Liam Carter
Toenail fungus is a common occurrence, and it is important to know when to seek a doctor. A podiatrist can treat a fungal infection with a few different methods, depending on the severity of the infection. If you have tried over-the-counter medications and home remedies without success, it is time to see a podiatrist. They can prescribe oral medications, apply topical solutions, or use advanced therapies like laser treatment. In more severe cases, a podiatrist may recommend surgery to remove the infected nail, allowing a new healthy nail to grow in.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to see a podiatrist | - When over-the-counter medications don't work or the fungus keeps returning |
| - When you are unsure what's wrong and need a diagnosis | |
| - If you have diabetes or circulation problems | |
| - If you have a family history of fungal infections or have athlete's foot | |
| - If you smoke | |
| - If your nail has turned brown or black, if it suddenly hurts, or if it pulls away from the nail bed | |
| Treatment methods | - Oral medication |
| - Laser treatment | |
| - Surgical removal of the toenail | |
| - Topical antifungal medication | |
| - Microwave immunotherapy |
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When to see a podiatrist
Toenail fungus is a common occurrence, but it can be tricky to treat. While there are over-the-counter medications available, they are not always effective. If you notice any symptoms of a fungal infection, it is important to see a podiatrist. These symptoms include discoloration, thickening, or deformities. Discoloration can manifest as the nail turning brown, black, or yellow.
The sooner you seek treatment, the easier it will be to clear up the fungal infection. If you are unsure what is wrong, it is always best to consult a professional. There are many different conditions that can mimic nail fungus, so what seems basic might actually be a more complicated or dangerous issue.
It is especially important to make an appointment with a podiatrist if you are diabetic or immunocompromised. Diabetes has many physical side effects, including toenail fungus that can get infected and become quite serious. Poor circulation can also make your feet more prone to fungal infections. If you have diabetes and notice any changes in the look of your toenails, see your doctor right away to keep the problem from getting worse.
If you have tried treating the issue yourself with no success, it is also time to see a podiatrist. Antifungal creams are unable to penetrate through the nail, meaning that medication often doesn't reach the infection. A podiatrist can prescribe stronger medication or recommend advanced treatments like laser therapy. They will create a treatment plan tailored to your case, considering factors like the severity of your infection and your overall health.
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Laser therapy
If you suspect you have a fungal nail infection, it is important to see a doctor or podiatrist. While some fungal nail infections can be treated at home with over-the-counter medications, others may require prescription medication or more invasive procedures.
A 2019 meta-analysis found that laser therapy is effective and safe for treating nail fungus, with CO2 laser therapy achieving the best results. The overall success rate of laser therapy is about 63%, which is slightly lower than that of medication treatments. However, the risk of side effects associated with medication use may make laser therapy a more suitable option for some people.
While laser therapy has been found to be effective and safe, it is important to note that health insurance may not cover it. Before scheduling a session, individuals should discuss with the clinic the types of lasers they use and the general success rate.
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Oral medication
Oral antifungals are a common treatment option for fungal nail infections. They are more effective than topical treatments, but they also tend to have more severe side effects. Doctors may prescribe oral antifungals such as terbinafine, itraconazole, and griseofulvin. These medications inhibit the growth of fungi or kill them. Terbinafine is typically prescribed if the nail fungus is caused by a skin fungus, while itraconazole is used if the infection is caused by yeast or mold. Both medications can be taken continuously or with breaks between treatments. For example, in continuous treatment, itraconazole is usually taken once a day for three months at a dose of 250 mg. In treatment with breaks, one option is to take 500 mg of terbinafine daily for one week, followed by a three-week break. It is important to note that oral antifungals are prescription-only medications and come with certain risks and side effects. For instance, there is a small risk of liver damage from taking itraconazole or terbinafine, and itraconazole can interact with other drugs, such as cholesterol-reducing medications. As a result, it is crucial to consult a doctor or podiatrist to determine the most suitable treatment option for fungal nail infections.
Podiatrists, or foot doctors, are qualified to treat nail fungus and can provide various treatment options. They may perform gentle scraping under the nail to remove some of the fungus or send a sample to a lab for diagnosis. Podiatrists can also prescribe stronger medications, including oral antifungals, if necessary. In addition, they may recommend laser therapy, which is a painless and non-invasive treatment option that uses UV light to kill the fungus without damaging the surrounding skin or nail. This treatment typically lasts about 10-15 minutes, and the number of sessions required depends on the severity of the infection. It is worth noting that nail fungus can be persistent and challenging to treat, so seeking professional help from a podiatrist is often necessary to ensure effective treatment and prevent further complications.
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Topical treatments
Over-the-counter antifungal creams and lotions are readily available at local drugstores and pharmacies. However, these may not be strong enough to eradicate the fungus, and the infection may return. Mentholated salves, such as Vicks VapoRub, have shown positive effects in treating toenail fungus. Antifungal nail polishes, which contain growth-inhibiting and antifungal ingredients like amorolfine or ciclopirox, are also available without a prescription. While these treatments can take up to a year to work, they may not always lead to cosmetically satisfying results.
Natural remedies have also been explored as topical treatments for fungal nails. Tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil have antifungal properties, and studies have found them to be as effective as some over-the-counter and prescription topical antifungal treatments. Ozonized sunflower oil has been found to be effective in treating toenail fungus caused by yeast. Baking soda, applied as a paste, prevented fungal growth in 79% of specimens tested.
If home treatments are ineffective, a podiatrist may recommend prescription-strength topical medications. These can be more potent than over-the-counter options and may provide better results. However, for severe or persistent infections, oral antifungal pills or laser therapy may be suggested as more effective alternatives to topical treatments.
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Surgery
Fungal nail infections are caused by tiny organisms that feed on skin and keratin, which can lead to nail discolouration, thickening, or deformities. These infections can be highly contagious and spread in public places like pools, gyms, and showers. They can also be spread at home through the sharing of personal items like towels, socks, and shoes.
Before recommending surgery, a podiatrist will usually try other treatments such as oral medication, topical antifungal medication, or laser therapy. Laser therapy, in particular, has become a popular treatment option for tough cases of toenail fungus. This method uses light energy to target and kill the fungus without harming the surrounding skin and nail.
However, if the infection is severe, recurring, or the nail has become deformed, surgery may be the best option to permanently resolve the issue. During the procedure, the doctor will numb the area and remove all or part of the infected nail, allowing a new, healthy nail to grow in its place. This process can take more than a year for the nail to fully regrow.
It is important to note that surgery is not a common first choice for treating fungal nails, but it can be effective when other treatments have failed. Podiatrists will always aim to clear the infection without resorting to surgery or nail removal if possible.
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Frequently asked questions
Toenail fungus is caused by tiny fungal organisms that get under your nail, feed on skin and keratin, and begin to grow. These fungi can damage your toenail, causing it to turn white, brown, or yellow, thicken or become brittle, create an unpleasant odour, and might even cause part of your nail or your whole toenail to fall off.
You should visit a podiatrist when you notice any symptoms of a fungal infection, including discolouration, thickening, or deformities. It is especially important to make an appointment if you are unsure what is wrong, are diabetic, or have circulation problems.
A podiatrist can treat toenail fungus with a variety of methods, including oral medication, laser treatment, and advanced therapies. They will create a personalised care plan that fits your needs, considering factors like the severity of your infection, your overall health, and your lifestyle.
If other treatments don't work or you are in a lot of pain, a podiatrist might recommend removing the infected nail. This can be done through surgery or by applying a strong chemical to the nail. While this is not an ideal option, it will permanently resolve the issue and allow a new, healthy nail to grow in.
