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.
What doctor removes fungus from toenails?
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.
Do dermatologists handle nail fungus?
How do dermatologists treat a fungal nail infection? Treatment usually begins with your dermatologist trimming your infected nail(s), cutting back each infected nail to the place where it attaches to your finger or toe. Your dermatologist may also scrape away debris under the nail. This helps get rid of some fungus.
What can a podiatrist do for nail 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.
How much does it cost to remove a fungal toenail?
You might be able to get fungus-free toenails, but it could cost you. The bills can rack up fast when trying to cure toenail fungus, and it's not always easy to know which drug to use. Costs can range from over $2,000 for treating one nail to just $10 for a pill that treats all 10 toes but could have bad side effects.
How do you get rid of severe toenail fungus?
Options include terbinafine (Lamisil) and itraconazole (Sporanox). These drugs help a new nail grow free of infection, slowly replacing the infected part. You typically take this type of drug for six to 12 weeks. But you won't see the end result of treatment until the nail grows back completely.
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.
When should you go to the doctor for toenail fungus?
The sooner you go, the sooner your doctor can help. Fungal nail infections can get worse over time. See your doctor if you notice your nail has turned brown or black, if it suddenly hurts, or if it pulls away from the nail bed.
What happens if you leave nail 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.
Does 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.
Does laser treatment work for toenail fungus?
Studies have shown laser treatments to be the most effective method to treat this condition, with an 80 percent or greater success rate. Treatments take 10 to 20 minutes, and there is no downtime. More than one treatment may be required, depending on the severity of the infection.
Do dermatologists look at toenails?
If you notice any of the following changes to a fingernail or toenail, it's time to see a board-certified dermatologist. If a fingernail or toenail has a new or changing dark streak, it's time to see a dermatologist for a skin cancer check.
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.
What is the fastest way to cure toenail fungus?
The fastest way to eliminate the infection is through toenail laser treatment. Laser nail therapy specifically targets the microorganisms under your nail while leaving the keratin intact. In just a few treatments, the infection can be entirely eliminated.
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.
Do podiatrists treat toenails?
But one question we often get is whether podiatrists also help patients cut their toenails. So can a podiatrist also help patients with their toenails? In most cases, yes; they regularly assist patients with toenail care.