Nail fungus diagnosis can be more complicated to determine than you might think. Determining whether a nail has developed a fungal infection or not can be tricky. Often times the nail may simply appear bruised or discolored due to consistent polish use. However, there are a number of ways to detect if you have developed a fungal nail or not.

How to determine if you have a nail fungus

First things first, if you see spots, discoloration, thickening, and/or brittleness you are likely to have developed nail fungus. It is important to take note of these signs. Also, visit a podiatrist or a doctor if you notice any of the above.

It is quite simple for doctors to diagnose nail fungus. Some prefer the conventional method of taking a sample of the nail and sending it to a lab for a nail culture. This has always been thought to be the most accurate way of determination, however, studies have proven that these tests often come out 50% false-positive and 50% false-negative, meaning that there is a 50% chance that the result is false. In recent years, however, podiatrists are able to detect if an individual has a nail fungus by simply looking at the nail and taking note of a number of factors that indicate a nail fungus.

If you are concerned that you or someone you know has developed a nail fungus, you need to contact a professional immediately for a diagnosis before the fungus worsens and spreads.

Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus

If you have caught nail fungus, it can be easily treated using the FDA-approved PinPointe laser, which typically only takes on treatment. Other treatments like topical solutions and oral medication are not as effective. Topical solutions have a very low cure rate. This is because the solution does not penetrate all the way through the nail bed. Oral medication is not recommended by our nail doctors. This is because it can lead to liver toxicity. You would need to have consistent blood tests throughout the course of taking the medication. 

Our nail doctor in Houston, TX recommends this treatment. The PinPointe Laser treatment has the highest cure rate in the market. It has no side effects and no recovery period. As a result, you can go about your daily activities right after the treatment. Also, it is not painful.

If you have any signs of nail fungus, call us at (800) 672-0625 or visit our website for more information on our doctors at one of our over 150 locations.