Description Toenail fungus (ony...
Description
Toenail fungus (onychomycosis) is the growth of fungus on the nails of the foot. The big and little toes are most often affected. Certain factors increase the risk of development of toenail fungus. These include tight-fitting shoes, athletic participation, poor hygiene, poor circulation, HIV and diabetes.
Symptoms
Symptoms include a nail thickening and discoloration. Foul smelling debris may develop under the toenail.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. The diagnosis can usually be made based on exam findings. Occasionally, your doctor may send a small sample of your toenail to the laboratory to test for fungus.
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Dermatology, Family Practice, Podiatry, Telemedicine Dermatology
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. The diagnosis can usually be made based on exam findings. Occasionally, your doctor may send a small sample of your toenail to the laboratory to test for fungus.
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Dermatology, Family Practice, Podiatry, Telemedicine Dermatology
Treatment
Treatment may vary depending on the severity of disease. Initially treatment may involve trimming the nail or the use of paste that contains urea and bifonazole. A cream or nail polish that contains anti-fungal medication is also used. For severe cases, an anti-fungal pill such as itraconazole (Sporanox) or terbinafine (Lamisil) may be prescribed.