Should I cut off my fungus toenail?

If you do have a toenail fungus, your doctor will likely recommend one or more of the following treatment options: Trimming the Toenail Trimming the toenail is usually combined with medication, but having a podiatrist periodically trim the nail down is helpful and allows the medication to work better, says Sundling.
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Does removing a toenail cure fungus?

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

Toenail Fungus Home Care

Sometimes it's possible to treat your toenail fungus at home. You can try: Over the counter antifungal creams or ointments. File or cut off any white markings on your nails.
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How do you cut toenail fungus?

How to cut toenails with fungus
  1. medical-grade toenail clippers, as standard clippers may not be able to cut all the way through and can slip off the nail and cut your skin.
  2. longer foot soak (20 or 30 minutes in warm water)
  3. clipper disinfection using alcohol or diluted bleach.
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How do I know if my toenail fungus is dying?

Top 5 signs your toenail fungus has gone nuclear
  1. Nail color changes. If your nail turns white and chalky or yellow, it's not a good sign. ...
  2. Nail position changes. If your nail starts to curl downward or upward, it's time to be concerned. ...
  3. Nail texture changes. ...
  4. Nail smell changes. ...
  5. Nail sensation changes.
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HOW TO CUT THICK TOENAILS WITH FUNGUS



What kills nail fungus fast?

Medications
  • Oral antifungal drugs. These drugs are often the first choice because they clear the infection more quickly than do topical drugs. ...
  • Medicated nail polish. Your doctor may prescribe an antifungal nail polish called ciclopirox (Penlac). ...
  • Medicated nail cream.
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Will toenail grow back after removal for fungus?

The wound should heal within a few weeks. Fingernails may take 6 months to grow back, and toenails may take 12 to 18 months to grow back.
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Will toenail fungus grow out?

What is the outcome for someone who has nail fungus? With treatment, many people can get rid of nail fungus. Even when the fungus clears, your nail(s) may look unhealthy until the infected nail grows out. A fingernail grows out in 4 to 6 months and a toenail in 12 to 18 months.
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What happens if you leave toenail fungus untreated?

If you have toenail fungus and it goes untreated, you may experience: Pain in your feet and toes due to thickened, distorted toenails. Spread of the fungus to your skin, causing athlete's foot. Infection of the surrounding areas, causing cracked skin, and increasing bacterial spread.
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What is the white hard stuff under my toenails?

In medical terms this is called onychomycosis or tinea unguium,” says Batra. The fungal infection breaks down the keratin in the nail to form a white or yellow chalky substance under the nail plate. "As keratin debris spreads under the nail, the nail plate typically becomes lifted up off of the nail bed.
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How do Podiatrists treat toenail fungus?

If you recognize the symptoms of toenail fungus, you must meet with the right doctor, a podiatrist, for proper treatment. Podiatrists will treat toenail fungus by using topical creams, removing part of the nail, and or using more modern methods like laser therapy to eliminate the infection.
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How painful is toenail removal?

At the beginning of the procedure, the podiatrist or other specialist will numb the patient's toe. However, before the numbness sets in, the patient may feel a slight sting or burn from the numbing medication injected into the toe. This discomfort lasts about 10 seconds and fades away as the toe numbs.
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Why won't my toenail fungus go away?

If your fungus doesn't clear up at home, you should check in with a dermatologist (a skin, hair, and nail specialist) or podiatrist (a foot doctor.) They may gently scrape under your nail to get rid of some of the fungus or send it to the lab for diagnosis. They can also prescribe stronger medicines.
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How serious is toenail fungus?

A severe case of nail fungus can be painful and may cause permanent damage to your nails. And it may lead to other serious infections that spread beyond your feet if you have a suppressed immune system due to medication, diabetes or other conditions.
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Can you ignore toenail fungus?

If you have a case of toenail fungus, please do not ignore this problem. Serious complications can arise if you do not have the fungus treated, including foot pain, widespread infection, the loss of your nail and more.
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What is the number one cure for toenail fungus?

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.
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Why is my big toenail so thick?

Toenails that grow thicker over time likely indicate a fungal infection, also known as onychomycosis. Left untreated, thick toenails can become painful. Prompt treatment can be key to curing the nail fungus. Fungal infections might be difficult to cure and may require months of treatment.
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Should I go to dermatologist or 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.
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Should I have my toenail removed?

If the toenail is very swollen or inflamed, or it does not get better after a few days, a doctor may diagnose an infection and prescribe antibiotics. They might also prescribe a special splint to prevent the toenail from growing deeper into the skin. If the toe still does not heal, a doctor may recommend surgery.
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How much does it cost to remove a fungus toenail?

The cost varies depending on the number of nails involved and severity of the infection. The national average for laser treatment is between $500 and $1200. However, since our practice offers the most state-of –the-art laser equipment, we can provide the most effective treatment in less time and at a reduced cost.
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How long does toenail fungus last?

Results of treatment

It can take between 6 and 18 months for the appearance of the affected nail to return to normal, and in some cases the nail may not look the same as before the infection.
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What can I drink for toenail fungus?

Olive leaf extract

According to a 2012 review, taking one to three olive leaf capsules with meals twice daily is more effective than olive leaf salve in treating toenail fungus. It's recommended that you drink plenty of water throughout this treatment.
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How did I get toenail fungus?

Many people pick up the fungi when they have skin-to-skin contact with someone who has a fungal infection such as athlete's foot or ringworm on their hands. Another common way to get a fungal nail infection is by walking barefoot in a warm, moist area such as a pool deck or locker room.
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How can I remove a toenail myself?

If you choose to remove the toenail yourself, follow these steps for accuracy:
  1. Soak your foot in Epsom salt or Castile soap for 30 minutes to soften the toenail. ...
  2. Wash your hands. ...
  3. Push the skin back from the nail border. ...
  4. Cut the toenail straight across, starting at the toenail edges.
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