Fungal Nail Infections - When To Call a Doctor

When To Call a Doctor

Call your health professional for an immediate appointment if a fungal nail infection develops signs of bacterial infection, such as:

• Increased pain, swelling, redness, tenderness, or heat.
• Red streaks extending from the area.
• Discharge of pus.
• Fever of 100° (37.78°) or higher with no other cause.

Call your health professional for an appointment if your symptoms are troubling you, such as when:

• A fungal infection appears to be spreading to the skin under the nail, the nail itself, or the surrounding skin.
• The infected area is painful.
• A thickened toenail causes discomfort.
• Your nail's appearance concerns you.

Your health professional can check for signs of fungal infection. If a fungal infection is not treated, it may get worse.

Watchful Waiting

Watchful waiting is a period of time during which you and your health professional observe your symptoms or condition without using medical treatment. If a nail is discolored or damaged but is not painful, you may decide not to treat the infection. Antifungal medication does not guarantee a cure, and antifungal pills (oral medication) can be expensive and have potentially dangerous side effects. However, treatment may stop the infection from causing permanent damage to the nail, shorten the time needed for treatment, and increase the chance of a cure.

Who To See

Health professionals who can diagnose and treat a fungal nail infection include:

• Nurse practitioners.
• Physician assistants.
• Family medicine doctors.
• Internal medicine doctors.
• Dermatologists.
• Podiatrists.

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment