Toenail fungus is a common condition that affects as many as 12 percent of Americans. Although toenail fungus can affect your fingernails, it is most common on your feet.
When you’re experiencing toenail fungus, a specialist can offer you the best possible diagnosis and treatment options. A podiatrist or dermatologist can help you find relief.
This article describes toenail fungus, explores some of the treatment options available, and helps you decide when it’s time to see a toe nail fungus specialist.
Understanding toenail fungus
What is it?
Onychomycosis, or toenail fungus, is a fungal infection of the nail. It can cause discoloration, thickening, and a misshapen look. It may also smell unpleasant.
The most frequent cause of toenail fungus is dermatophytes. But yeasts and molds can also cause the infection.
Who is at risk?
Toenail fungus thrives in warm and damp conditions.
The condition is twice as common in adults over 60, and people with diabetes or weakened immune systems are also more likely to get it.
If you don’t treat toenail fungus, it can spread to other nails or even to your skin.
Recognizing When to Seek Professional Help
Over-the-counter treatments and home remedies, including some like lemon juice treatments, can provide temporary relief, but they rarely clear up a toenail fungus infection for good. Scraping the nail is definitely not a cure!
See a specialist (either a podiatrist or a dermatologist) if:
- At-home treatments aren’t working.
- The infection gets worse (the nail darkens, becomes painful, or separates from the nail bed).
- You have diabetes or another underlying health condition.
Diagnosis and treatment from a toenail fungus specialist
If you think you have a toenail fungus, a specialist can help you get a clear diagnosis and explore your treatment options.
How a specialist diagnoses toenail fungus
During your appointment, a podiatrist will:
- Do a physical exam of your feet and toenails
- Take a nail scraping to test in a lab and identify the specific type of fungus you have
Prescription treatments
Once the podiatrist knows what’s causing the infection, they can recommend the best treatment plan for you.
Here are some common treatment options:
- Topical antifungal creams and lacquers. Common topical treatments include ciclopirox, efinaconazole, naftifine, tavaborole, and terbinafine.
- Oral antifungal medications. For more severe infections, oral medications like itraconazole and terbinafine can help a new, healthy nail grow in.
Advanced treatment options
If prescription medications don’t do the trick, a specialist might suggest other options, such as:
- Laser treatment. This is a newer option that some specialists use, but more research is needed to know how well it works in the long run.
- Nail removal. If the infection is severe or causing you a lot of pain, the specialist might recommend removing the nail altogether.
Prevention Strategies
The best way to deal with toenail fungus is to avoid getting it in the first place. Here are some tips to keep your toes healthy:
- Keep your hands and feet clean and dry.
- Trim your toenails regularly.
- Avoid wearing damp socks.
- Wear shower shoes in public places like gyms and swimming pools.
- Change your socks and shoes regularly, especially if your feet sweat a lot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do podiatrists fix toenail fungus?
Absolutely! Podiatrists are foot and ankle specialists, making them experts in diagnosing and treating toenail fungus. They can offer various treatment options, from topical and oral medications to laser therapy or even nail removal in severe cases.
Who is best to treat toenail fungus?
A podiatrist is generally the best healthcare professional to treat toenail fungus. While your primary care physician might be able to prescribe some treatments, a podiatrist has specialized knowledge and tools for a more comprehensive approach.
Does hydrogen peroxide get rid of toenail fungus?
While hydrogen peroxide has some antifungal properties, it’s usually not effective enough to completely eradicate toenail fungus. It might help as a supplementary treatment, but it’s best used in conjunction with doctor-recommended medications or therapies.
What worsens toenail fungus?
Several factors can worsen toenail fungus. These include wearing tight-fitting shoes, having poor foot hygiene, frequenting public pools or showers without protective footwear, having a weakened immune system, and conditions like diabetes.
What kills toenail fungus the fastest?
There’s no magic bullet for instantly killing toenail fungus. Oral antifungal medications prescribed by a doctor tend to work the fastest, but they also come with potential side effects. Laser therapy can also be effective, and sometimes a combination of treatments is recommended for optimal results. It’s best to consult with a podiatrist to determine the most appropriate and fastest-acting treatment plan for your specific situation.
Summary
If you think you have toenail fungus that isn’t getting better on its own, you should see a doctor. You can prevent toenail fungus by keeping your feet clean and dry, wearing shoes that fit well, and avoiding walking barefoot in public places. Taking care of your feet can help you keep your nails healthy.