For a while now my toe nails have been turning whitish and get flaky. Lately it is has been spreading to all my toes. My primary care doctor told me it was a fungal infection and I should not worry. Any suggestions?
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Toe Nails
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3 UpVoted this answer
This is likely a fungus infection called superficial white mycosis. I always recommend a biopsy of the nail. We send it for a DNA analysis to look for both a fungal as well as a bacterial infection. This way we know how to treat you best. We would prescribe a topical or oral medication based on your results. Don't rely on just a visual analysis if you want to truly eradicate this problem.
1 UpVoted this answer
Consider a visit to the podiatrist. Toenails that have changed in texture and have lifted from the underlying nail bed have the potential to be infiltrated by fungus as well as other organisms including bacteria, virus and yeast. Have your toenails examined and culture can be taken to determine if the toenail has an infection. Causes for changes in the toenail stem from trauma to systemic diseases. A proper examination will include clinical assessment of the toenails as well as a thorough questioning of your medical history.
1 UpVoted this answer
Simplest treatment would be a topical anti fungal nail polish. Fungi nail, fungi cure or better formula 3. Utilize for 3-4 months if this does not clear problem, have fungal culture performed. Although anti fungal nail polishes are notoriously ineffective, in the very early stages they can work quite well. If it persists other treatments include oral medications as well as laser treatment. Start with the simplest first then move forward as needed.
1 UpVoted this answer
You have a fungal nail infection that will require treatment for three months with anti-fungal meds by mouth. Ask your primary care doctor to prescribe this for you. It will require at least 6 months for the nails to grow out and begin to look more normal.
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Are you a runner, have you had a pedicure lately, do you have psoriasis, are your feet in water alot? Need to know in order to make a proper assessment. Recommend seeing a dermatologist or podiatrist for proper evaluation.
1 UpVoted this answer
A portion of the nail can be sent for fungal culture to be sure that it is in fact a nail fungus. There are a few options to treat the nail fungus. The oral option would be Lamisil, but your physician would have to get a liver function test to make sure that you don't have any underlying liver problems. If your liver function test is normal then you can take Lamisil (1 pill) every day for 90 days. You get another blood test after 1 month of treatment. You can also try a topical we sell Kera 47% and Clarus is our office and have had great results with those. The Kera softens your nails and allows the Clarus (the antifungal polish) to penetrate deeper into your nail bed. There are over the counter remedies such as Vicks Vaporub that may help. You apply that nightly. Some docs will also offer laser treatment, but that is not covered by insurance. I hope that helps!
If it is toenail fungus then you must cure it before it spread further.
Use these tips to prevent toenail fungus
• Always wash your feet and dry it before putting shoes on.
• Cut your toe nail perfectly. This will help you to protect the tissue under it.
• Always wash and change your socks regularly
• Do not keep you feet moist your for longer period of time.
For more detailed information please visit - http://www.curetoenailfungus.info/blog/complete-prevention-and-treatment-of-toenail-fungus-make-your-toenail-healthy
Hope this may help you!
Use these tips to prevent toenail fungus
• Always wash your feet and dry it before putting shoes on.
• Cut your toe nail perfectly. This will help you to protect the tissue under it.
• Always wash and change your socks regularly
• Do not keep you feet moist your for longer period of time.
For more detailed information please visit - http://www.curetoenailfungus.info/blog/complete-prevention-and-treatment-of-toenail-fungus-make-your-toenail-healthy
Hope this may help you!
I agree with Dr.Seth Steber, it is always best to do some testing to determine exactly what needs to be treated. There are other reasons nails will flake and change color although at your age unlikely-chemotherapy, various medications. Taking oral medication works very well if the fungus is 1 that the medication can kill effectively. Once you start a topical anti fungal getting a good specimen for culture may be difficult and requires a period of time after stopping to take the specimen. Since this has spread to all of your nails you needs to see a podiatrist who can best determine if this is from fungus, what kind and what other factors may be injuring your nail. Laser therapy is not always the best and is costly.
Your Kienbock's disease likely has little to do with this problem but similar problems do happen in the foot where the blood supple to a bone is interrupted causing possible problems.
Remember, this can be infection from fungus and should be properly treated.
Treat it now so you have healthy nails, the longer this goes on the worse it is. Also check your body or any rashes or other skin problems.
Be Well Be Happy
Your Kienbock's disease likely has little to do with this problem but similar problems do happen in the foot where the blood supple to a bone is interrupted causing possible problems.
Remember, this can be infection from fungus and should be properly treated.
Treat it now so you have healthy nails, the longer this goes on the worse it is. Also check your body or any rashes or other skin problems.
Be Well Be Happy
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