Toenail Problem

[krispymaz]

For three or four years my toenails have looked as they do in the photo. They grow up to a certain point seeming healthy, then suddenly the toenail darkens and seems thicker and a new one begins to grow with it. They always grow up to the point in the photo and then the problem returns and a new healthy toenail starts growing, pushing the old one out. My dermatologist put me on anti-fungal medication, when my testing for fungus was positive, but now the tests come up as negative. I've also tried medicated tape and drops for treating psoriasis, but the problem returns. Is there anything else this could be?

[krispymaz]

Hello,
Thank you for your response. After a few more years with the issue, I went to a new doctor and he determined that the periodic toenail regrowth was due to trauma, whether physical trauma or maybe due to my diet. This still continues to happen to only my two large toenails (regrowing around once a year), but at least it only seems to affect appearance.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It looks like fungal infection of the toenails. Nail fungus also known as Onychomycosis is very common but hard to treat because of the location of the fungus that happens to be under the nails. There are different ways to treat this infection, but recent studies suggest that using both topical and oral anti fungal medications at same time yields better result. There are also centers that offer laser treatment of intractable fungal infection, although it is as effective as giving oral anti fungal medication, but without the usual side effects of the antifungal pill. It is better that you be seen by a dermatologist so that your problem be accurately addressed.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.