How Does the Doctor Treat Toenail Fungus?
Diagnosis Before a doctor will treat toenail fungus, he will make a diagnosis to make sure that it is actually the problem. First he will evaluate the symptoms, which typically include thick nails that may have a distorted shape, dullness and crumbling or cracking. He will also note the nail color, as toenail fungus often causes a dark appearance because of debris that accumulates under the affected toenails. He may also smell the area, since toe nail fungus can cause a foul smell. According to the Mayo Clinic, if there is any uncertainty, the doctor may confirm the diagnosis by taking a scraping of the debris underneath the nail and examining it microscopically or sending it to a lab to be cultured. This will allow him to rule out similar conditions that can cause the same symptoms, such as psoriasis or infections caused by bacteria or yeast. Treatment Typically, the doctor will treat toe nail fungus by prescribing oral medication. According to the Mayo Clinic, the most commonly used
