Which specialist treats nail fungus?

Fungal nail infection can cause thickened, brittle, yellow, white, or brown nails that crumble or separate from the nail bed. Similar changes can result from injury, psoriasis, eczema, or nail separation for another reason. A dermatologist may trim or sample affected nail material for testing before prescribing treatment. The examination may also look for athlete's foot, which can spread between the skin and nails.

Keep feet clean and dry, change damp socks, wear breathable footwear, and avoid sharing nail tools. A dermatologist may recommend oral antifungal treatment when the infection and medical history make it suitable; this can require a review of medicines and liver health. Laser treatment for nail fungus may be discussed in selected cases, but the clinician should explain what it can and cannot achieve. Do not cover a suspicious nail with polish until it has been assessed if that hides worsening changes.

Arrange an appointment if a nail becomes progressively thick, discoloured, brittle, painful, or detached. Seek earlier care when several nails are involved, the surrounding skin is inflamed, or you have diabetes, poor circulation, reduced immunity, or repeated infections. Urgent assessment is needed for rapidly spreading redness, swelling, pus, fever, or severe pain.

Ask whether testing is needed before treatment, whether the changes could be nail separation or another condition, and how long the nail may take to look healthy as it grows. Discuss medicine interactions, monitoring, household hygiene, footwear, and how to reduce the chance of reinfection.