Toenail fungus is among the most experienced conditions of feet. Its other name is onychomycosis and tends to grow slowly. It takes time before showing full symptoms. The condition is caused by dermatophytes, which are fungi. Parts of the body infected by dermatophytes are hair, nails and the skin. Toenail fungi are also able to be caused by yeast and molds. A Chattanooga podiatrist is able to treat the infection effectively.
Most importantly, one ought to determine if they are suffering from the condition as early as possible. The infections take place under nails and tend to begin from where the nails are trimmed. Less often than not, the infections appear as whitish discolorations which are powdery. These are found at the top part of the nails. Common symptoms of the infection are thickening of nails, infected parts getting loose and areas beneath nails getting discolored.
When one visits the podiatrist, the infection is determined by how it appears and the symptoms it comes with. In case of any uncertainties, laboratory tests may be performed on affected nail samples to make definite conclusions. Since the fungi affect both the nail and skin under it, the infection can be difficult to manage.
Over time, oral anti-fungal medicines have been used. They are very effective. However, they may not be an option for most people given that they have potential side effects and are also costly. Numerous over-the-counter topical medications are used for toenail fungus. Nonetheless, since the fungi are found deep in the nail, the effectiveness of this medication is limited.
There may be a scheduled meeting with the podiatrist at the office. Such a session may involve debridement, removal of debris and trimming of affected areas. In so doing, thickness is reduced and discomfort relieved. Other available modes of therapy are oral medications and laser therapy.
After toenail fungus is managed by a Chattanooga podiatrist, it is less likely that it will recur. Still, there ought to be preventive measures to prevent re-infection. Early management is preferred as it makes the whole management procedure more effective.
Most importantly, one ought to determine if they are suffering from the condition as early as possible. The infections take place under nails and tend to begin from where the nails are trimmed. Less often than not, the infections appear as whitish discolorations which are powdery. These are found at the top part of the nails. Common symptoms of the infection are thickening of nails, infected parts getting loose and areas beneath nails getting discolored.
When one visits the podiatrist, the infection is determined by how it appears and the symptoms it comes with. In case of any uncertainties, laboratory tests may be performed on affected nail samples to make definite conclusions. Since the fungi affect both the nail and skin under it, the infection can be difficult to manage.
Over time, oral anti-fungal medicines have been used. They are very effective. However, they may not be an option for most people given that they have potential side effects and are also costly. Numerous over-the-counter topical medications are used for toenail fungus. Nonetheless, since the fungi are found deep in the nail, the effectiveness of this medication is limited.
There may be a scheduled meeting with the podiatrist at the office. Such a session may involve debridement, removal of debris and trimming of affected areas. In so doing, thickness is reduced and discomfort relieved. Other available modes of therapy are oral medications and laser therapy.
After toenail fungus is managed by a Chattanooga podiatrist, it is less likely that it will recur. Still, there ought to be preventive measures to prevent re-infection. Early management is preferred as it makes the whole management procedure more effective.
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Find a summary of the advantages you get when you consult a podiatric physician and more information about an experienced Chattanooga podiatrist at http://www.rebyfootcare.com now.
