Toenail fungus can be frustrating to deal with and surprisingly difficult to treat. Many people try over-the-counter products for months with little improvement, only to wonder what their next step should be. Understanding what kind of doctor treats toenail fungus is essential for choosing the right care and avoiding unnecessary delays in treatment.

This article explains which doctors treat toenail fungus, who can prescribe antifungal medication, whether podiatrists can help, and how laser treatment fits into a comprehensive treatment plan.

What Is Toenail Fungus and Why Proper Treatment Matters

Toenail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis, is a fungal infection that affects the nail bed and nail plate. It often begins subtly, with discoloration or thickening of the nail, but can progress to cause brittleness, crumbling, discomfort, and difficulty trimming the nail.

Because toenail fungus develops slowly and the nail grows gradually, treatment takes time and consistency. In many cases, professional care is necessary to accurately diagnose the condition and select the most effective treatment approach. For a deeper overview of symptoms, causes, and early signs, see our related guide on toenail fungus.

What Doctor to See for Toenail Fungus: Understanding Your Options

The appropriate provider depends on infection severity, prior treatment attempts, and whether other foot-related concerns are present. While several healthcare professionals may treat toenail fungus, their scope of care and available treatment options differ.

Primary Care Doctors

Primary care physicians can identify common nail infections and prescribe antifungal medication, making them a reasonable starting point for mild cases. However, they may not specialize in advanced or recurring nail conditions.

Dermatologists

Dermatologists diagnose nail conditions through clinical evaluation and lab testing and may prescribe topical or oral antifungal medications. Their focus is on skin and nails rather than foot-specific factors that can affect treatment outcomes.

Podiatrists (Foot & Ankle Specialists)

For many patients, podiatrists provide the most comprehensive care. Do podiatrists treat toenail fungus as part of ongoing foot and nail management, particularly in persistent, painful, or recurrent cases. Their training allows them to manage nail thickness, discomfort, and contributing factors such as nail trauma, footwear pressure, circulation concerns, and underlying medical conditions. Additional details are available on our toenail fungus services page.

Who Can Prescribe Toenail Fungus Medication?

Both primary care doctors, dermatologists, and podiatrists can prescribe antifungal treatments when appropriate. Prescription options may include topical medications applied directly to the nail or oral antifungal medications that treat the infection systemically.

The choice of medication depends on factors such as the extent of nail involvement, overall health, and potential medication interactions. Prescription treatment should always be guided by a healthcare professional.

Medications for Toenail Fungus: What Patients Should Know

Medications are commonly used to treat toenail fungus, with the right option depending on infection severity and overall health.

• Topical antifungal medications are applied directly to the nail and are most effective for mild or early infections, requiring consistent long-term use.
• Oral antifungal medications treat the infection from within and are typically used for more advanced cases, though they may require monitoring.

Treatment takes time, and medications are often used as part of a broader, professionally guided care plan.

Can a Podiatrist Treat Toenail Fungus Long-Term?

Toenail fungus has a tendency to recur, especially if contributing factors are not addressed. Podiatrists are uniquely positioned to provide long-term management by combining treatment with routine nail care, nail thinning when needed, and prevention strategies.

Ongoing podiatric care may also include guidance on proper nail trimming, footwear recommendations, and monitoring for reinfection, particularly important for patients with diabetes or circulation concerns.

Does Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus Actually Work?

Laser treatment can be an effective option for certain cases of toenail fungus, particularly when guided by a foot and ankle specialist. The treatment works by delivering targeted energy through the nail to disrupt fungal organisms without damaging surrounding tissue.

Laser therapy is not a universal solution and is most effective when used as part of a professionally guided treatment plan. A podiatrist can determine whether laser treatment is appropriate based on the severity of the infection, nail thickness, and overall foot health, and may recommend combining it with medication or ongoing nail care to improve outcomes.

When to Schedule an Evaluation

Consider scheduling a professional evaluation if any of the following apply:

• Toenail discoloration, thickening, or brittleness persists
• One or more nails become painful or difficult to trim
• The infection appears to be spreading to other nails
• Over-the-counter treatments have not improved symptoms
• You have diabetes, circulation issues, or other underlying health concerns

Early evaluation helps determine the most appropriate treatment approach and can prevent the infection from becoming more difficult to manage.

Next Steps for Toenail Fungus Care

Knowing what kind of doctor treats toenail fungus is an important step toward effective, long-term management. Because toenail fungus often requires more than self-treatment, a professional evaluation helps ensure accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment planning, and guidance based on overall foot health and medical history.

If toenail changes are persistent or worsening, Foot & Ankle Specialists of New Mexico provides professional evaluation to help clarify your treatment options for patients across New Mexico. Book an appointment today to receive expert foot and ankle care.

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