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What Doctor Treats Toenail Fungus

What Tests Might Be Done

Doctor explains toe nail fungus treatment

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.

What Does A Podiatrist Specialize In

A doctor of podiatric medicine is uniquely qualified to treat conditions of the foot and ankle. A podiatrist can further specialize in surgery, pediatrics, geriatrics, sports medicine, and biomechanics. The training to become a podiatrist includes a four-year college degree, four years of podiatry school, and a three-year residency.

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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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Avoid Risk Of Infection

A fungus that starts on your toenail can spread to other areas of the body, causing additional complications. If you notice the skin around your toe on your foot becoming red, itchy, and cracked, this can be a sign of an athlete’s foot, which also requires treatment. In severe cases, the spread of bacteria from untreated toenail fungus can cause cellulitis. If the skin on your foot, ankle, or lower leg becomes swollen, red, and painful to the touch, you should seek immediate medical attention to avoid a life-threatening infection that can occur in some cases of cellulitis.

How Much Is Laser Toenail Fungus Removal

Even The Doctors Are Amazed: Soak Your Feet in One of These Mixtures ...

While laser toenail fungus treatment is FDA approved, very effective, and very successful, most insurance companies, unfortunately, do not cover it.

  • See us for a no-obligation consultation to see if it is the right choice for you, as there are numerous options for toenail fungus treatment.
  • See a toenail specialist like a podiatrist to see if this is the best option for you!

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Treatment Options For Nail Fungus

Interviewer:

Interviewer:

Dr. Hull:

Most of my conversation is usually discussing medical therapy, so things that are available by prescription only. And those come in two main forms, which are topical antifungal medications, and then oral antifungal medications. There are other surgical or procedural options, so you can remove nails as well. And then theres starting to be more interest in technologies like lasers for nail fungus.

Interviewer:

Toenail Fungus Or Onychomycosis Is An Infection Caused By Dermatophytes And Yeast

The infection can be exacerbated, or become chronic, due to a variety of factors, including repetitive trauma to the toes, re-exposure to an infection, genetics, reduced circulation to the feet, or a compromised immune system. The Integrative Nail Fungus program aims to identify, and treat, all of these factors.

Applications

The Integrative Nail Fungus Program is utilized to treat nail fungus , and may also be helpful for chronic Athletes foot infections.

Health Benefits

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How To Prepare To See Your Doctor

  • List any symptoms, even ones that you feel are not likely related to your nail condition. This can affect your doctors treatment choices.
  • List any medications that you are currently taking. Some nail fungus treatments may have interactions with other drugs. List any allergies or other personal information that may be relevant.
  • Inform the doctor of any other health problems that you have. Conditions like cancer, diabetes and psoriasis can make you more vulnerable to infection or could make certain treatment options not good for you.

See A Podiatrist For Toenail Fungus Treatment

The Best Treatment for Toenail Fungus, According to a Podiatrist

If youre uncomfortable with the appearance of your toes, make an appointment with a podiatrist. Professional, modern treatment methods are more effective at clearing up fungal infections than over the counter and home remedies.

Tackling a fungal infection on your own could be difficult and frustrating. Over-the-counter creams are often not strong enough to treat infections appropriately, and more complex treatments arent available for consumer use. The toenail fungus doctors, or podiatrists, at Arizona Foot Doctors are qualified to deal with many foot and ankle issues, including toenail fungus, and are dedicated to making you feel confident and comfortable throughout the treatment process.

After a gentle evaluation, our podiatrists will prescribe the most appropriate treatment for your situation, identify any underlying causes, and help you avoid future infections.

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Causes Of Toenail Fungus

Our feet come into contact with so many microorganisms, including fungi. Your toenails are especially susceptible around damp areas where youre likely to be barefoot, including pools, showers, lakes, rivers, and locker rooms. Fungus working its way under the nailbed in these conditions is a common cause of toenail fungus issues.

Injured toenails are another cause of toenail fungus. If your nail bed is injured, whether you stub your toe or have too much pressure against the nails from shoes, it can lead to an infection.

Finally, those who suffer from chronic diseases are more susceptible to toenail fungus. This includes diabetics, immunocompromised individuals, and those with poor circulation. All of these illnesses make the feet more prone to fungal infections.

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Foot Fungus: Causes And Risk Factors

A foot fungus is a fungal infection of the skin, better known as athletes foot, says Sundling. The fungus enters through cracks in the skin. Its known as athletes foot because athletes or anyone who is more active and sweats a lot is more at risk. Kids are also more at risk, because they dont tend to wear different shoes, and changing your shoes is one way to avoid foot fungus.

Foot fungus is very common. It does not mean that someone is dirty or didnt bathe, and if you have a compromised immune system, you may be more susceptible, says Sundling.

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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.

How Can You Recognize Toenail Fungus

Podology treatment. Podiatrist treating toenail fungus. Doctor removes ...

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.

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How Is Nail Fungus Treated

Dr. Harris carefully evaluates your nails and may even take a nail sample to help identify which type of fungus is causing your infection. In about 75% of nail fungus cases, men and women only need clinical-grade topical medications to treat a nail fungus infection. You may also need oral antifungal medications, or medicated nail polish for optimal improvement.

If the fungal infection has deeply impacted your nail bed and your nail has started to pull away from your skin, Dr. Harris could need to surgically remove the affected part of your nail. This allows him to apply the antifungal medication directly to the sensitive tissue right underneath your nail.

In rare cases, medications dont help resolve fungal nail infections. If this is the case, or if your fungal infection continues coming back, Dr. Harris may suggest permanent nail removal. This in-office procedure involves numbing your toe thoroughly, gently removing your nail, and treating the underlying tissue often with a medical laser to prevent regrowth.

You can get started on a lasting nail fungus treatment at Flower Mound Foot and Ankle Center right away. Schedule your visit either online or over the phone.

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.

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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.

Interviewer:

What Is The Most Effective Treatment For Toenail Fungus

How to Cure 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.

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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.

Pros Of Laser For Toenail Fungus Treatment:

  • Safe, painless treatment, so anesthesia is not required.
  • No recovery time, walk-in, and walkout.
  • The procedure usually requires only 15 minutes on both feet if all 10 nails are to be treated.
  • No side effects of drugs are required.
  • No liver enzyme tests are required.
  • It is 85% 90% effective.
  • One laser treatment session is enough to eliminate the infection in 90% of cases. The remaining 10% may need 2 or 3 more sessions.
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    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.

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    What Is A Fungal Infection

    CureCeuticals

    There are two broad categories of fungal infections:

  • Relatively innocuous fungal infections that live on the skin, hair, and nails
  • Potentially more dangerous fungal infections that invade deeper structures of the skin or organs in the body called deep 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.

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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.

    Who Gets Toenail Fungus

    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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    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.

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    What are the Best Treatments for Fungal Toenails – Seattle Podiatrist Larry Huppin

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