Do Podiatrists Treat Toenail Fungus?

Toenail fungus isn’t a cosmetic issue! It can make your nails thick, yellow, painful, and hard to manage. You might feel embarrassed to wear sandals or even experience discomfort while walking. Over-the-counter creams usually don’t cut it. The good news is that podiatrists treat toenail fungus, and they’re the best people for the job.

​Keep reading to see how they use safe, proven methods to stop the fungus and help you grow clear, healthy nails again.

Fungal Nail Diagnosis and Testing

Before podiatrists treat toenail fungus cases, they need a proper diagnosis to confirm it’s truly a fungal infection, and not a different nail issue, like psoriasis or trauma. They won’t improve with antifungal treatment.

​Here’s how podiatrists diagnose toenail fungus:

• Visual Exam: Your podiatrist looks closely at the nail’s color, thickness, shape, and texture.
• Nail Sampling: your foot doctor in Phoenix collects a small piece of the nail or scrapings from under the nail. These are sent to a lab for a fungal culture or microscopy test to find the exact type of fungus.
• Lab Confirmation: Some clinics use special stains or DNA tests to get quicker, more accurate results.

How Can Podiatrists Treat Toenail Fungus?

Once the infection is confirmed, your podiatrist can choose the best way to treat it. The treatment depends on:

• How severe the fungus is
• How many nails are infected
• Your health

Most treatments are safe, effective, and help the nail grow back healthy. Here are the most common ways podiatrists treat toenail fungus:

Debridement (Nail Trimming and Thinning)

This is when the podiatrist trims and files down the thick, infected nail. It helps reduce pressure, pain, and the amount of fungus. Thinning the nail also makes it easier for medicine to reach the infection. This is usually done in the office with special tools and is painless.

Topical Antifungal Treatment

Topical means the medicine goes directly on the nail. These are usually special creams, solutions, or nail lacquers. The medicine works by killing the fungus on the surface and just under the nail. You usually apply it daily at home, and it works best when combined with trimming.

Oral Antifungal Medication

Oral antifungals are pills that work from inside your body. The medicine goes through your bloodstream and attacks the fungus where it starts. This toenail fungus treatment in Phoenix is often used for more serious infections or when multiple nails are involved. You take the pills for several weeks or months, depending on the medicine and how your nails respond.

Laser Therapy

Laser treatment uses focused light to kill fungus under the nail. It does not hurt and does not damage nearby skin or tissue. The laser goes through the nail to reach deep where the fungus lives. Several sessions, usually 3 to 4 treatments spaced a few weeks apart, may be needed, and it is often used along with other treatments for the best results.

If you are ready to treat your toenail fungus, contact Foot and Ankle Specialty Centers to talk to our podiatrists today and find the right solution for your feet.

How Podiatrists Treat Toenail Fungus with Medications

Medicines are a cornerstone of how podiatrists treat toenail fungus. They help stop the fungus and allow a healthy nail to grow back. Below is a table of common antifungal medications used:

​Important Note: Medicines often work best when combined with trimming or debridement.