What Do Podiatrists Prescribe For Toenail Fungus

To Use Ciclopirox Topical Solution Follow These Steps:

How Effective Are Topical Treatments

So far, only a few studies have looked into topical nail fungus treatments with nail polishes or creams. Because these studies had weaknesses, the results should be interpreted with caution. Amorolfine has not yet been well studied. Ciclopirox polish and treatment sets with urea and bifonazole cream were tested in a few studies.

Research on the effectiveness of nail polish containing ciclopirox showed that, after one year:

• About 10 out of 100 people who did not use ciclopirox no longer had a detectable fungal nail infection.
• About 32 out of 100 people who used ciclopirox no longer had a detectable fungal nail infection.

In other words, treatment with ciclopirox got rid of the fungal infection in about 22 out of 100 people. But even if the fungus had gone away, the cosmetic result wasnt always satisfying. The nails only looked healthy after treatment in 7 out of 100 people.

Treatment with sets containing urea and bifonazole cream was tested in one study. It was compared with a treatment in which only urea cream was applied and the nail was removed, but without applying bifonazole cream afterwards. Three months after treatment was completed, it was found that:

• No fungus was visible or detectable in about 41 out of 100 people who only used urea cream.
• No fungus was visible or detectable in about 51 out of 100 people who used both urea and bifonazole cream.

The Podiatrists Take On Home Remedies

While home remedies are unlikely to cause any harm in themselves, Dr. Hinkes urges caution when relying on them when looking for how to get rid of toenail fungus.

Resorting to folk remedies can be dangerous because it could keep the patient from getting a legitimate diagnosis and treatment, he says. Now in some people, this could be a critical thing, because it can be contagiousyou can pass it to other people and you can pass it to other parts of your body. So its really not something you want to fool with.

Dr. Hinkes advice is clear: Visit a foot care specialist. This could be a podiatrist, but foot care nurses also offer an excellent and affordable service as an alternative. And if neither of those is available, try a dermatologist. Your family care practitioner can also identify and treat many fungal conditions.

Left untreated, this condition wont go away on its own and can cause serious pain, deformity, and even lead to further complications. Podiatrists recommend seeking expert helpyoure better safe than sorry. If youre desperate, though, try these DIY foot and toenail fungus treatments.

Recommended Reading: How To Clear Toenail Fungus Fast

Q: Can Podiatrists Perform Corn Removal And Callus Removal

A: Corns and calluses are thick, hardened layers of skin. Development of corn and callouses occur when your skin tries to protect itself against friction and pressure.

The most common areas of development are on your feet and toes. If corns and calluses are causing you discomfort, you should seek treatment. We provide treatment for these somewhat unsightly painful conditions. Dont hesitate to contact us today.

Can I Prevent Toenail Fungus

Some people will struggle with toenail fungus for their entire lives. While you may not be able to completely avoid fungal infections, there are some steps you can take to limit your risk for toenail fungus, including:

• Use antifungal sprays or powders regularly, especially after engaging in exercise, swimming, or otherwise exposing feet to moisture.
• Make sure to wash feet thoroughly with warm soapy water at least once each day and always wash your hands after handling infected toenails to avoid spreading the fungal infection.
• Completely dry feet after showering and take special care to remove water between toes.
• Consider getting manicures from professionals who can help you to keep your toenails and cuticle beds clean and free from fungus.
• Wear moisture wicking socks and shoes.
• Always wear shoes or socks in public areas.
• Avoid painting toenails or using artificial nails when you have a fungal infection.

Recommended Reading: What Is Good To Soak Your Feet In For Fungus

Essential Oils And Ozonized Oils

Several essential oils have been shown to be an effective toenail fungus treatment. “Research by our group and others has shown that essential oils may be cheap, efficient alternatives that have minimal side effects,”Professor Lígia Salgueiro and Professor Eugénia Pinto say in a news release. Lavender oil “shows wide-spectrum anti-fungal activity and is highly potent.” Tea tree oil also 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. Plus, these are the best essential odors for combating foot odor. Oils such as olive oil and sunflower oil contain ozone gas. A 2011 study published in the Brazilian Journal of Microbiology showed that small doses of this kind of ozone, applied over a short period, can eliminate fungus. A different study, conducted at the National Center for Scientific Research, Cuba, found that sunflower oil was more effective than the prescription drug Xolegel .

You Can Prevent Fungal Nail Infections By Taking These Simple Precautions:

• Exercise proper hygiene and regularly inspect your feet and toes.
• Keep your feet clean and dry.
• Wear shower shoes in public facilities whenever possible.
• Clip nails straight across so that the nail does not extend beyond the tip of the toe.
• Use a quality foot powder in conjunction with shoes that fit well and are made of materials that breathe.
• Avoid wearing excessively tight hosiery, which promotes moisture. Socks made of synthetic fiber tend to “wick” away moisture faster than cotton or wool socks, especially for those with more active lifestyles.
• Disinfect home pedicure tools and don’t apply polish to nails suspected of infection.

Depending on the type of infection you have, over-the-counter liquid antifungal agents may not prevent a fungal infection from recurring. A topical or oral medication may need to be prescribed, and the diseased nail matter and debris removed, a process called debridement. Note: Please consult your physician before taking any medications.In severe cases, surgical treatment may be required to remove the infected nail. Permanent removal of a chronically painful nail, which has not responded to any other treatment, permits the fungal infection to be cured and prevents the return of a deformed nail.

Read Also: How To Remove Nail Fungus Fast

Visit Us Dermatology Partners

If you are struggling with toenail fungus, you dont have to deal with this concern on your own. The skilled team of professionals at U.S. Dermatology Partners, including Dr. Wagenseller and the Fairfax, Virginia team, are here to help. With locations across the U.S., we make it find a dermatologist for toenail fungus near you. When youre ready to begin treatment for toenail fungus with the help of one of our professionals, its easy to get started. Simply take a few moments to complete our online appointment request form. In just a few minutes, the U.S. Dermatology Partners team will have all of the information we need to schedule an appointment for you at your local office.

Find a location near me

Sign Up for Our Newsletter!

Get the latest updates on news, specials and skin care information.

Surgical Toe Fungus Removal Treatment

This is the last resort to treat the toenail fungus condition. The whole nail can be removed or part of it can be removed to allow a healthy growth of the nail. Sometimes the nail might be removed with some skin underneathit depends on the level of infection. This will ensure that the nail that grows back will not be susceptible to infections.

Over the counter remedies bought from your local drug store are not expensive. However, they are not as strong and might not completely clear the fungal infection. If they clear the infection for some time and it comes back, seek an alternative cureby visiting a podiatrist for further treatment.

John Smith is a Digital Marketing Consultant with more than 8 years of experience in SEO, SEM, SMO, blogging, etc having wide knowledge base into content marketing.

Also Check: How Much Does Laser Surgery For Toenail Fungus Cost

Alternatives To Oral Medicines

With the side effects that come with taking oral medications, its understandable why many people prefer other alternatives in treating finger and toenail fungus infections. These include topical treatments, essential oils, surgery, and laser therapy.

Anti-fungal topical ointments are traditionally used for mild to moderate nail fungus infections. These are applied on the nails and the skin surrounding them. The main criticism of topical medicines is that they are apparently not as effective as oral drugs because they cannot penetrate the nails to get to the fungus.

However, there are modern and improved topical ointments that address this concern. Products with 10% undecylenic acid effectively heal nail fungus infection with the help of penetrating agents, usually essential oils.

Surgical removal of the nail, on the other hand, is used for severe or recurring fungal infections. After the infected nail is removed, a topical anti-fungal ointment is applied to the nail bed to prevent the regrowth of the fungus.

As for laser treatment, it takes about six months before visible results can be seen. The treatment is expensive as it takes several sessions of therapy during the prescribed period.

Who Gets Toenail Fungus

Whileanyone can find him or herself with toenail fungus, it happens more frequentlyin men than women and among older people more often than younger people.Certain risk factors predispose people to acquire this fungal infection. Theseinclude:

• A family history oftoenail fungus
• A history ofathletes foot
• Diabetes
• Skin conditions, suchas psoriasis, that create cracked or open skin
• Tight shoes and nylonhosiery
• Use of heavy nailpolish on a consistent basis
• Walking barefoot in communaldamp areas such as gym showers or swimming pools
• Weakened immunesystem

You May Like: Is Vicks Vapor Rub Good For Toenail Fungus

When Are The Different Treatments Considered

Most doctors recommend treating nail fungus with nail polish or cream if

• not much more than half of the nail is affected by the fungus,
• the base of the nail is not infected, and
• only some nails are affected.

Topical treatment is also usually recommended for children. One reason for this is that most oral medications arent suitable for children. Another reason is that children have thinner nails that grow more quickly, so its assumed that treatment with nail polish or creams is more likely to work in children than in adults. White superficial onychomycosis is also often treated with a nail polish or cream.

If several nails are infected by the fungus, or if the infection has spread out more on the affected nails, its usually necessary to take oral medication. And if the infection started at the base of the nail, its highly likely that only tablets will help.

You May Like: Will Baking Soda Kill Toenail Fungus

Podiatrists Located In Brentwood Chesterfield Creve Coeur St Peters & Webster Mo

If your toenails are thick, yellow, and crumbling, dont hide them in shoes. The team of podiatrists at Foot Healers offers effective treatments for toenail fungus that will leave you with healthy toenails. Get treatment for toenail fungus at any of the five Foot Healers offices in Brentwood, Chesterfield, Creve Coeur, St. Peters, and Shrewsbury, Missouri. Call or schedule a consultation online today.

• Book Online

Don’t Miss: What Is The Best Remedy For Toe Fungus

What Is The Most Effective Treatment For 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.

Hydrogen Peroxide Foot Soaks

The acidity of hydrogen peroxide fights toenail fungus. Fill a small bowl or bucket with one cup of peroxide against six to eight cups of filtered warm water. Throw in dried herbs like chamomile and lavender to soothe irritation, and add a few tablespoons of sea salt as a natural antiseptic.

Soak your feet in the water-peroxide mixture for up to 45 minutes. Finish the treatment by rinsing your feet in filtered water, and then thoroughly dry your feet with a clean towel. Repeat the water-peroxide soak twice daily until the infection improves.

Also Check: Can Peroxide Get Rid Of Toenail Fungus

Prescription Medication For Toenail Fungal Infections

Medications used to treat toenail fungal infections are classified as an anti-fungal. These drugs are often taken by mouth, and have frequently been associated with a long list of risky side effects, as well as being rather pricey. While the majority of prescribed anti-fungal agents are oral medication, there are also a few topical fungicides that doctors use to treat an infection in the early stages. Oral or topical the normal length of treatment is 12 weeks for toenail fungus and 6 week for fingernail.

Toenail fungal infections are very difficult to cure, and the process is usually long and pain staking. Before you can begin treatment, your doctor must figure out which type of fungus is causing the problem, from there your doctor will prescribe a medication to treat the fungus. This is where you need to be very careful these drugs are very hard on the body and have a long list of side effects, as well as the potential for some very serious drug-drug interactions. You must be sure you tell your doctor about any and all medications you are on, over the counter and prescribed.

There are a handful of other medications used to treat toenail fungal infections such as:

ciclopirox – a topical nail polish

itraconazole is a fairly new drug, this drug works along the same lines as Lamasil

griseofulvin is a very old drug and is rarely used anymore due to its lack of efficiency.

ketoconazole is very effective however is not as widely used due to the high risks of hepatotoxicity.

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.

Read Also: What Doctor For Toenail Fungus

Over The Counter Med For White Skin Fungus Can Skin Fungus Become Ulcerated

How To Zap Toe Fungus Once And For All Laser For Nail Fungus Alpharetta Ga What Medicine Do Doctors Prescribe For Toenail Fungus. Simple Home Remedies For Toenail Fungus Tea Tree And Coconut Oil For Toenail Fungus. Penlac Fingernail Fungus Pedicure Fix Nail Fungus. Athlete S Foot Fungus Spell Treat Toe Fungus Hydrogen Peroxide.

Reversing Toenail Fungus Remove Toe Fungus. What Does Coconut Oil Do For Foot Fungus Lamisil Spray For Toe Fungus How To Remove Toe Fungus Meme. Fatigue Itchy Skin Bloating Toe Fungus Mouth Ulcers Toenail Fungus Infection Pain.

Q: Is Podiatrist Toenail Trimming Covered By Insurance

Yes, this service may be covered for people with help issues that cannot help themselves. If your foot is in pain or has a health issue, a podiatrist is recommended to evaluate you, and this is a covered option.

If you have foot pain, please call our office and schedule a no-obligation consultation with our podiatrists to assess your eligibility for foot care.

Read Also: What Do Doctors Prescribe For Toenail Fungus

How To Prevent Both Foot And Toenail Fungus

While toenail fungus and foot fungus arent the same condition, the following tips can help you prevent both, says Sundling:

• Practice good hygiene, such as keeping your feet clean.
• Alternate your shoes during the week. Your feet sweat all day long. Alternating your shoes allows them to dry out, so the fungus cant survive.
• Wear moisture-wicking socks that help dry out shoes and kill fungus. You can find these at running stores and athletic stores. If your socks are exceptionally sweaty, changing them more than once per day can help.
• Wear shoes in public places like locker rooms, pools, and gyms to limit exposure to fungus.

How Do Dermatologists Treat A Fungal Nail Infection

Treatment usually begins with your dermatologist trimming your infected nail, cutting back each infected nail to the place where it attaches to your finger or toe. Your dermatologist may also scrape away debris under the nail. This helps get rid of some fungus.

To completely get rid of the infection, most people also need one or more of the following treatments:

Medicine you apply to the nail: If you have a mild infection, a medicine that you apply to your nails may get rid of the infection. This treatment helps keep new fungus out while the nails grow. Fingernails typically grow out in four to six months. Toenails take longer, usually takes 12 to 18 months.

Probably the most difficult part of this treatment is remembering to use it as often as prescribed. Some treatments must be applied every day. Others you apply once a week. To get the best results, its essential that you apply these medicines exactly as directed.

The US Food and Drug Administration has approved the following medicines that you apply to the nail to treat nail fungus:

• Amorolfine

• Efinaconazole

• Tavaborole

Side effects from these medicines are generally mild. Possible side effects include redness and swelling, an ingrown toenail, and stinging or burning when you apply the medicine. In clinical trials, none of these side effects caused patients to stop using the treatment.

The FDA has approved the following systemic medicines to treat nail fungus:

• Fluconazole

• Itraconazole

• Terbinafine

Also Check: How To Get Rid Of Toenail Fungus Under Nail