What Causes Pain And Redness Around Cuticle Of Toe Nail?

Posted on Tue, 10 Feb 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 10 Feb 2015 Answered on

Thu, 12 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello, I believe I have a fungal I fecrion under my toe nail and the surrounding cuticle is red and painful but not abcessed. I soaked my foot in a part vinegar part water soaks a couple weeks ago the pain and redness has subsided but now I have a white spot under my toenail and I also have tingling in the foot and calf is this normal are they related?

Answered by Dr. Hardik Pitroda (31 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Pictures requested

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for posting on HCM.
I can understand your concern regarding the nail infection but its difficult to point specific diagnosis in absence of clinical examination.
Therefore, I insist you to post good clinical pictures to me so that I can help you in a better way.
You can mail pictures to YYYY@YYYY
with subject titled ' ATTN Dr Hardik Pitroda'.

Thanks
Dr Hardik Pitroda

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Hardik Pitroda (6 hours later)

Hello, images are sent please check.

Answered by Dr. Hardik Pitroda (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Oral itraconazole, topical amlorfine

Detailed Answer:
Yes, this definitely looks like fungal infection of nail, medically known as onychomycosis.
Infection over tor nails takr around 10-12 months for complete clearance.
In my patients of onychomycosis, I suggest pulse therapy of itraconazole 200mg once a day for 7 days every month and likewise for 10-12 months.
Apply amlorfine topically over affected nail once a week. For penetration into hard keratin of nail, a special topical preparation called lacquer is available as LOCERYL nail lacquer. Kindly go through the package insert and apply exactly as explained once a week over affected nail.
Avoid excessive soaking of feet in water especially soap or detergent water.
Check your blood sugar levels to rule out diabetes.
I hope your query is resolved.
Still if you require any further assistance do let me know.
Thank you and take care
Dr Hardik Pitroda

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Hardik Pitroda (18 minutes later)

Where is the package insert?
Can I get those medications OTC or do I need to call my PCP?

Also my big concern is the tingling in my foot and calf can the fungus be causing the tingling? I have no red streaking on my foot just the tingling

Answered by Dr. Hardik Pitroda (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Drugs require prescription.

Detailed Answer:
I am sorry these medications require a prescription from a dermatologist.
The tingling sensation can be attributed to your nail infection and once you start the treatment, I think it will resolve.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar