Is toenail fungus worth treating?

Treatment isn't always needed for a mild fungal nail infection because it's unlikely to cause any further problems and you may feel it's not worth treating. Whether you decide to have treatment or not, you should still practise good foot hygiene (see below) to stop the infection getting worse or spreading to others.

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Is it OK to not treat toenail fungus?

The problem with not treating toenail fungus goes beyond continued discomfort and discoloration. If the fungus is allowed to continue growing, it can penetrate the skin under the nail and ultimately infect the toe itself. From there, the infection can spread to other parts of the body.

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What happens if a toenail fungus goes untreated for years?

Over time, a nail infected with fungus can become thick and misshapen, causing pain, Dr. Joseph says. It can even make it difficult to walk when wearing shoes, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association. Spread of the fungus.

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Will I have toenail fungus forever?

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 is the number one cure for toenail fungus?

Oral antifungal drugs.

These drugs are often the first choice. One option is itraconazole (Sporanox). These drugs help a new nail grow free of infection, slowly replacing the infected part. You typically take this type of drug daily for 6 to 12 weeks.

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Meet a Toenail Fungus Expert

30 related questions found

Is there hope for toenail fungus?

Toenail fungus is more treatable, maybe even curable, than you think. True, it can take a while to get rid of, depending on what treatment you choose. “I think there's a lot of misconception out there that there aren't a lot of good treatments,” says Shari Lipner, M.D., Ph.

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How does a podiatrist get rid of toenail fungus?

Toenail fungus treatment options

After a gentle evaluation of your nails, a podiatrist may prescribe an antifungal medication, administer laser therapy, or surgically remove affected nails. Medications could include a topical cream or nail lacquer, as well as prescription pills.

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What percentage of people have toenail fungus?

Nail fungus is very common. It is estimated that 3 to 12% of the population are affected. Older people are more likely to have it than younger people.

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Does Vicks VapoRub cure toenail fungus?

“Applying Vicks VapoRub to fungus-infected toenails can clear up the notoriously hard-to-treat condition. Michigan State University clinicians found that applying the product daily to the infected nail cleared the condition in 32 of 85 patients, though it took anywhere from 5 to 16 months…”

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Can you wear nail polish while treating nail fungus?

Nail polish traps in moisture from your nailbed (the tissue below your toenail). Because fungi thrive in moist environments, wearing nail polish may make a fungal infection worse.

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Is tea tree oil good for toenail fungus?

When used topically, tea tree oil is believed to be antibacterial. Tea tree oil is commonly used to treat acne, athlete's foot, lice, nail fungus and insect bites.

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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.

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Does Medicare cover toenail fungus treatment?

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.

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What is the root cause of toenail fungus?

Nail fungus is caused by various fungal organisms (fungi). The most common is a type called dermatophyte. Yeast, bacteria and molds also can cause nail infections. The discoloration from a bacterial infection tends to be green or black.

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How do you live with toenail fungus?

Here are some steps you can take to contain the fungus and reduce the risk of transmission:
  1. Don't share clothes. ...
  2. Don't share or re-use towels. ...
  3. Don't share nail or foot care tools. ...
  4. Disinfect the shower after use. ...
  5. Apply antifungal powders or sprays to the inside of shoes. ...
  6. Wear clean, breathable socks to bed.

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What is the most effective treatment for toenail fungus Australia?

Studies have shown that laser treatment can be very effective as it's uses energy to penetrate the nail bed and eliminate the infection from within. HOT laser – this is where the laser uses heat to destroy nail fungus by heating the nail plate.

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Should I see doctor or 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.

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When should I go to the podiatrist for toenail fungus?

You should visit a podiatrist when you notice any discoloration, thickening, or deformity of your toenails. The earlier you seek professional treatment, the greater your chance at getting your nails to clear.

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Why have I had toenail fungus for years?

There are several risk factors for developing nail fungus: tight shoes; damaged nails; walking barefoot in moist areas like swimming pools, saunas, and public showers; poor blood circulation in your legs; a weakened immune system; and other skin conditions, such as psoriasis.

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What is the best treatment for severe toenail fungus?

They may recommend a prescription-strength topical medication, or an oral anti-fungal pill that you take for two or three months. Oral treatment is usually more effective but may interact with other medications.

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How long does fungus live on nail clippers?

Fungal spores can live on all kinds of surfaces, including metal toenail clippers for months. When you cut your fungal nail with your clippers, you can easily transmit the fungi to your other toenails or reinfect yourself. In fact, the CDC recommends properly disinfecting all nail tools before every use.

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Can toenail fungus get in your bloodstream?

Toenail fungus, after all, is hardly life-threatening. “It feeds on the skin; it doesn't go into the bloodstream, doesn't spread to other parts of the body,” says Dr.

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Why have I had toenail fungus for years?

There are several risk factors for developing nail fungus: tight shoes; damaged nails; walking barefoot in moist areas like swimming pools, saunas, and public showers; poor blood circulation in your legs; a weakened immune system; and other skin conditions, such as psoriasis.

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How do you know if toenail fungus is severe?

If your nail gets brittle and breaks easily, it's a sign the fungal infection is changing the composition of the nail. If it becomes soft and chalky and starts to crumble away, the infection is starting to become severe.

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Can toenail fungus spread internally?

Can toenail fungus spread to other areas of your body? Yes. But toenail fungus usually doesn't spread beyond your toe. Some dermatophyte fungi spread easily to your skin.

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