Should I see a podiatrist or dermatologist for toenail fungus?

The truth is that you can go to either a dermatologist or a podiatrist to have your nail fungus treated, but it is especially important to see a podiatrist when it affects your toenails specifically.

Do dermatologists treat toenail fungus?

Treatment usually begins with your dermatologist trimming your infected nail(s), 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.

Can a podiatrist fix toenail fungus?

One way your podiatrist may treat your nail fungus is with an oral antifungal medication, that works systemically rather than being applied locally to the infected area. This makes it far more effective than an over-the-counter cream designed to treat nail infections (also known as onychomycosis).

Should I go to a dermatologist or podiatrist?

If you think you are experiencing a dermatological issue related to your feet, you don't necessarily have to find a dermatologist. Your established podiatrist may be able to treat your condition. Call Dr. Hollander today if you think you may have a skin issue that is causing you discomfort or concern.

What doctor removes fungus from toenails?

You're likely to start by seeing your primary care provider. In some cases when you call to set up an appointment, you may be referred immediately to either a doctor who specializes in skin conditions (dermatologist) or one who specializes in foot conditions (podiatrist).

Meet a Toenail Fungus Expert

What is the number one treatment for toenail fungus?

Terbinafine for toenail fungus treatment

The best pill for toenail fungus is terbinafine. Evidence suggests it works better than the alternatives with the fewest side effects. Terbinafine results in resolution of toenail fungus 76% of the time. Common side effects may include headaches, skin rash, and vomiting.

How long does it take for hydrogen peroxide to get rid of fungus?

Kill mold and mildew

To kill them without having to breathe in toxic bleach fumes, spray with undiluted 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and allow it to sit for 30 minutes. Rinse. The peroxide will kill the mold and mildew, but you may still need to remove the stains they left behind.

What is better than a podiatrist?

Unlike podiatrists that only treat the foot and ankle, an orthopedic doctor also treats other body parts such as the knees, hips, and spine. If podiatrists are foot and ankle doctors, orthopedists are bone and joint specialists. Orthopedists can treat various musculoskeletal issues.

Do dermatologists DO feet?

Do dermatologist deal with feet? Yes, dermatologist deal with feet, but they aren't specialists in the feet. This means they diagnose and treat skin conditions anywhere on the body.

What is the most common problem treated by a podiatrist?

The most common foot problem that a podiatrist treats is heel pain. Heel pain can be caused by a variety of different conditions, such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis. Treatment for heel pain often includes things like stretching exercises, orthotic devices, or cortisone injections.

Can toenail fungus ever be cured?

Fungal nail infections typically don't go away on their own, and the best treatment is usually prescription antifungal pills taken by mouth. In severe cases, a healthcare professional might remove the nail completely. It can take several months to a year for the infection to go away.

When should I go to the podiatrist for toenail fungus?

You should visit a podiatrist when you notice any discoloration, thickening, or deformity of your toenails. The earlier you seek professional treatment, the greater your chance at getting your nails to clear.

What can a podiatrist do for fungal nails?

The podiatrist can mechanically debride or remove some of the fungal nail infection without the use of local anaesthesia. This is a pain free treatment and needs to be repeated every 2 months until regrowth of the nail is viewed or a change in treatment plan is required.

Why is toenail fungus so hard to get rid of?

Toenails are made up of multiple layers stacked on top of each other. Toenail fungus can be tough to get rid of because it can get into and in between those layers. It may also sit on top of the nail or grow underneath it. In some cases, fungus can get into the cells that make the nail, called the nail matrix.

How do I get rid of toenail fungus permanently?

What is the latest treatment for toenail fungus?

Lamisil Terbinafine Antifungal Cream treats fungus all over the body, including athlete's foot, making it the best overall choice.

How do you get rid of deep foot fungus?

Over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription antifungal creams, ointments, gels, sprays or powders effectively treat athlete's foot. These products contain clotrimazole, miconazole, tolnaftate or terbinafine. Some prescription antifungal medications are pills. These pills contain fluconazole, itraconazole or terbinafine.

Why are podiatrists not doctors?

Are They Doctors? Podiatrists are doctors, but they don't go to traditional medical school. They have their own schools and professional associations. They also have "DPM" (doctor of podiatric medicine) after their names instead of "MD" (medical doctor).

What is the difference between a foot specialist and a podiatrist?

Podiatrists complete four years of higher education at a school of podiatry to receive their medical certification. They follow their podiatry education with two to three years of residency. Foot and ankle specialists receive additional advanced training to treat traumatic injuries of the lower leg, ankle, and foot.

Is seeing a podiatrist worth it?

If you have any issues that involve the foot and or ankle—a sports injury, arthritis/joint pain, skin problems, etc. —a visit to the podiatrist is your best bet. A podiatrist is a specialist who manages and treats almost all symptoms that involve the ankle and/or the foot.

Can a podiatrist remove a toenail?

Toenail removal is a simple procedure and usually takes no more than twenty minutes. It can be performed on an outpatient basis in your podiatrist's office. To start, your doctor will inject a local anesthetic into your toe to prevent pain.

Is a podiatrist a qualified doctor?

A podiatrist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of foot, ankle, and lower limb issues.

Can you apply hydrogen peroxide directly to toenail fungus?

Hydrogen peroxide can kill fungus that grows on toenails. You can directly wipe hydrogen peroxide on your infected toes or toenails with a clean cloth or cotton swab. Hydrogen peroxide can also be used in a foot soak.

How often do you use hydrogen peroxide on toenail fungus?

I used it five times a week starting out. After the nail was once again normal, I started using it about once a week for maintenance and prevention.

Does VapoRub work for toenail fungus?

Dr. Ioli, who is chief of the podiatry service at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital, suggested that daily applications of Vicks VapoRub might be at least as effective as most of the topical treatments for toenail fungus that are available by prescription or over the counter.