Can a Podiatrist Help With Toenail Fungus?

Having a fungal toenail can be painful, and may even cause serious complications. Depending on your condition, you may require a variety of treatments, and Midland podiatry can help you find the best course of action.

In most cases, the first line of defense against fungal nails is good hygiene. Toenails are prone to developing fungal infections when they are located in warm, damp areas. This includes locker rooms, shower rooms, and swimming pools. People with poor peripheral circulation and a weak immune system may also be more susceptible to developing fungal nails. People with diabetes may also be more susceptible to developing toenail fungus.

The easiest way to treat fungal nails is with anti-fungal medication. Depending on the severity of the infection, Midland podiatry may recommend a topical medication or oral medication. These medications can be very effective, but they can take months to work. If you don’t respond to oral medications, your podiatrist may recommend surgery to remove the infected nail.

Another treatment option is a laser treatment. This type of treatment is painless and kills the fungus without harming the nail. Laser treatment may be performed on all ten toenails, or it may be used as a temporary treatment for a single toenail. This treatment can be used in your office or at home.

Another fungal nail treatment option is a temporary medicated nail extension, such as KeryFlexR. This treatment can be applied directly to the nail and can disguise the appearance of an infected nail. However, you must let the treatment program complete before the nail can grow back. The process can take months to completely clear your condition, and the nail may not grow out completely.

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Laser treatments are also effective at preventing recurrence of the condition. This type of treatment can be used for both mild and serious cases of onychomycosis. The process can also be used in conjunction with other treatments to prevent the nail from growing back completely.

If you have a severe case of toenail fungus, your podiatrist may recommend surgical removal of the nail. This method may not be suitable for all patients, however, and may not be as effective as other methods. Nail surgery is also a painful procedure. The process should be performed on a few nails at a time, and it may also be accompanied by oral antifungal medications. If you do not respond to oral medications, your podiatrist can use genetic testing to prescribe a more effective treatment.

Podiatric clinics and spas may not always be sanitary and may not follow proper procedures when it comes to sanitizing tools and equipment. These practices can make your feet vulnerable to infection, so you should always work closely with your podiatrist to avoid complications.

In many cases, you can treat fungal infections at home with over-the-counter medications and creams. These treatments should be used in conjunction with regular cleansing. These steps will help prevent the fungus from reoccurring. You should also make sure that you are properly sanitizing your feet after using a nail clipper or other tools.