Fungal Nail Infections
SkinCare in Wellesley, MA
A fungal nail infection can be frustrating and difficult to cure at home. Before an infection progresses, it’s best to seek advice and care from an expert dermatologist. Dr. Rashel Goodkin holds many years of experience treating a wide range of dermatologic issues, including fungal infections. Schedule an appointment to quickly receive a diagnosis and effective treatment for fungal nail infections.
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What are Fungal Nail Infections?
Fungal nail infections are common issues, with many patients experiencing fungal infection that can spread from the foot to one or multiple toenails.
Causes of Fungal Nail Infections
Fungal nail infections are frequently spread or caught in warm and moist places such as pool decks and locker rooms when multiple people walk barefoot. Patients may also develop infections if the nails are wet for a long period. For example, wearing sweaty or wet shoes for hours at a time can cause a nail infection. However, fungal nail infections can also occur in the fingernails.
Symptoms of Fungal Nail Infections
Typically, the first symptom of a nail infection is part of or the entire nail turning white, yellow, or brown. This discoloration typically spreads throughout the nail if the fungal infection is left untreated. Patients may also notice debris building up under the nail or the nail lifting up, crumbling, or splitting. Despite these symptoms, nail fungus is typically not painful for most people unless the infection progresses and is left untreated for long periods of time. Pain can occur if the fungal toenail becomes ingrown. This may cause problems for some patients, such as patients who have diabetic neuropathy.
Treatments for Fungal Nail Infections
The first step in fungal nail infection treatment is to trim the infected nail or to file it down if it is thick. For mild fungal nail infections, Dr. Goodkin will prescribe a medication which is applied directly to the nails. This can help the nails to grow out without the fungus spreading.
For more advanced cases, an oral antifungal medication may be prescribed, sometimes in combination with topical treatments. The oral antifungal medication can be taken daily for three months or weekly for a year.
Dr. Goodkin will carefully evaluate your symptoms and recommend the treatment option that will be most effective for you while avoiding unnecessary side effects and preserving as much of the nail as possible.
Schedule an Appointment
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Goodkin, call 781.227.7977 or request your appointment online by completing our form.