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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The Doctors are excited to learn about a new laser treatment for toenail fungus. Dermatologist Dr. Glynis Ablon is with her patient Linda and explains how the procedure works.
Toenail fungus can be caused by a bad pedicure, walking barefoot, or just occur as someone ages. 10% of all Americans have it and as you age it gets more prevalent.
Fungal Nail Infection Causes
A fungal nail infection is caused by an overgrowth of fungi. These fungi fall into three categories:
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Dermatophytes
These cause most cases of toenail fungus infections and also cause athletes foot, which can spread from person to person.
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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.
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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
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What Can Be Done To Prevent Toenail Fungus
To prevent toenail fungus, you can practice healthy foot and nail care. Inspect your nails and feet often for symptoms of a fungal infection, and use clean instruments for cutting and shaping nails.
Wear dry, clean socks, and use a quality talc-based powder in shoes, especially if you have excessively sweaty feet. Avoid wearing socks made of cotton or wool, as they tend to hold moisture, which encourages the growth of fungus.
Finally, if you think you may have a fungal infection, see your podiatrist at The Foot Doctors of Santa Cruz County for expert diagnosis and a cure.
For treatment of your toenail fungus, call or book an appointment online today.
How Much Is Laser Toenail Fungus Removal
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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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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How Are Fungal Toenails Treated
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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Types Of Toenail Fungus With Pictures
There are four different types of toenail fungus, each with its own symptoms and treatment options. Deciding which type of toenail fungus you have is easier if you know what to look for. These pictures act as a visual guide.
The most common type is distal subungual Onychomycosis, which accounts for as many as 85% of cases. The fungus is easy to distinguish because it causes thick, discolored nails, scaling underneath of it, and nails that easily crumble.
Onychomycosis, better known as toenail fungus, is a common ailment that affects millions of people every year. Characterized by changes in the color of the toenail, such as looking white, black, or yellow, the fungus is an infection underneath the nail that is caused by yeast or other bacteria. They attack the keratin found in your nail to survive, and if left untreated, toenail fungus can cause an embarrassing, foul-smelling odor that prevents you from wearing sandals or otherwise feeling comfortable being barefoot.
Some people suffer from white superficial Onychomycosis, which occurs when the nail turns white and begins to crumble.
People who have ailments that suppress their immune systems may suffer from proximal subungual Onychomycosis, which turns the nail white near the cuticle.
Finally, candidal Onychomycosis is a type of fungus that causes the nail to separate completely from the bed.
Toenail Fungus Treatment Complications
Here are some things to think about when deciding on a nail fungus treatment.
If you have a disease like diabetes, your doctor will make sure you treat nail fungus. This illness often makes you more likely to have other problems from minor foot issues.
You may not be able to take antifungal pills because of side effects or because they donât work well with other drugs you take. If that’s the case, try a product that goes onto your nail. Your doctor will call this a topical treatment.
Be patient. Your nails may not look “normal” after treatment. It can take as long as a year to 18 months for your nail to grow out a fungus.
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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 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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Cutera Genesis Plus Laser
There is a better way to treat toenail fungus that does not entail using harsh medicines that work in only about half of the patients. We are pleased to be now offering the new GenesisPlus laser procedure that is FDA cleared for many indications of the toes and feet. GenesisPlus is a quick and comfortable way to clear the nail without drug therapy. Clear nail growth can be observed following 1-2 fifteen minute laser treatments. In addition, the GenesisPlus is effectively used in scar revision and correction, warts, and collagen remodeling under the skin.
Toenail fungus often occurs in adults and can be contracted in many different ways including pedicures by others, nail injuries, or even wearing closed-in footwear. However contracted, usually you will notice brittleness, discoloration, and thickening of the nail including change of shape. If left untreated it can permanently damage the nail and spread to surrounding nails and skin.
Over-the-counter creams and ointments generally do not help in the fight of toenail fungus. Medicines for toenail fungus need about 2-3 months to treat this condition and are only successful in about 50% of the patients. Even if your healthcare provider removes the nail it may take over year for the toenail to grow back.
Are the laser treatments covered by insurance?Most cosmetic laser treatments are not covered by insurances. We accept most credit cards, Visa and MasterCard as well as Care Credit.
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The Initial Causes What Kind Of Doctor To See For Nail Fungus
If you suspect that your nails are infected with fungus, it is best to consult your doctor and get a diagnosis. Your doctor will ask you about the symptoms and conduct a thorough examination of your nails. A biopsy is required to determine the cause of the infection. Various types of fungus are found in the skin, including the toenails. Among the most common forms of nail fungus are yellow and black, with white patches surrounded by dark brown or white spots.
The infection is caused by fungus. It can spread to the skin and other parts of the body. It is very common to find a nail fungus on the foot in elderly people, and it is often not treated until the condition gets worse. The disease can even be spread to the skin. The afflicted person should see a doctor immediately if they notice any changes in the color of his or her nails.
Nail fungus can occur in the toenails. The infection occurs due to a variety of factors, including excessive moisture, soaking your hands in water, and a lack of hygiene. If the afflicted person is prone to infection, the fungus will grow in the toenails and may spread to other parts of the body. Consequently, it is essential to prevent the nail fungus from spreading to the skin
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What Are The Treatments For Black Toenail
Fungal infections of the toes are relatively treatable at home when caught early. Over-the-counter ointments, creams, and polishes are usually effective. Severe cases may require a prescription antifungal treatment.
If a black toenail is caused by an injury, the resulting spot from broken blood vessels will disappear once your nail grows out.
Black toenail caused by trauma from an injury usually resolves on its own without treatment. However, if your toenail grows out and it still appears black, then the symptoms might be related to another underlying cause.
Toenail discoloration related to diabetes and other health conditions requires treatment for the underlying causes.
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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 athletes 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 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.
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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.
Can I Wear Nail Polish If I Have Toenail Fungus
You may feel tempted to cover up a discolored toenail with nail polish. If you are using a topical antifungal, you probably should not use polish. Some providers may tell you not to wear it in any case. Polish traps in moisture from the nailbed . Because fungi thrive in moist environments, wearing nail polish may make a fungal infection worse. However, the nail continues to grow with or without polish.
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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.
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:
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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.
What Are Treatments For Toenail Fungus
Do you need to treat your nail fungus? Maybe it doesn’t hurt, and the yellow, thick nails don’t bother you.
But nail fungus doesn’t go away by itself. And if you don’t treat it, there’s a chance it could get worse. It could spread to other nails or through your body. It could cause pain when you walk.
There are a number of ways to take care of it, including:
Nonprescription options. You can buy antifungal creams, gels, and nail polish at the store and online without a prescription. You might want to try one of them first if the infection doesn’t look bad. Some people also swear by home remedies like menthol rub, tea tree oil, mouthwash, or snakeroot extract — but studies show mixed results.
Prescription polish and creams. Your foot doctor will likely trim your nail and file away its dead layers. They may also take a piece of your nail and send it to the lab to make sure itâs really a fungus and to find out what type it is.
The doctor might suggest an antifungal drug that you paint on your nails. This may work on its own, or they may suggest you take it with antifungal pills.
Prescription medications. One of several antifungal pills may help. They work, but it may take many months to do the job. They also come with side effects like nausea, vomiting, and headaches. They may cause liver damage too, so your doctor will watch you closely while you take them. Be sure to tell them about any other meds youâre taking — some antifungal pills might not work well with them.
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