What Kind Of Dr For 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

Concerns What Kind Of Doctor Should I See For Toe Nail Fungus

Nail fungi can trigger extreme soreness as well as can harm your nail completely.

Furthermore, those with a suppressed immune system, who take drug or experience diabetic issues or other medical issues, might create severe infections that spread beyond their feet.

The blood supply and circulation to your feet might be reduced if you have diabetes mellitus. As well as having a higher danger of bacterial infections , youre more likely to experience rashes.

You should avoid this spice if you are suffering from toe or skin fungus. As a result, any trivial injury to your feet, like an infection in your nails, can cause an even worse repercussion. Diabetic issues clients that create nail fungus must see their doctor.

Fungal infections can establish in nails because of athletes foot and can spread from one nail to another. Infections from other individuals are unusual, nevertheless.

Eill Finger Fungus Cause Bumps On Other Skin When Toucjed Dry Fungus Skin

How Long Does It Take To Get Toenail Fungus To Develop Cd4 Fungus On Skin How To Treat Nail Fungus With Antifreeze. Duration Of Nail Fungus Develops How To Cure For Nail Fungus What Spice Will Fix Toenail Fungus. Podiatrists And Toe Fungus Signs You Have Nail Fungus Lamasil At For Nail Fungus.

Also Check: Where Can I Buy Fungus Clear

What Happens If You Dont See A Doctor For Toenail Fungus

Severe toenail fungus can lead to some serious issues, especially if you already have the pre-existing conditions listed above.

Toenail fungus, if left untreated, can lead to permanent disfiguration of the nail and infections that spread to other areas of the body, such as foot ulcers or even bacterial cellulitis of the leg.

Bacterial cellulitis is a skin infection, characterized by a red, swollen area that is hot to the touch. This can quickly spread to other tissues below the affected area and into the bloodstream. If left untreated, it can become life-threatening.

Your feet carry you throughout your life. Why not take good care of them?

What Should I Ask My Healthcare Provider About Toenail Fungus

If you have toenail fungus, you may find it helpful to ask your provider:

• What type of infection do I have?
• Do you recommend I treat it? Why or why not?
• How long will I need treatment?
• What steps can I take to stop it from coming back?
• Should I be aware of any potentially serious complications or treatment side effects?

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Toenail fungus is an incredibly common infection that can be difficult to treat. The condition usually isnt painful, but it may make you feel self-conscious about how your foot looks. If it bothers you, talk to your provider about your treatment options. A trained specialist can provide guidance on whats most likely to address your concerns while protecting your overall health.

Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 12/17/2020.

References

Also Check: Where To Buy Better Nail Fungus Treatment

Do Over The Counter Topical Ointments Work

While a search for toenail fungus treatment is likely to recommend the use of topical ointments you can buy from any pharmacy, according to Dr. Wagenseller, Toenail fungus rarely responds to treatment with these topical creams. In order to experience any improvement at all, patients may need to use the over the counter topical creams for years, and once they discontinue use, patients will likely develop toenail fungus again.

Types Of Toenail Fungal Infections

Toenail infections affect about 14 percent of the population at any given time, according to a study published in June 2014 in PloS Pathogens. The most common symptoms of a toenail fungal infection include discoloration of the nail, debris under the nail, irregularity of the white part of the nail, nail thickening, and pain, says Sheth.

Toenail fungal infections can usually be categorized into one of the following five subtypes:

Distal Subungual Onychomycosis This is the most common form of toenail fungal infection, usually occurring in the portion of the nail closer to the tip and on the underside of the nail. The nail may become thick, yellow, or brittle.

Endonyx Onychomycosis People who have endonyx onychomycosis have fungus growing between the layers of the toenails. With this type of fungus, toenails usually have a milky white color and may be pitted or split. They usually dont thicken or separate from the nail bed.

Proximal White Subungual Onychomycosis This is a relatively uncommon form of toenail fungus, seen most often in people with weakened immune systems due to conditions such as HIV. The fungus enters the toenail through the cuticle and affects the part of the nail closer to the base, turning it a whitish color.

Read Also: How To Get Rid Of A Fungus On Your Skin

Don’t Miss: What Is Good To Treat Toenail Fungus

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.

Read Also: How Long Does Liquid Nails Take To Dry

When To Go To The Doctor

If you suspect that you have nail fungus, dont hesitate to seek medical treatment. Over-the-counter antifungals may help keep the fungus from spreading to other nails, but they arent as effective at treating the nail bed as prescription medications. The dermatologists at The Dermatology Clinic can diagnose nail fungus and determine which course of treatment would be the most effective for your specific case. In addition, they can recommend ways to prevent nail fungus from reoccurring after it has been treated. Schedule an appointment today.

Read Also: What Essential Oils Help Toenail Fungus

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.

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.

You May Like: What Is The Best Over The Counter Toenail Fungus Medicine

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.

Q: When Should I Call A Podiatrist For An Appointment

A: Pain is never normal, especially if it has been going on for longer than one week. This means that most insurance plans will cover a visit if you feel you have a problem developing with your feet.

The longer you wait, the more serious the pain may become, which can lead to hospitalization or further foot problems.

It would help if you had it evaluated and treated to avoid long-term problems.

Read Also: Does Listerine Kill Fungus On Feet

Also Check: Does Salt Water Help Toenail Fungus

Should I See A Dermatologist Or Podiatrist For Toenail Fungus

Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers â its anonymous and free!

Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers â its anonymous and free!

HealthTap doctors are based in the U.S., board certified, and available by text or video.

Dont Miss: What Is A Home Remedy For Foot Fungus

What Are The Symptoms Of Toenail Fungus

Usually nail fungus starts as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your toenail. The infection can go deeper, causing symptoms such as:

• Change in nail color
• Bad toenail odor
• Pain

Toenail fungus can spread to other toes and your fingernails, so it is important that you keep your nails clean and use treatments to eliminate fungus.

Dont Miss: What Kills Toenail Fungus The Best

You May Like: Is Lamisil Good For Toenail Fungus

Nail Fungus Can Become A Serious Problem

Although nail fungus is not serious initially, it can become a more serious problem. Thatâs because when the infection is severe, it can:

• Cause pain.
• Cause the nail to fall off.
• Lead to the removal of the infected nail by the doctor if no other treatment works.
• Spread the infection to other nails.
• Cause other types of fungal and bacterial infections, such as cellulitis.

If the fungus moves to your skin around your nails, it can cause the skin to become cracked. If you have a weakened immune system, itâs easier for bacteria to enter through those cracks. Itâs then possible to get cellulitis a type of bacterial skin infection common on the feet. If not treated, this infection can spread throughout the body and even be fatal.

For all of these reasons, you should confirm that you have a fungal nail infection and seek treatment if needed.

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.

Also Check: Does Epsom Salt Kill Toenail Fungus

Podiatrist Toenail Fungus Specialist

Toenail fungus is an infection underneath the surface of the nail caused by fungi. When the tiny organisms take hold, the nail often becomes darker in color, debris may collect beneath the nail plate, and white marks may appear on the nail plate. The infection is capable of spreading to other toenails, the skin, or even the fingernails. The resulting fungal nails are thicker and difficult to trim making walking painful when wearing shoes. Toe fungus removal can be performed by a podiatrist.

If your condition is mild and not disturbing you, you may not require treatment. If your nail fungus is painful and has caused thickened nails, self-care steps and meds may help. Yet, regardless of whether treatment is effective, nail fungus regularly returns.

Nail fungus is called onychomycosis .

When fungus infects the zones of the skin of your feet, its called athletes foot .

Wash Your Feet Every Day

When you shower or bathe, be sure to use mild soap and warm water to wash away potential contaminants. After you are done washing, make sure you dry your feet thoroughly before putting on socks and shoes. Pay special attention to the areas between your toes, since fungus and other microorganisms find these places to be particularly appealing.

Don’t Miss: How Do I Get Rid Of Fungus On My Toenails

Can Nails Get Skin Cancer

Many different types of skin cancer, including melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma, can form under or around a nail. If you see a growth in these areas, see a board-certified dermatologist. Skin cancer is highly treatable when detected early.

Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, may appear as a dark streak or spot on the nail. People with skin of color are prone to this type of melanoma. Many nail streaks are harmless, and they are common in people of color. However, its important to see a board-certified dermatologist if you notice a dark streak or spot on your nail and you dont remember injuring it.

Melanoma under the nail

How Can You Recognize Toenail Fungus

Essentially, the main symptom of toenail fungus is the discolored appearance. Affected nails are dull, darkened, and distorted. In addition to visual cues, your toenails will also be thickened, yet brittle and crumbly. When the infection has been present for an extended period of time and become more severe in nature, you may even detect a slightly foul odor.

Some patients experience pain with this condition, particularly when the fungal infection causes toenails to separate from their respective nailbeds.

Don’t Miss: Can Apple Cider Vinegar Help Toe Fungus

Podiatrists & Foot And Ankle Surgeons Located In Wake Forest Nc

If you notice nail discoloration, you may be suffering from toenail fungus, a common condition that can cause permanent nail damage. Leading podiatrists James Judge, DPM, and Michael Hodos, DPM, at Wake Foot and Ankle Center in Wake Forest, North Carolina, offer a number of safe and effective treatments for nail fungus. The practice specializes in comprehensive, individualized foot and ankle care for individuals of all ages. To speak with a doctor about your toenail fungus, call the office or book an appointment online today.

Toenail Fungus Infection Treatment

As a rule, toenail fungal infections require medical treatment. Over-the-counter products might help some of the symptoms, but itâs a temporary fix. To completely eradicate the fungus and keep it from spreading to other nailsâor peopleâprescription medicine is necessary.

Fair warningâthis isnât a âone and doneâ kind of treatment. âItâs a one year for cure with both orals and topicals, says Dr. Lipner. âOrals are taken for three months, and topicals are taken for one year.â You canât just blame fungus for that.

Toenails grow on average about one millimeter per month, and it takes a least a year for an entirely new, healthy toenail to grow. Treatments vary depending on the type and severity, but typically antifungal medicines are applied to the toenail daily or weekly, while you also take antifungal medicine pills.

Itâs rare, but when medication doesnât resolve the problem, the toenail is surgically removed or non-surgically with a chemical applied to the nail. The nail can grow back, but if the fungus is persistent, a dermatologist can treat the nail so it doesnât grow back.

You May Like: How Do You Treat Toenail Fungus

Pros Of Laser For Toenail Fungus Treatment:

Recommended Reading: How Much Is It To Go To Nail School

When Is It Time To Visit A Foot And Ankle Doctor For Toenail Fungus

A harmless toenail fungus can be more dangerous than you think. When you feel like youre handling it and want to take care of it yourself, its a tough pill to swallow. It is possible that your toenail fungus may be out of your control. However, especially with ailments related to your feet, you cant be too overcautious. Get your symptoms checked out so you can rule out something more serious.

At the end of the day, toenail fungus can be more serious than poor hygiene. In fact, toenail fungus can often come from the things you dont seem to realize.

This article will help you recognize when its time to get to the foot and ankle doctor to treat your toenail fungus.

You May Like: Does Lotrimin Af Work On Toenail Fungus