The early symptoms of many diseases are practically unnoticeable which is why a lot of people miss them. In the case of toenail fungus, the first sign is usually the discoloration of the toenail.
As this is a fairly common condition especially after you have stubbed your toe or if the nail has been hit by a fairly heavy object, many people just ignore it thinking that it will go away in a few days. However, if the discoloration spreads instead of fading, that is a sure indication that you have to see your podiatrist right away.
Diagnosing toenail fungus infections is quite simple. All you have to do is show your doctor the infected toenail and he will examine it for the signs of fungal infection. The first step in diagnosing toenail fungus infections is to look for the physical symptoms which include discoloration, appearance of spots, splitting, thickening and disfiguration.
In diagnosing toenail fungus, the surrounding skin will also be examined for redness, itchiness, flaking, swelling, and the accumulation of pus.
During the examination, your doctor will want to know what kinds of medications you have been on for the past several weeks or even months. He will also ask about certain aspects of your and your family's health history. For instance, if your parents are both diabetics, your toenail fungal infection might indicate that you have diabetes as well. It is a medical fact that diabetics, as well as people with HIV, are more prone to getting toenail fungal infections because of their weakened immune systems.
In diagnosing toenail fungus infections, your doctor will also try to figure out the cause of your particular condition. To do this, he will need to know whether you spend a lot of time in wet environments or if you constantly wear closed and tight-fitting shoes. These factors contribute a lot to the occurrence of toenail fungal infections in most patients.
After getting your medical information and physically examining your toenail, the doctor will then take a sample of your infected toenail and send it to the laboratory for a more thorough examination. Here, they will be able to determine what kind of Nail Fungus is present in your toenail which can help them find the appropriate treatment for you.
Your doctor can give you a wide range of choices when it comes to fungal infection treatment. You can use traditional medicine which most doctors recommend but you can also request for herbal treatment if that is your preference.
Fungal infection is very contagious. It can spread from one of your toes to the others, and it can even infect other people. That is why diagnosing toenail fungus needs to be done as early as possible. Early detection will not only prevent the contamination of your other toes but it will also allow your infected toenail to be cured in less time.
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