Nail fungus

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Nail fungus?

Nail fungus may start as a tiny white or orange spot on the nail.
Pharmacist

Now, let's see what can be done about it.



person with a nail fungus

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Nail Fungus

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Is it nail fungus?


To start with, are you looking at a nail fungus infection in the first place?
Pharmacist

You don't want to assume a nail fungus infection when it could be something serious.

 

The nail is getting discolored. Is this why you suspect nail fungus?
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Yes?

 

 

Is the nail surface losing its luster or shine?
Pharmacist

 

Yes?

 

Are there white or orange lines on the side of the nail?
Pharmacist

 

Yes?
Start suspecting nail fungus infection.
Pharmacist

Suspect nail fungus if:

  • Nail is getting discolored
  • Nail is losing luster or shine on the surface
  • Side of the nail has white or orange lines

 

Is the nail turning brittle?
Pharmacist

 

Yes?
Suspecting nail fungus infection.
Pharmacist

Suspect nail fungus if:

  • Nail is getting discolored
  • Nail is losing luster or shine on the surface
  • Side of the nail has white or orange lines
  • Nail is turning brittle

 

Are the outside edges of the nail crumbling?
Pharmacist

 

Yes?
May be looking at a nail fungus infection.
Pharmacist

Symptoms include:

  • Nail getting discolored
  • Nail losing luster or shine on the surface
  • Side of the nail having white or orange lines
  • Nail turning brittle
  • Outside edges of the nail crumbling.

 

Is debris trapped under the nail?
Pharmacist

 

Yes?
Looking at a nail fungus infection most likely.
Pharmacist

Symptoms include:

  • Nail getting discolored
  • Nail losing luster or shine on the surface
  • Side of the nail having white or orange lines
  • Nail turning brittle
  • Outside edges of the nail crumbling
  • Debris trapped under the nail

 

Is the nail getting thicker?
Pharmacist

 

Yes?

 

Is the shape getting distorted?
Pharmacist

 

Yes?
More than likely looking at a nail fungus infection.
Pharmacist

Suspect nail fungus infection if:

  • Nail is getting discolored
  • Nail is losing luster or shine on the surface
  • Side of the nail has white or orange lines
  • Nail is turning brittle
  • Outside edges of the nail is crumbling
  • Debris is trapped under the nail
  • Nail is getting thicker
  • Shape is getting distorted.

 


Those were the main signs of a nail fungus infection.
Pharmacist

If you think you are looking at a nail fungus infection, let's find out if you need to see a doctor for this and how soon.

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Nail Fungus

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Need a doctor?

Are the tissues surrounding the affected nail red?
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Yes?

 

 

Are they swollen?
Pharmacist

 

Seek urgent care or call the doctor.
Pharmacist

Here is why:

  • Looking at a serious infection

 

Are the tissues filled with pus?
Pharmacist

 

Seek urgent care or call the doctor.
Pharmacist

Here is why:

  • Looking at infection

 

Any red streaks along the skin area?
Pharmacist

 

Seek urgent care or call the doctor.
Pharmacist

Here is why:

  • May be looking at bacteria infection also.

 

Is the nail loosening or lifting up from the skin?
Pharmacist

 

Seek urgent care or call the doctor.
Pharmacist

Here is why:

  • Over-the-counter creams and ointments generally do not help treat this condition.

  • Prescription anti-fungal medicines taken by mouth may help clear the fungus.
    You will need to take the medicine for about 2 to 3 months for toenails; a shorter time for fingernails.

  • In some cases, the health care provider may remove the nail. Nails grow slowly. Even if treatment is successful, a new, clearer nail may take up to a year to grow in.

 

Are you diabetic?
Pharmacist

 

Call the doctor.
Pharmacist

Here is why:

  • Self care is not adviced.

 


Those were some of the reasons to see a doctor.

Just one more question.
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Nail fungus

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Is this a reoccurrence or first time nail fungal infection?
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Reoccurrence First time

 

 

 

Nail fungus

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Reoccurrence

Seek urgent care or call the doctor.
Pharmacist

Here is why:

  • Nail fungus are hard to treat.

  • You will need prescription oral antifungal medications and stay with it all the way.

  • About 50% of people with nail fungal infection get successful treatment first time around with preescription antifungal.

  • In some cases, the health care provider may remove the nail. Nails grow slowly.

  • Even if treatment is successful, a new, clearer nail may take up to a year to grow in.

Would you like to see what a pharmacist recommend for nail fungus infection that is available over-the-counter anyway or see the nearest clinic to you?

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Nail fungus

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First time

If it is pretty bad, seeing a healthcare provider will be your best option.
Pharmacist

Here is why:

  • The over-the-counter nail fungus medications are not usually successful and will take a long time to work.

  • The time and effort required to treat the nail fungus over-the-counter is going to be far more expensive for you than seeing a doctor.

If it is just starting, you may be able to nip it in the bud.

In this case, we will send you to a pharmacist for recommendation on what is available to use over-the-counter.

Would you like to do this or visit the nearest clinic for evaluation and treatment?

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