When should I see a podiatrist for my toenail?

If you have toenail fungus, and particularly if you have toenail fungus and diabetes, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for treatment. If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away.

Do I need to go to a podiatrist 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.

When should I be concerned about my toenails?

See your doctor about any abnormal changes to your toenails or if you experience signs of infection, such as redness, severe pain, or drainage of pus.

Is it better to see a podiatrist or dermatologist for toenail fungus?

Due to the potentially different causes of discolored nails, you're better off seeing a podiatrist to get it checked out. If it is in fact toe fungus, it can easily spread to other toes if left untreated. And if it's a sign of something more serious, it's better to know, Cunha said.

Can a podiatrist treat thick toenails?

Issues such as thickened nails, fungal nails, and ingrown nails can be treated by a podiatrist with proper routine nail care assistance.

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How do I get my thick toenails back to normal?

Can thick toenails go back to normal?

If you have had an injury to your toe and your nail is temporarily thick, it may get better over time. As a new, healthy nail grows out, you can see if it gets better. However, due to the slow growth of toenails, this can take many months.

What is the number one cure 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.

What will a podiatrist do for toenail fungus?

Your podiatrist can detect a fungal infection early, perform a lab test, determine the cause, and form a suitable treatment plan, which may include prescribing topical or oral medication, and debridement (removal of diseased nail matter and debris) of an infected nail.

What are the stages of toenail fungus?

It begins as a white or yellow-brown spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As the fungal infection goes deeper, the nail may discolor, thicken and crumble at the edge. Nail fungus can affect several nails. If your condition is mild and not bothering you, you may not need treatment.

How do I know if my toenail is permanently damaged?

If a damaged nail has not grown out normally after 12 months the damage is permanent. Nail plates grow forward from the germinal matrix which lies under the cuticle skin at the base of the nail called the eponychium.

What does a damaged toe nail look like?

Your toenail may look like a black, blue or purple bruise. Other nail trauma is painful and can cause your nail to accidently tear or split (lacerations), fall off completely (avulsion), or it can cause an ingrown toenail. [Also read “Common Shoe Mistakes That Could Be Crushing Your Feet.”]

How do I know if my toenail needs to be removed?

Surgical removal of a nail might be necessary with severe fungus, recurrent ingrown toenails, or when a large section of a nail is diseased or damaged. After medical removal, it can take up to 18 months for a nail to fully regrow.

What does nail fungus look like on toenails?

With toenail fungus, your nail becomes thick and yellow and may show white spots and streaks. A type of mold called a dermatophyte causes tinea unguium, the most common nail fungus. Tinea unguium most frequently targets your toenails, but it can also affect your fingernails.

Does removing toenail get rid of fungus?

Outright removing your toenails, however, is the absolute last resort option for treating toenail fungus, and only performed in very rare cases.

How hard is it to get rid of toenail fungus?

Taking antifungal pills for two months can cure an infection under the fingernails. Usually three months of treatment cures a toenail fungal infection.

Is toenail fungus worth treating?

Treatment isn't always needed for a mild fungal nail infection because it's unlikely to cause any further problems and you may feel it's not worth treating. Whether you decide to have treatment or not, you should still practise good foot hygiene (see below) to stop the infection getting worse or spreading to others.

Is there a pill for toenail fungus?

Terbinafine belongs to the group of medicines called antifungals. It is used to treat fungus infections of the scalp, body, groin (jock itch), feet (athlete's foot), fingernails, and toenails. This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

What happens if toenail fungal infection is left untreated?

If you let a nail fungus infection go for too long, several problems emerge. The infected nail can become misshapen and increasingly separated from your nail bed. Itching and pain are unpleasant side effects; if they're too severe, you can have trouble wearing shoes or walking.

Does hydrogen peroxide work on toenail fungus?

Hydrogen can kill the fungus that grows on toenails, causing the unsightly disfigurement that comes with this condition. There are two common ways to use hydrogen peroxide to treat your toenail fungus.

What kills under toenail fungus fast?

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 the white hard stuff under my toenails?

This overgrowth is called subungual hyperkeratosis. People with hyperkeratosis may notice a white, chalky substance under the nail. When this occurs in the toenails, the pressure of shoes pushing down on the nails might cause pain.

What will cure thick toenails?

Applying a small amount of melted coconut oil can help heal thick yellow toenails. You can purchase over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal nail creams and ointments. Be sure to clip and clean your nails before use to make sure the creams reach deeper layers. Laser therapy can be used to treat a fungal toenail infection.

Why is my big toenail getting thick?

Several causes result in developing thick toenails. The main cause is onychomycosis or fungal infection of the nails caused by dermatophytes (nail fungus). Physical trauma, Psoriasis,Lichen planus and diabetes may also cause thick nails to develop. Traditionally, oral antifungal treatments were prescribed.