Nail Deformity Can Best Be Treated With Correct Diagnosis

Many patients are concerned because they have thick yellow toenails that are deformed and difficult to cut. Nail deformity has many causes including: trauma, psoriasis, fungal infection, thyroid disease, and lung disease. Correct diagnosis of the toenail deformity is essential for proper treatment.

Patients often ask about taking Lamisil Tablets for their nail deformity. Lamisil, and other oral anti-fungals, can be an excellent treatment for deformed toenails due to fungal infection; however, oral anti-fungals are not effective for other causes of nail disease. There are several topical products now available to reduce nail deformity that is not caused by fungus.

A thorough history & physical along with a nail biopsy is the best way to diagnose the reason for the nail deformity.

If the deformity is caused by fungal infection, oral anti-fungal agents, like Lamisil, may be a good choice. When prescribing oral anti-fungals it is important to monitor the patient’s liver functions, much the same way as patients who are on diabetes and/or cholesterol medications. If the patient’s liver functions are normal, oral anti-fungal agents are very safe medications. For patients who cannot take oral anti-fungals, topical treatments are available.

If you have thick yellow nails, call CKPA for an evaluation & treatment options.

Comprehensive Diabetic Foot Exam

The American Diabetes Association's "2010 Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes" statement on diabetic foot care and the newly established Physician Quality Reporting Initative (PQRI) for the treatment of feet of patients with diabetes now requires an annual comprehensive diabetic foot examination to assess all lower extremity risk factors. We are requesting all of our patients with diabetes to schedule a Comprehensive Diabetic Foot Exam (CDFE) appointment if you have not already done so. This appointment should only take about 15 minutes of your time and will allow us to perform the necessary testing and examination to meet this new requirement. The exam may include the treatment of your nails, calluses, or corns.