Toenail Fungus (Onychomycosis)

When To Call A Professional

You may want to make an appointment to see your family doctor or podiatrist if you notice that a portion of your toenail has become abnormally thick or discolored. Call your doctor promptly if any problem involving your feet or toes makes walking painful or difficult.

Prognosis

Most people treated with an oral antifungal agent achieve a cure after 12 weeks of therapy. However, even after the fungus is dead, the nail may not immediately or ever return to its completely clear, normal-looking appearance.

After successful treatment with itraconazole or terbinafine, the fungus returns in approximately 10 to 20 percent of patients.

Additional Info

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Information Clearinghouse 1 AMS Circle Bethesda, MD 20892-3675 Phone: (301) 495-4484 Toll-Free: (877) 226-4267 Fax: (301) 718-6366 TTY: (301) 565-2966 E-Mail: niamsinfo@mail.nih.gov http://www.niams.nih.gov/

American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) 9312 Old Georgetown Rd. Bethesda, MD 20814-1698 Phone: (301) 571-9200 Toll-Free: (800) 275-2762 Fax: (301) 530-2752 E-Mail: askapma@apma.org http://www.apma.org/

American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine 4414 Ives St. Rockville, MD 20853 Toll-Free (800) 438-3355 E-Mail: info@aapsm.org http://www.aapsm.org/

American College of Foot and Ankle Orthopedics and Medicine 3525 Ellicott Mills Drive Suite N Ellicott City, MD 21043 Toll-Free (800) 265-8263 Fax: (888) 336-6832 E-Mail: info@acfaom.org http://www.acfaom.org/

American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons 515 Busse Highway Park Ridge, IL 60068 Phone: (847) 292-2237 Toll-Free: (800) 421-2237 E-Mail: mail@acfas.org http://www.acfas.org/