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What Causes White Discoloration Of Toe Nail?
Question: Over the last 2 years toe nail has turned white. now just recently the side and bottom of the nail let go and the nail is hanging on only from the left side. How best should I take care of this?
Brief Answer:
can clean with a topical antiseptic and pull gently
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
The white discoloration would be termed onychomycosis.
If it is hanging only from one side it will likely come off soon with little or no pain at all.
If you wish, you can clean the area with a mild antiseptic (eg betadine or hydrogen peroxide) and attempt to remove it by pulling on it gently but if you are not comfortable with this then you can leave it because it will come off on its own, likely in the next few days.
A doctor would normally remove with a small blade but if you do this then you may harm yourself.
You may need to consider another course of oral antifungals for another 12 weeks
The options would be terbinafine (lamisil) or itraconazole (sporanox) . For toe nail infections, these should be taken for 12 weeks.
Though topical agents may help, an oral medication is needed for complete healing.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
can clean with a topical antiseptic and pull gently
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
The white discoloration would be termed onychomycosis.
If it is hanging only from one side it will likely come off soon with little or no pain at all.
If you wish, you can clean the area with a mild antiseptic (eg betadine or hydrogen peroxide) and attempt to remove it by pulling on it gently but if you are not comfortable with this then you can leave it because it will come off on its own, likely in the next few days.
A doctor would normally remove with a small blade but if you do this then you may harm yourself.
You may need to consider another course of oral antifungals for another 12 weeks
The options would be terbinafine (lamisil) or itraconazole (sporanox) . For toe nail infections, these should be taken for 12 weeks.
Though topical agents may help, an oral medication is needed for complete healing.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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