Should I go to a podiatrist for toenail fungus?

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 podiatrists treat 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.

What doctor is best for toenail fungus?

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.

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.

Will toenail fungus ever go away?

Maybe it doesn't hurt, and the yellow, thick nails don't bother you. But nail fungus doesn't go away by itself. And if you don't treat it, there's a chance it could get worse. It could spread to other nails or through your body.

The Best Treatment for Toenail Fungus, According to a Podiatrist

What are the stages of toenail fungus?

How do Podiatrists treat fungal nail?

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.

What kills toenail fungus instantly?

Hydrogen peroxide. 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 much does it cost to remove a fungal 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.

When should I see a podiatrist for my toenail?

For prompt, effective treatment of your toe nail condition , you should see a podiatrist as soon as possible, especially if you notice certain changes to your nails. These abnormalities may include toenail deformities, discoloration, or thickening.

Should you remove a nail that has fungus?

Surgery. Your doctor might suggest temporary removal of the nail so that he or she can apply the antifungal drug directly to the infection under the nail. Some fungal nail infections don't respond to medicines. Your doctor might suggest permanent nail removal if the infection is severe or extremely painful.

Does insurance cover nail fungus treatment?

For patients with health insurance, the typical out-of-pocket cost for foot fungus treatment consists of a copay or coinsurance of 10%-50%. Foot fungus treatment at a doctor's office and prescription medications typically are covered by health insurance, depending on the plan.

Will toenail grow back after removal for fungus?

The wound should heal within a few weeks. Fingernails may take 6 months to grow back. Toenails may take 12 to 18 months to grow back.

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.

How do you get rid of thick toenail fungus?

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.

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.

Can you get a pedicure if you have fungus?

If you get a nail fungal infection, you may still be able to wear nail polish, but you should not wear artificial nails because it will be hard for your doctor to monitor your improvement.

How long does it take for toenail fungus to go away?

Antifungal treatments are thought to be effective in treating about 60-80% of fungal nail infections. 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.

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.

Does insurance cover toenail removal?

Ingrown toenail treatment typically is covered by health insurance. For patients without health insurance, ingrown toenail treatment typically costs less than $50 for at-home treatment, but can reach $200-$1,000 or more if a doctor visit and a procedure to remove all or part of the toenail is required.

Does Medicare pay for laser treatment of toenail fungus?

Medicare will cover treatment for fungus within your toenail. Another term for this treatment is nail debridement. To be eligible, you must have severe, debilitating pain. Evidence of several infections caused by the fungus may also qualify you.

What are the side effects of Lamisil?

Do home nail fungus lasers work?

Studies show about 85% efficacy for the older lasers and up to 93% cure rate for the new lasers. Multiple clinical trials have proven the safety and cure rate of Lunula laser treatment for toenail fungus.

Does toenail laser treatment hurt?

The treatment is almost always painless, though you may feel warmth or tingling on the nail bed during the treatment. After toenail laser treatment, most patients display healthy new nail growth without damage to the surrounding tissue.