingernails straight across, rounding slightly in the center. This keeps your nails
strong and helps prevent ingrown toenails.
- Keep your toenails short. This minimizes the risk of nail
- If your toenails are thick and difficult to cut, soak your feet in warm salt water for five to 10 minutes. After drying your feet, apply a cream that contains urea or lactic acid to soften the skin and
- Smooth rough edges with an emery board. This helps prevent nails from snagging, reducing your risk of nail injury. To avoid an infection, do not share emery boards. If you visit a nail salon, make sure the equipment is sterilized.
- Avoid biting your nails. Nail biting can not only ruin the look of your nails, but also damage the skin around your
nails, increasing the risk of infection. Avoiding the temptation to bite your nails is especially important if you have or are prone to nail disease. To help patients stop nail biting, dermatologists often recommend applying a bad-tasting nail polish. Behavioral therapy also may help break this habit.
problem, see your dermatologist.
When To Seek Medical Help For An Ingrown Toenail
Its important to treat your ingrown toenail. If left untreated, ingrown toenails become infected and can fester. Not only does this create significant pain and swelling, but it can lead to severe complications, including a bone infection and gangrene.
To prevent these complications, were here to tell you when you should call the office for an appointment. Your ingrown toenail needs professional medical attention when:
- Your ingrown toenail doesnt start to improve after two to three days of at-home treatments
- The pain from your toenail becomes significantly worse
- Redness spreads away from the toe
- The ingrown toenail begins to pus
- Youre a diabetic or have neuropathy in your feet from another condition
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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 half–inch 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.
Do Podiatrists Treat Toenail Fungus
Diagnosis and Treatment
Your podiatrist can detect a fungal infection early, perform a lab test, determine the cause, and form a suitable treatment plan, which may include prescribing topical or oral medication, and debridement of an infected nail.
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Which Medical Treatments Can Help My Toenail Fungus
Oral antifungal drugs help clear the infection from inside the body, allowing healthy nail growth to replace infected sections. You usually take the pills for six to 12 weeks and see the final result after four months or more.
Medicated nail polish is another option for toenail fungus. You paint layers of medication on your toe for a week and then clean the accumulated medication and start over. This treatment may take a year of daily application to see results.
Dr. Yamini can also prescribe a medicated cream that you apply to the nail after softening it with water, a file, or urea lotion. If your nails dont respond to medication, Dr. Yamini can remove diseased portions of the nail and apply an antifungal medication directly to the infected area.
Since treatment correlates with the slow rate at which toenails grow, its important to be patient and consistent with your treatment. No matter how you treat your toenail fungus, reinfection is always a possibility. Check in with Dr. Yamini as soon as you can if you notice the fungus returning.
If your toenail fungus bothers you and hasnt responded to at-home treatments, contact Dr. Yamini online or over the phone.
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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When To See A Doctor
It’s 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.
Choose The Best Shoes
As long as your feet as well as socks stay enclosed in difficult, hot footwear, fungi prospers.
If you use them, ensure theyre not also constricted and that you have adequate area for your feet. Leather is a good material for shoes.
To maintain your feet completely dry and also comfy, select socks made from synthetic fibers rather than cotton or woollen. There is a process called wicking.
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Prevention Of Ingrown Toenails
To prevent ingrown toenails, you ought to properly trim the toenails. You should cut the nails straight across. Ensure the nail is slightly longer than the skin edge so as not to dig into the skin. Short and rounded toenails are a risk. To be safe, you should also avoid shoes that are tight on your feet and always keep your feet clean and dry.
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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How Long Does It Take For Vinegar To Kill Toenail Fungus
The antifungal properties also make vinegar soaks a good idea for people who have toenail fungus. Soak your feet for 10 to 15 minutes daily in a vinegar bath until the infection subsides. You can increase the length of time in the soak gradually. It may take two to three weeks or longer to see improvement in symptoms.
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.
- Book Online
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What Are The Symptoms Of An Injured Nail
A fine red to reddish-brown vertical line under your nail may be caused by an injury with bleeding under the nail. This is known as a splinter hemorrhage. Some medicines and medical conditions can also cause reddish lines to appear on the nails, so see a board-certified dermatologist if you notice a new red line.
Minor nail injuries commonly result in small white spots. They typically disappear on their own as the nail grows out and do not require treatment. You should, however, see your dermatologist if you see many white spots and do not remember injuring your nail, or if the white spots do not grow out. This could mean you have an infection or another medical condition.
