HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Discoloration And Thickening Of The Toe Nail?

I have a discolored toenail next to the great toe on my right foot. The nail is discolored (somewhat greenish, not flesh colored) and thicker than normal. It cannot be cut with normal toenail clippers. My questions are: Is this due to toenail fungus and can it be treated effectively with an OTC compound? Should it be examined by a podiatrist, an internist or a dermatologist? In your experience, what is the usual treatment for this ailment. BTW it s causing no pain, but it could if it snags on something. I m 70 years old and spend a fair amount of time on my feet.
Tue, 8 Aug 2017
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello
Welcome to HCM.

It seems you have got fungal infection of nail.
Do you have other medical condition?Diabetes mellitus is more likely to cause such condition.

If I were your treating doctor,I recommend,
-Visit to a dermatologist for local examination.
-Certain blood test like fasting blood glucose is necessary.
-Local fungal ointments can be applied for 1 week.
But if there is presence of diabetes or the if the infection does not respond to topical therapy,oral antifungals may need to be taken.
Drugs oral fluconazole/ketoconazole/griseofulvin are given as weekly treatment for 4-6 months.(prescription drug)
-Wear shoes which gives enough space for toes in front.Avoid wear socks for long to avoid retaining of moisture.Soak the feet in warm water with salt to soften the nail.
-Keep diabetes within control with proper diet,medications,regular exercise and timely follow ups.

Hope this information helps.
Feel free to ask any more doubts.
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Discoloration And Thickening Of The Toe Nail?

Hello Welcome to HCM. It seems you have got fungal infection of nail. Do you have other medical condition?Diabetes mellitus is more likely to cause such condition. If I were your treating doctor,I recommend, -Visit to a dermatologist for local examination. -Certain blood test like fasting blood glucose is necessary. -Local fungal ointments can be applied for 1 week. But if there is presence of diabetes or the if the infection does not respond to topical therapy,oral antifungals may need to be taken. Drugs oral fluconazole/ketoconazole/griseofulvin are given as weekly treatment for 4-6 months.(prescription drug) -Wear shoes which gives enough space for toes in front.Avoid wear socks for long to avoid retaining of moisture.Soak the feet in warm water with salt to soften the nail. -Keep diabetes within control with proper diet,medications,regular exercise and timely follow ups. Hope this information helps. Feel free to ask any more doubts.