Should You See A Podiatrist For Toenail Fungus

June 29, 2022

5

How To Use Bleach For Nail Fungus

Trust The Process: Treating and Eliminating Toenail Fungus

There are many methods of using bleach for nail fungus, but they are all very harsh. It is recommended that you do not use bleach if you have any broken skin at the site of where your toenail fungus used to be.

It is also recommended that if your feet are wet or moist before putting on your socks, wait until they are dry to put on socks.

With that being said, here are the various ways you can use bleach for nail fungus.

Recommended Reading: Will Tea Tree Oil Get Rid Of Toenail Fungus

How 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

When To See A Bethesda Md Or Springfield Va Podiatrist

If you try several of these remedies and see no results, its time to see a podiatrist. Toenail fungus is notoriously stubborn, so dont be too surprised if home remedies dont quite work. It can also take quite a long time for these home remedies to work because you have to continue doing them consistently until the new nail has fully grown out.

If youve tried the homeopathic route and arent satisfied with the results, you can always come see Bethesda, MD & Springfield, VA Podiatrist, Dr. Paul Ross! If you have moderate to severe foot fungus, it is recommended that you see a doctor anyway because there can be complications if the infection is left untreated. Call us at . We offer same day appointments if you dont want to wait.

The Podiatry Centers treat all medical and surgical foot and ankle conditions. Licensed Bethesda, MD Podiatrist, Dr. Paul Ross can help bring you foot and ankle pain relief.

Our Bethesda, Maryland and Springfield, Virginia Podiatry offices offer the most effective and state-of-the-art, quality podiatry care services with a smile to patients in our local community, including: Woodbridge VA, Fairfax VA, Annandale VA, Arlington VA, Alexandria VA, Burke VA, Gaithersburg MD, Potomac MD, Silver Spring MD, Rockville MD and Chevy Chase MD.

Return to a pain-free life and get back to the things you love!

When You Should See A Chiropodist Or Podiatrist For Your Nails

One of the most common services chiropodists provide for the foot, is nail care. Toenails, unlike their finger counterparts, can easily be overlooked and eventually cause certain foot conditions that require treatment. Frequently seen toenail problems include ingrown nails, fungal nails, and thickened nails. Nail care is also provided as a routine service for patients with diabetes or other difficulty maintaining the nails by themselves.

Ingrown toenails:

Ingrown nails occur when the side of a toenail begins to push on the adjacent skin. It can start as simple pressure, and if it is not addressed, it can actually puncture the skin and cause a wound that can easily become infected. For some people this can be a chronic problem. Risk factors include improperly fitting footwear , sports or other repetitive activity, or simply damage from injury. Sometimes even the way the nail grows can increase riskpeople with naturally more involuted or curved nails are more likely to experience ingrown toenails.

It is recommended to consult a chiropodist or podiatrist if prolonged pressure or pain starts to present with the side of the toenails. Your chiropodist has special tools that can properly cut and remove the offending nail, and shape and file it to prevent recurrence of the ingrown nail. Early management is crucial for preventing more serious infection and pain. With more chronic cases, your chiropodist or podiatrist can discuss further treatment options.

Fungal nails:

Diabetes:

What Is Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus is an infection that gets in through cracks in your nail or cuts in your skin. It can make your toenail change color or get thicker. It can also hurt. Because toes are often warm and damp, fungus grows well there. Different kinds of fungi and sometimes yeast affect different parts of the nail. Left untreated, an infection could spread to other toenails, skin, or even your fingernails.

Recommended Reading: How Do I Get Rid Of Toenail Fungus For Good

What Are The Risks Of Leaving Toenail Fungus Untreated

Some of the risk factors include:

Thick, misshapen toenails that cause pain when walking or wearing shoes.
Spread of the fungus, resulting in athletes foot, or to the genitals, resulting in jock itch.
Widespread infection resulting in cellulitis, which is a risk especially for individuals with a compromised immune system.
Avulsion or loss of nails if the infection isnt treated or doesnt get better.

When To Call A Doctor For Severe Nail Fungal Infection

Nail fungal infections can be treated without going to the doctor. They can be successfully and easily cured with over-the-counter medications. Many topical ointments, though, get a bad rap because they are thought to be ineffective in treating nail fungus. However, newer topical solutions that have 10% undecylenic acid and nail-penetrating essential oils are proven to provide effective, safe, and fast cure.

For severe cases of nail fungal infections, its best to see a doctor for best possible treatments. These include worst case scenarios of onychomycosis, in which patients deal with discomfort or increased pain and swelling, other infections, red streaks extending from the area, discharge of pus, and fever with no other cause.

Its also best to go to a doctor if the fungal infection appears to be spreading to the surrounding skin. Other people also seek a doctors advice even if their nail condition is a moderate case because the appearance of the infected nail bothers them.

A general practitioner may be able to handle nail fungal infection cases. However, it is recommended to seek a dermatologist to pinpoint the problem. A dermatologist can give proper diagnosis on skin and nail conditions, and therefore will be able to identify the fungal infection and what type it is.

Recommended Reading: How To Get Rid Of A Foot Fungus Fast

Symptoms Of Toenail Fungus

There are various symptoms to watch out for when you are trying to self-diagnose toenail fungus. These symptoms can include:

The toenail becoming brittle and ragged with edges that seem to be crumbling.
A thickening of the toenail that is more than normal.
The toenail growing into a distorted shape and thickening as it grows.
When the nail turns a darker shade because of trapped dirt.
There is a foul smell coming from the nail itself.
The toenail is turning a different colorlike a yellow-brown or a white-yellow.

If you are experiencing any or more of these symptoms, it might be time to try some home remedies or treatments. You can either deal with them at home, by using over-the-counter medications like nail creams or ointments. Or you can alter the nail yourself and then add the medication. Altering the nail may include thinning it down with a file or trimming it down with a clipper or nail scissors. Being able to get to the infected parts of the nail is important when applying medicine.

Dont get to this point if you can. There are a few preventative care measures you can take right now of your nail:

You May Like: How To Clean Your Toenails Fungus

How To Cure Athletes Foot

The DC Foot Doctor Way: Toenail Dystrophy and Fungal Infection

As you battle with athletes foot, know you can fight back the infection with home remedies and over the counter-interventions. , however, is if you have diabetes or circulation problem you should see a doctor. Below are natural ways to treat athletes foot.

Soak your foot in vinegar

To treat athletes foot, soak your feet in equal portions of vinegar- you can use white or apple cider- and water for fifteen minutes at least twice in a day. Dry your feet thoroughly after each soak and moisturize with petroleum jelly.

Vinegar socks wash to kill athletes foot

Put in a cup of white vinegar to your wash loads and soak your socks for about ten minutes. Wash them thoroughly to kill any fungus present in the socks.

Air your shoes out to prevent and cure athletes foot

Let your shoes air out in the sun to kill any fungus that is inside them. It is best to intersperse shoes so that you can give them enough time to air out.

Soaking feet in bleach and vinegar

You May Like: Does Candida Cause Toenail Fungus

See A Podiatrist For Toenail Fungus Treatment

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.

Can You Prevent Toenail Fungus

If your toenail fungus is caused by something in your control , then yes. You can:

Wear shoes in public areas, especially ones that are typically wet, like pools and gyms.

Keep foot injuries clean and covered until they’re healed.

Protect your overall health by not smoking and maintaining a healthy weight.

Wear supportive and breathable shoes.

You also may see a reduction in bouts of toenail fungus by keeping your toenails consistently clean, dry, trimmed, and free of nail polish .

However, many causes of toenail fungus are caused by other conditions, like chronic illness, old age, and diabetes, and there may not be much you can do to prevent fungus in these situations. Dr. Spielfogel does recommend using preventative products if you know you’re at risk for fungal infections the Dr.’s Remedy line of nail care products, for example, includes an antifungal cuticle oil that can be used nightly to reduce the risk of fungal growth.

Also Check: Does Tea Tree Oil Treat Toenail Fungus

Diagnosis And Treatment Of Subungual Melanoma

Diagnosing and treating subungual melanoma is much more involved.

Once your doctor performs the initial assessment and determines you might have subungual melanoma, theyll commonly suggest a nail biopsy.

A nail biopsy is the primary diagnostic tool available for making a definitive diagnosis. A dermatologist or nail specialist will remove some or all of the nail for examination.

If theres a diagnosis of cancer, depending on the severity and how early it was found, treatment can include:

surgery to remove the affected nail
amputation of the knuckles of the finger or toe
amputation of the entire finger or toe

Q: How Can You Tell If You Have An Infected Ingrown Toenail

What Doctor Do You See For Toenail Fungus

A: You may have an infected ingrown toenail if there are any signs of redness, swelling, pain, and drainage, such as puss coming from the area.

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your podiatric physician immediately.
If you have toenail pain, then this may be a sign as well. It is never normal to have toenail pain.
If you have toenail redness or toenail swelling, then this is never normal.

Don’t Miss: What To Buy For Toenail Fungus

Can I Treat My Toenail Fungus At Home

If your toenail fungus isnt severe and you dont have a serious condition such as diabetes, HIV/AIDS, or other immune deficiency, then you can attempt several home treatment options before choosing to call a podiatrist in Bethesda, MD or podiatrist in Springfield, VA if it doesnt clear up. If your problem persists, however, or even gets worse, its time to consult a podiatrist.

If You Arent Sure Of The Diagnosis

If a podiatrist has never diagnosed you with nail fungus before, you may be incorrectly self-diagnosing your condition. There are many foot and nail conditions that can mimic the abnormalities associated with nail fungus, such as onycholysis, a hematoma under the nail, psoriasis, and paronychia. By scheduling an appointment with a foot and ankle specialist, you can be sure that youre getting the right treatment for your specific condition.

Also Check: Does Medicare Cover Toenail Fungus Treatment

How And Why Do You Get This Fungal Infection In The First Place

Were all exposed to plenty of fungi and often nothing happens. Thats thanks to our immune systems. But if something weakens our immune systems or gives them an extra run for their money, the fungi may win.

So, a compromised or weakened immune system of any kind is often the culprit and increases your risk of getting a fungal toenail infection. A diabetic or someone whose blood flow to the feet is compromised, for example, weakens your bodys ability to do its thing in your toenails. An injury to the toenail can also make it tougher for your body to fight off fungi.

Men tend to get toenail fungus more than women. Its also seen more in older people if their immune system weakens. If you smoke, youre at a higher risk.

If someone in your family has it or someone you come into contact with a lot does, youre usually at a higher risk too.

Read Also: Will Uv Light Kill Fungus

Do Oral Medications Help

Fungal Toenails, Thick Calluses: She Found Me on YouTube (New Patient)

Taking a course of oral antifungal medication is likely your best treatment option. Like topical treatments, oral medication can require the patient to commit to a lengthy treatment time. Dr. Wagenseller explained, Oral medication is most effective, but it requires at least three months of treatment. Unfortunately, the most effective pill has possible systemic side effects. Its important for patients to work closely with the dermatologist and/or a general physician throughout the treatment process to ensure safety and avoid long-term damage from the potential side effects of antifungal medications.

Recommended Reading: What Actually Kills Toenail Fungus

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
Smell bad
Cause you pain

What Are Fungal Nail Infections

A fungal nail infection is an infection of fungus underneath the nail which can appear discoloured, crumbly, thickened or deformed. Our podiatry team will assess your feet, nails, and suitability of treatment.

Podiatrists can give you an accurate diagnosis of a fungal nail by taking a clipping, culturing the sample and formally reporting the results. After our podiatry team take a sample of your nail, you will be contacted within 5 working days by phone or email to discuss your results. Once reported, your podiatrist will discuss the cause of your nail pathology. It is important to remember that not all nail discolouration or nail deformity is fungus. Psoriatic nails, nail trauma and anaemia are some of many other causes of nail changes, which will be comprehensively examined within your appointment.

Don’t Miss: How To Eliminate Foot Fungus

Staying One Step Ahead Of Toenail Fungus

An established fungal infection is hard to eradicate, but you can stop its spread and improve your toenail’s appearance.

Toenail fungus isn’t a pressing health problem. Yet a fungal infection can ruin the appearance of your nails and cause pain as it lifts the nail away from the nail bed. And fungal infections are notoriously difficult to get rid of. “You may want to consider fungal toenail a condition to be managed rather than cured,” says Dr. James P. Ioli, chief of the podiatry service at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

Doctors Weigh Best Treatments

Toenail fungus is not a condition you can expect to get better on its ...

The best treatment for fungal nail infections is a prescription that your dermatologist can prescribe that you take every day for two-to-three months. The pill is not for everyone, since oral antifungals can interact with other medications and can affect the liver.

Fortunately if you dont want to or cant take a pill, there are topical solutions to treat nail fungus. Although topical medications are desirable because of the low risk of side effects and interaction with other medications, they have much longer treatment regimens. Generally, topical medications have a lower clearance rate compared to oral pills.

Newer topical antifungals including Efinaconazole and Tavaborole have better penetration of the nail plate and so they work better compared to older topical medications, says Dr. Ng. She says the topical medications work best if you only have partial nail involvement.

Lasers are approved by the FDA to temporarily increase the amount of clear nail. However, the cure rates are lower than oral medications and topical solutions.