Do Dermatologists Treat Toenail Fungus

Mould Infection Of Nails

Various filamentous fungi other than dermatophytes have been isolated from abnormal nails., , Often these are casual, transient contaminants, and direct microscopic examination of nail clippings and scrapings is negative. However, certain environmental moulds that are found in soil or plant material are capable of causing nail infection, and when this is so it is important that their significance is recognized. Unlike dermatophytes, these moulds, with the exception of Neoscytalidium species, are not keratinolytic and they are generally considered to be secondary invaders rather than primary pathogens of the nail plate.

There is wide geographical variation in the causative organisms, but Scopulariopsis brevicaulis, a ubiquitous soil fungus, is the most common cause of nondermatophyte nail infection. Neoscytalidium dimidiatum has been isolated from diseased nails as well as from skin infections of the hand and foot in patients from the tropics. Other causes of nail infection include Acremonium species, Aspergillus species, Fusarium species and Onychocola canadensis.

8.8.1 Epidemiology

8.8.2 Clinical manifestations

With the exception of Neoscytalidium infection, nondermatophyte moulds occur usually as secondary invaders in nails that have previously been diseased or traumatized. This may account for the fact that these infections often affect only one nail. The toenails, especially the big toenail, are more frequently affected than the fingernails.

How Does Laser Nail Fungus Removal Work

Laser nail fungus treatment involves the use of a 1064nm wavelength laser. Depending on the type of laser, light or carbon dioxide heats the nailbed, killing fungi and any spores present.

Why does laser nail fungus removal work better than other treatment methods?

This modern solution targets infections deep within the nail bed. During treatment, you can help recovery progress by keeping your feet as dry as possible, wearing protective footwear in public showers and locker rooms, not sharing nail clippers, and paying attention to your blood sugar levels.

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:

• Tinea unguum
• tinea cruris
• Tinea capitis

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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Do Podiatrists Trim Toenails

Proper toenail care is important for healthy feet. You may or may not be able to care for your toenails at home. If you are unable to do so, a podiatrist will be able to trim your toenails properly.

• Although trimming toenails seem simple, you have no idea of how many do this the wrong way and end up damaging their toes.
• There are so many mistakes that people make while trimming their toenails. Some may cut and pick too much towards sides.
• Some might cut them too short, which will make your toenail grow into the skin.
• Too much cutting and rounding toenails can lead to ingrowing toenails, which can be excruciatingly painful. Kin.
• Some may use scissors instead of using a nail clipper. If the tools you use to cut toenails are not clean and sterile, they can introduce germs to your skin.

What Are The Treatment Options For Fungal Infections

Infections on your feet or body can be treated with a cream. Since its on the surface, you can treat it with a topical ant-fungal medication.

For fungal infections no longer isolated to a small part of the body , an oral medication is recommended to fully treat the extent of the infection.

Toenail fungus infections are best treated with oral medications. Typically, these medications are about 70% effective and require vigilance in preventing recurrence. Toenail fungus usually disappears within six to twelve months of taking the pill and then require regular cream application to keep it from returning. Using these oral medications intermittently or pulse-dosing can be a way to avoid over exposure to these oral medications.

About 95% of the fungal infections we see as dermatologists are easy to diagnose and treat. Only about 5% require oral medications for deeper infections in the skin.

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How Can Nail Fungus Be Treated

Once a nail fungus begins, it can persist indefinitely if not treated and cause permanent damage to the nail. Over-the-counter remedies are not usually successful in treating fungal nail infections. Prescription oral anti-fungals are typically required, and need to be taken for two to three months in the case of toenail infections. Fingernail infections may clear up in a shorter time. Recently, laser treatments have been found to be able to eliminate the fungus as well, usually in about six treatments.

The fungus is only cured by the regrowth of a new, healthy nail. Because nails grow slowly, this might take up to a year. In severe cases, the infected nail may need to be removed.

Here Is How A Podiatrist Will Cut And Trim Your Nails:

• Soak feet in a foot bath to make skin and nails soften. Dry feet thoroughly.
• Using sterile toenail clippers, clip the toenails. Each nail will be cut straight across. Then the sharp edges will be filed gently.
• Toenails cut properly must stay above the skin.
• Emery board or nail file will be used to smooth out the uneven edges.
• The podiatrist will make sure that you will feel no pain during the process of trimming.

There can be reasons that you cannot reach your feet to give them the proper care they need. If you are obese, pregnant, or develop pain or dizziness when bending down, you may find it difficult to trim your nails properly. The elderly may find it challenging because of poor eyesight or unsteady fingers. You may not be able to find a friend or a family member to help you with caring for your feet when necessary.

For diabetic patients, because of poor blood circulation, the nails must be trimmed with care because even a minor injury or ingrown toenails can lead to chronic non-healing ulcers and cellulitis. This may, unfortunately, lead to gangrene and end up in toe amputations. Therefore patients with diabetes are strongly advised not to trim their toenails on their own unless very competent. People with diabetes must get their routine nail care performed by a podiatrist every few weeks. If not, they can end up with life-threatening complications.

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When To See A Podiatrist About Nail Fungus

When to See a Podiatrist About Nail Fungus

Your local podiatrist can accurately diagnose and effectively treat an incredible array of problems that affect your feet, including nail fungus. While many people think of nail fungus as a minor inconvenience or merely a cosmetic issue, it can in fact lead to serious health problems. When left untreated by your Houston podiatrist , nail fungus can lead to permanent nail damage and infections that spread beyond your feet. While its best to visit your foot doctor sooner, rather than later, you should definitely take the time to schedule an appointment if the following factors apply to you.

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Fungus Into The Bloodstream

This only happens in a serious stage of toenail fungus, people with very weak immune system and people with HIV/AIDS and Diabetes are known to face this danger. When the fungus enters the deeper skin, causing cellulitis thats when the disesase will enter the bloodstream. If you believe you are experiencing a fungal blood infect, i highly suggest you contact your doctor immediately.

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Possible Risks And Complications

A podiatry laser has no effect on healthy tissue. It targets only the infected areas. Happily, patients who undergo laser nail treatment for fungus removal should experience no discomfort during or after the treatment.

In some cases, patients have reported feeling a warming sensation or a slight pinprick.

Surgical Or Other Procedures

• Nail removal. If your nail infection is severe or extremely painful, your doctor may suggest removing your nail. A new nail will usually grow in its place. But it will come in slowly and may take as long as a year to grow back completely. Sometimes surgery is used in combination with ciclopirox to treat the nail bed.
• Laser and light-based therapies. More study is needed, but these methods alone or with medications may help your nails improve. One study tested the effectiveness of carbon-dioxide laser therapy combined with antifungal nail cream. Most of the 24 people in the study benefited from the treatment.

Laser and light-based therapies are not available everywhere, are expensive, and often are not covered by insurance.

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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.

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Laser Treatment For Toenail Fungus

At Weil Foot & Ankle Institute, we understand that many of our patients come through our doors experiencing discomfort due to toenail fungus. We are dedicated to providing our patients with the industrys leading and highest quality treatment options. We offer two patented, state-of-the-art laser treatments for toenail fungus removal.

Lunula Laser

The Erchonia Lunula Laser device is a Low-Level Laser Light that is specifically designed for treating toenail fungus. This laser uses a unique dual-diode approach to target the root causes of fungal infection and improve the bodys natural defense mechanisms. A so-called cold laser, this treatment does not cause any sensation of heat, is FDA approved, and has a proven track record of successful fungus treatment.

PinPointe FootLaser®

The PinPointe FootLaser® is a carefully designed device that uses a laser beam to go through the nail plate to eliminate the infection that causes nail deformity at its source. The laser heats and kills the germs causing the fungus without harming healthy tissue. The treatment is virtually painless, can be done in the office without anesthesia, and is extremely effective for stubborn nail fungus cases. Over 80% of patients treated with PinPointe have shown substantial improvement and most fungal nails are completely cured!

Toenail fungus is of greater concern if you have diabetes, poor circulation, or another condition which inhibits your bodys ability to fight infection.

When To See A Dermatologist About Nail Issues

Your nails offer a glimpse into your overall health. If they experience a sudden change in color, texture, or shape, you should ask a dermatologist for advice. The difference might be harmlessor it could signify an underlying problem that requires treatment.

Seeing changes to your nails isnt always a concern, but speaking with a dermatologist can ease your mind. At Arlington Dermatology, we specialize in diagnosing and treating numerous skin, hair, and nail conditions. Call us today at 847-392-5440 or set an appointment online to have your nails examined by an expert today.

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> > > 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.

How Long Does It Take For Vinegar To Kill Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus is a fungal infection of your toenail or fingernail. Though it is rarely seen in fingers, it is quite commonly seen in toes. It is also known as onychomycosis. It makes your toenail discoloured, distorted, thickened and brittle. If left untreated, it may lead to pain upon pressure. Toenail fungus is difficult to cure. Repeat episodes are quite common.

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The Most Common Types Of Nail Fungus

The most common type of nail fungus is known as distal subungual onychomycosis, and is caused by a fungi known as a dermatophyte, says Dr. Chen. It can show up on fingernails or toenails, and manifests as a yellow-ish area on the nail that can ultimately lead to splitting, crumbling, or even separation of the nail from the skin as it gets worse, she says. Its also worth noting that this is the same fungi that causes athletes foot, a fungal infection that can spread from the skin to the nail, adds Dr. Stern.

White superficial onychomycosis is the second most common it leads to white spots on the surface of the nail, which can ultimately spread to resemble a white chalky powder covering the entire nail, says Chen.

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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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Best Soak: Purely Northwest Tea Tree Oil Foot & Body Soak

• Relaxes muscles with Epsom and sea salts

• All-natural solution

• Essential oils may be potential allergens

If youre looking for an all-natural route to treat toenail fungus, then this foot soak could be for you. Not only is a foot soak a relaxing way to end your day, but the ingredients used in Purely Northwests soak include Epsom salt, sea salt, tea tree oil, and other oils. These ingredients soothe the skin while addressing foot and toenail fungus.

The combined ingredients work to dry out the fungus to prevent it from spreading. Benefits of the soak also include healing cracked feet and soothing aches.

This US-made product has no dyes or synthetic fragrances, making it a great all-natural solution. But results, depending on severity, might take longer to show when using the soak over prescription or over-the-counter treatments.

Active Ingredients: Epsom salt, Dead Sea salt, MSM, and Therapeutic-grade essential oils | Dose: Add 1.5 tablespoons of foot soak mix for every gallon of water. Mix with hands until the salt dissolved. Add additional salts for a more stronger or aromatic foot bath. Soak your feet for About 15-20 minutes. | Uses: Treats fungus all over feet eliminates food odor and aches

• Great for athletes and gym goers

• Cleanses and deodorizes

• Also treats acne, candida, and rashes

• Fragrant oils may be overwhelming

• Tea tree and lavender sooth skin

• Money back guarantee

• Results can take several weeks

• Only for toe and fingernail fungus

• Expensive

How Do Dermatologists Diagnose Nail Fungus

To find out if a patient has nail fungus, a dermatologist examines your nails and nearby skin. Its important to check the skin because the fungus can spread. You may already have a skin infection caused by fungus like athletes foot.

To get rid of the infection, you will need to treat all infected areas.

Before giving you the diagnosis, your dermatologist may also take some samples. Collecting a bit of debris from beneath a nail, trimming off part your nail, or scraping off a bit of skin can be very helpful. In a lab, these samples can be examined under a microscope to find out whats causing the problem.

Are you hiding an infected nail with nail polish?

Be sure to ask your dermatologist if you can wear nail polish while treating nail fungus.

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