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How Does A Podiatrist Treat Toenail Fungus

How To Get Rid Of Toenail Fungus

3 Things Your Podiatrist Must Treat to Get Rid of Toenail Fungus

All treatments can take up to a year to work, so you need to be consistent and commit to following the treatment plan for the long haul.

These infections are hard to treat because its difficult for medications to get into the keratin that makes up nails and the blood vessels dont connect to the nail. Many people find it hard to continue to use the medications for as long as is needed and may give up after months or even weeks.

Sometimes the nail will start to look better, but the fungus is still there. Your toenail fungus isnt cured until your doctor cant detect the fungus in your toenail clippings.

Pro Tip

There are a lot of folk remedies and over-the-counter topical treatments, but if you really want to get rid of this infection, youre probably going to need to take oral medication. Dr. Jacobsen

Does Apple Cider Vinegar Help Toenail Fungus

  • When fungus gets developed, it changes skins pH level and the skin gets more alkaline as compared to normal pH level of the skin.
  • The acid containing vinegar balances the pH level. Therefore, it stops fungus from growing further.
  • Apple cider vinegar contains anti fungal and antibacterial properties and thereby it eventually kills those bacteria and fungus which cause infection.
  • The acidic nature of the vinegar stops an infection from spreading further and if it is used repeatedly, it will ultimately kill the infection.

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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When To See A Doctor

In most cases, toenail fungus is considered a cosmetic problem. Still, it may cause serious complications for some people.

If you have diabetes, toenail fungus may lead to foot ulcers or other foot problems. According to a 2012 study, chronic toenail fungus is a significant risk factor for bacterial cellulitis of the leg.

If you have diabetes or a weakened immune system, you shouldnt use home remedies for toenail fungus. Contact your doctor for the appropriate course of action.

Do Podiatrists Cut Toenails

Toenail Fungus: How to Treat It, According to a Podiatrist ...

Podiatrists are the specialist doctors to see for patients who require specialized diagnosis and treatment for pains and conditions related to the lower legs and foot. This includes diabetic issues, bunions, Achilles tendonitis, heel spur, arthritis of the foot, and many other ankle and foot conditions. But one question we often get is whether podiatrists also help patients cut their toenails.

So can a podiatrist also help patients with their toenails? In most cases, yes they regularly assist patients with toenail care. While cutting toenails may seem like a simple matter of grooming, there are actually many patients who have problems with their toenails or feet that prevent them from cutting them without professional help.

Issues such as thickened nails, fungal nails, and ingrown nails can be treated by a podiatrist with proper routine nail care assistance.

Read Also: How Can I Cure Toenail Fungus

Best Ointment: Fungi Nail Anti

  • Infused with five oils for skin healing

  • Easy-to-use brush applicator

  • Only for mild infections

  • Doesn’t heal the nail plate

Fungi Nail Antifungal Ointment uses an innovative design to address multiple forms of fungal infections one can find on their feet. Its wide-tip applicator applies the appointment on larger areas of the feet, such as the soles and in-between toes. Then the smaller applicator works to get around the nail cuticles and underneath the nail.

Once applied, the maximum-strength ointment kills the fungus with the active ingredients of zinc undecylenate and undecylenic acid to help treat toenail fungus. The ointment also soothes itching and burning that can come with an infection, all while healing the skin. For best results, apply twice a day to clean, dry feet.

The ointment also soothes itching and burning that can come with an infection, all while healing the skin. For best results, apply twice a day to clean, dry feet.

Active Ingredients: Zinc undecylenate 20% and Undecylenic acid 5% | Dose: Tube and brush applicator delivers the appropriate amount. Apply thin layer on affected area twice daily or as directed by a doctor. | Uses: Treats and prevents fungal infections fights athletes foot and ringworm

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What Kills Nail Fungus Fast

These drugs are often the first choice because they clear the infection more quickly than do topical drugs. Options include terbinafine and itraconazole . These drugs help a new nail grow free of infection, slowly replacing the infected part. You typically take this type of drug for six to 12 weeks.

Which Laser Therapy Device Is Best

The Best Treatment for Toenail Fungus, According to a Podiatrist

We swear by our non-thermal cold laser device in treating toenail fungus in our practice. Its called Lunula Laser and its made by Erchonia. Its the first of its kind and the only non-thermal cold laser device to get FDA market clearance to treat onychomycosis.

This is likely thanks to its three successful clinical trials that ensure safety and effectiveness.

Whats so special about this laser? Besides the fact that its safe and effective, we love that it uses a low-level laser wavelength. Thanks to this type of cold laser, theres no discomfort or searing heat pain during treatment like with some of the other laser devices. The treatment also encompasses your entire foot. It requires no operator, so man-made errors are eliminated unlike with other lasers on the market.

The laser doesnt emit smoke fumes and 89% of patients have a positive response to the treatment.

Also, we love that this device is made in the United States.

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What Is The Treatment Like For Laser Therapy

If you come to our Premier Podiatry and get our non-thermal cold laser therapy, youll start with a nail fungus evaluation to determine if you have onychomycosis and what the best course of treatment is.

The treatments are done in our office, which makes it easy for you. The treatment lasts about 12 minutes and is pain-free.

And theres no downtime. Well laser your fungus and youll get up and leave as nothing happened. Typically, youll come in for four treatments. But it depends on you and what your podiatrist recommends.

The laser destroys the fungus but the effects it had on your nail dont go away until the new nail grows in and pushes it off the nail bed so it can be cut off like you would when you trim your nails. It usually takes six to 12 months for a full new nail to grow in.

In addition to treatment, you can get basic care techniques from your podiatrist to keep fungus at bay going forward.

Are There Different Types Of Toenail Fungus

Yeast infection: The yeast Candida albicans can cause toenail infection. This one is relatively rare as it mostly occurs in children with a genetic disorder of the immune system in which an extensive Candida infection affects the scalp, mouth, torso, and nails.

White islands: An extremely common infection , this is a superficial toenail fungus that can spread to the nail bed in which cloudy white islands are developed on the nail.

Distal toenail infection: The most common cause for toenail infection is when the tip of the nail lifts from the nail bed, allowing fungus to enter the tissue. This can be caused simply by wearing shoes that are too tight and is called distal subungual onychomycosis.

Proximal toenail infection: Often seen in people with conditions that affect the immune system, sometimes the fungus can enter the nail bed from the cuticle area.

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What Is The Outcome For Someone Who Has Nail Fungus

With treatment, many people can get rid of nail fungus. Even when the fungus clears, your nail may look unhealthy until the infected nail grows out. A fingernail grows out in 4 to 6 months and a toenail in 12 to 18 months.

To clear the fungus, its important to:

  • Use the treatment exactly as prescribed

  • Apply the medicine for as long as prescribed

  • Keep all follow-up appointments with your dermatologist

Nail fungus can be stubborn. If you had a severe infection, its possible to clear the infection. A healthy looking nail, however, may be unrealistic, but you can expect the nail to look better and feel more comfortable.

Even with clearing, nail fungus can return. Youll find steps to reduce your risk in Tips: 12 ways to prevent another nail infection.

ImageGetty Images

ReferenceGold LFS and Rosen T. Onychomycosis: Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies. Dermatology News . March 2016:2-15.

Direct Application Of Apple Cider Vinegar For Nail Fungus

Toenail Fungus Treatment and Fungal Nail

This process can be used after soaking or anytime in a day. When ACV is undiluted, it provides more effective results. So try not to dilute ACV for toenail fungus, but if you cant stand direct ACV application, you can dilute it with few drops of water.

  • Pour few drops of apple cider vinegar directly on the infected nail.
  • Let it dry completely.
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    Essential Oils And Ozonized Oils

    Tea tree oil has anti-fungal and antiseptic properties. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health cites some small-scale clinical studies suggesting that tea tree oil might be an effective home remedy for toenail fungus. Plus, these are the best essential oils for combating foot odor.

    Oils such as olive oil and sunflower oil contain ozone gas. A small study published in the Brazilian Journal of Microbiology in 2011 showed that small doses of this kind of ozone, applied over a short period, can eliminate fungus in rabbits. A different study, conducted at the National Center for Scientific Research, Cuba, found that sunflower oil was more effective than the prescription drug Xolegel in treating foot fungus.

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    Treatment Of Toenail Fungus

    If you do develop toenail fungus, especially if the infection has become painful, visit our office. People with a chronic illness like diabetes should always see a podiatrist if they notice any changes in their nails, as it may be an indication of a more serious issue.

    To eliminate the fungus, a podiatrist may remove as much of the infected nail as possible by trimming, filing or dissolving it. Oral or topical antifungal medications may also be prescribed to treat the infection. Laser treatment options are also sometimes available.

    Its only for severe, chronic infections that surgical removal of the nail might be recommended. Our office can help diagnose the cause of your toenail troubles, and make the best recommendation for treatment.

    Characterized by thick, unsightly, discolored nails, fungus-infected toenails can be irritating, embarrassing and painful. For years, the only treatments available for toenail fungus were topical and oral medications or removal of the nail. Typically, the medications were largely ineffective and removal of the nail plate was painful and debilitating.

    What The Experts Say

    How Do You Treat Toenail Fungus? Part 2

    The most common presentation of toenail fungus is a white/yellow discoloration of the nail that is thick and filled with yellow/white keratin debris. The more severe the toenail fungus, the thicker the nail, and the more nails involved makes it that much harder to treat the nails even with effective therapies.”Orit Markowitz, MD, founder and CEO of OptiSkin treatment center in New York City.

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    Avoiding Irritating Toenail Fungus

    Prevention is key to avoiding a fungal infection. The following tips can help you avoid toenail fungus.

    • Practice good hygiene and inspect feet and toes regularly
    • Try not to injure your nail by cutting it too short, as trauma to the nail may lead to infection
    • Wear moisture wicking socks
    • Wear dry, proper-fitting shoes that allow air to circulate around your feet
    • Wear shower sandals when you are at a public pool or shower

    Left untreated, a fungal infection can spread to other toenails, the skin on the feet and even the fingernails. Severe cases can impair one’s ability to walk or lead to painful ingrown toenails. It’s important to seek care when you notice signs of infection.

    If you’re ready to eliminate your toenail fungus, contact our office and learn more about the new PinPointe FootLaser. We can evaluate your fungal infection and make recommendations for best treating and eradicating your toenail fungus once and for all.

    Cover The Affected Area In Oregano Oil

    Believe it or not, the tasty herb can also work wonders for treating toenail fungus at home. According to a 2020 study published in the Journal of Skin Appendage Disorders, researchers found that oreganos antibacterial properties are able to inhibit fungal growth in nails when included in an essential oil blend.

    While the effectiveness of oregano oil has only been known anecdotally, thymola common component of oregano oilhas been reviewed to be an effective antibacterial and antifungal agent, Hayag says. People with toenail fungus can apply the product to affected areas twice daily and can expect no improvement, partial improvement, or complete improvement of their toenail fungus after using oregano oil. That said, she mentioned that oregano oil is quite potent and can cause an adverse reaction if you have particularly sensitive skin. For this reason, she recommends starting with a patch test. Additionally, to prevent an adverse reaction, consider mixing oregano oil with a carrier oil, such as olive or avocado oils, to dilute its potency.

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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.

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    Dr. Hull:

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    Dr. Hull:

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    What Toenail Fungus Treatment Is Available

    Fungal toenail treatment

    So youre wondering how to treat toenail fungus. Until relatively recently, toenail fungus treatment has been limited to topical anti-fungal creams/nail lacquer and oral medication. Theyve had some success but come with many downsides.

    The antifungal cream/lacquer has the lowest success rate. Unless you have mild toenail fungus, it will likely not be able to reach the infection in or under the nail. Prescribed oral medications work better but have medical risks and react with other prescription drugs.

    Side effects may include elevated liver enzymes that can lead to liver failure, headaches, stomach discomfort, loss of taste, and lupus-like symptoms.

    Both topicals and oral meds require long-term applications and topicals can get quite expensive. Topical antifungals can take up to a year to show results. With oral medication, you may need to take up to a four-month course.

    Another treatment option is to have your entire nail surgically removed. This, however, hasnt proven to be successful.

    Since these treatments are lacking, people began looking for toenail fungus alternative treatments. Enter laser therapy. Studies show its success in clearing fungal infection and so it was FDA cleared and began to be a top-pick in treating toenail fungus.

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    Your Options For Treating Toenail Fungus

    If you think you may have toenail fungus, you should see a podiatrist or dermatologist, who will send a specimen or a piece of your nail to a lab. Different types of fungus are treated slightly differently, so its important to know which type you have, says Sundling.

    Also, sometimes the root of the problem is not a fungus at all, but rather another condition, or some kind of trauma to the nail bed for instance, if you dropped something on your toe. There is no treatment for toenail trauma, but removing the nail may be an option if the nail is painful.

    If you do have a toenail fungus, your doctor will likely recommend one or more of the following treatment options:

    When Do Podiatrists Help With Toenails

    So when might it be a time to get professional podiatry help for your toenails? If your toenails are healthy and in good condition but you dont like cutting them on your own, then you might be better off asking a friend or relative for help, or visiting a pedicurist.

    However, if you have any condition making it difficult to deal with your nails, then a visit to your nearest podiatry clinic is definitely recommended. Here are some common nail conditions that require podiatry care:

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