I have a severe case of toenail fungus on at least 9 out of 10toes and it may be starting to infect my fingernails. my orthopedic surgeon, who recently did surgery on my foot, would be willing to make a referral on treatment beingmedically necessary. what

Laser is great: We use a laser to clear the nails and have had very good success with a package of several treatments. Usually it costs about $1000 or so and is not covered by insurance, since it is a cosmetic procedure. A podiatrists office would also carry a reliable topical product, as over the counter products are often ineffective.

See a podiatrist: Nail infections and disorders can be treated by podiatrists. Treatment might include the use of prescribed medications, and/or the use of laser to improve the appearance of the fungal nail. In severe deformities of the nail, sometimes surgical removal is considered if bothersome enough to the patient. See a podiatrist to find out what options might work for you the best.

Your first "step": (if it wasn't already one) is to have the nails cultured. Not all thick, discolored nails are fungal, and while it's possible for it to spread to fingernails, it's very uncommon. There are a number of dermatological conditions that can cause nails to change, including psoriasis (which has an associated arthritis). Get diagnosed before starting any treatment.

Fungus: The first right thing to do is see a podiatrist - we do this a lot . There are various treatments available including laser - very effective in my practice - and topicals. Your podiatrist will guide you . Good luck.