Fungal Nail Infections: When To Call A Doctor

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When To Call a Doctor

Call your doctor 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 or higher with no other cause.

Call your doctor 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 doctor 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 doctor 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 medicine does not guarantee a cure, and antifungal pills (oral medicine) can be expensive and have potentially dangerous side effects. But treatment may stop the infection from causing permanent damage to the nail 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.

Last updated:	July 24, 2008
Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC