CA
A 28-year-old male asked:
what is the definition or description of: fungal nail infection?
5 doctor answers • 12 doctors weighed in

Dr. Frank Kase answered
Podiatry 45 years experience
Fungus in the nail: Fungus is an organism that thrives in a dark, damp environment and can be found on the skin or nails. As we age, we are more prone to developing fungus in our nails. Also diabetics are very commonly seen with fungal nails. There is usually thickness, yellowish discoloration, and the presence of dead tissue under the nail when a person has fungus in their nail.
5422 views

Dr. Arnold Beresh answered
Podiatry 41 years experience
See below: It is a condition where the nail becomes infiltrated with a fungus (usually trichodum rubrum) creating nail thickening, discoloration and brittleness.
5406 views

Dr. Ralph Morgan Lewis commented
Family Medicine 38 years experience
fungi love warm, moist, dark places like toes/nails inside shoes; they're present on skin & wait for compromise of skin/blood supply by diabetes, vascular disease, etc. to infiltrate the nail or nail growth area.
Dec 29, 2012

Dr. Jeffrey Kass answered
Podiatry 28 years experience
A nail : Infected by a fungus. A fungus is a living organism. When the fungus infects the toenail it can make the nail thick and ugly in appearance. It can cause discoloration and have malodor.
5390 views

Dr. Jordan Steinberg answered
Podiatry 14 years experience
Fungus: When you have a fungal nail infection, a specific type of fungus can cause the nail to become discolored, thick, dystrophic, and my cause sublingual debris.
5328 views

Dr. Payam Rafat answered
Podiatry 22 years experience
Fungal infected nail: Fungal nail infection occurs when a fungus grows in and around your fingernail or toenail. Symptoms may include: brittleness, change in nail shape and thickness, crumbling of the outside edges of the nail, debris trapped under the nail, loosening or lifting up of the nail, loss of luster and shine, and discoloration of the nails.
5208 views
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Similar questions
A 18-year-old member asked:
What are the cures for fungal nail infection?
4 doctor answers • 9 doctors weighed in

Dr. Vasu Brown answered
Integrative Medicine 34 years experience
Epsom salt soak: Soak daily with epsom salt and antifungal cream twice daily x 6 weeks.
6290 views
A 46-year-old member asked:
Are there any fungal nail infection treatments?
4 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in

Dr. Brandon Macy answered
Podiatry 41 years experience
Yes.: Treatment for fungal nails is a challenge. Nothing works fast and the best results out there are only about 70% or so effective. Thicker nails are more difficult to treat. Topical medications are ineffective by themselves unless the nail is thin. Oral terbinafine is successful but has side effects. Laser is safe, but not covered by insurance. Successful treatment takes months to see results.
5730 views
A 40-year-old member asked:
Whats the most effective way to cure very severe fungal nail infection?
4 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in

Dr. Jeffrey Kass answered
Podiatry 28 years experience
Oral meds: To date has the highest success rate. You need to check liver enzymes prior o going on them. They are not "dangerous", which seems to me a misconception.
Also, you want to get rid of any athletes foot you may have.
Lasers are an option, but carry a price tag of 500-1200 bucks.
5666 views
A 47-year-old member asked:
What's the most suggested treatment for a fungal nail infection?
4 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in

Dr. Ronald Oberman answered
Podiatry 31 years experience
Depends: On your overall health and preference. There is no guarantee for cure but if healthy, oral medication or laser seem to have the best results. However, topical medication and proper care will probably always be needed to minimize recurrence anf repeated treatmemts in future may be necessary.
5656 views
A 34-year-old member asked:
Is there a homeopathic treatment for fungal nail infection?
6 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in

Dr. Mak Yousefpour answered
Podiatry 18 years experience
Not really : However, Vicks vapor rub does help a little.
5532 views
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Last updated Mar 22, 2020
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