What Type of Doctor Treats Nail Fungus?
Answer at a Glance: The type of doctor that treats nail fungus is a dermatologist or a podiatrist. Though your general practitioner can also treat a nail fungal infection, a dermatologist or a podiatrist specializes in such conditions.
Dig Deeper
- What Does a Dermatologist Specialize In?
- What Does a Podiatrist Specialize In?
- Why Choose a Specialist?
- Resources
What Does a Dermatologist Specialize In?
A dermatologist specializes in skin, hair, and nail conditions. Dermatologists hold a bachelor’s degree, have graduated four years of medical school, served a one-year internship, and have a three-year dermatology residency.
What Does a Podiatrist Specialize In?
A doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM) is uniquely qualified to treat conditions of the foot and ankle. A podiatrist can further specialize in surgery, pediatrics, geriatrics, sports medicine, and biomechanics. The training to become a podiatrist includes a four-year college degree, four years of podiatry school, and a three-year residency.
Why Choose a Specialist
Direct Training – Specialists receive direct training regarding particular problems. Seeking treatment from a specialist is beneficial, especially in those cases that are not easily cured during the initial evaluation.
More Exposure – A specialist focusing on patients of a particular subset will encounter certain conditions more often than a general practitioner. This gives the specialist the advantage of experience and hands-on knowledge.
Current with Technological Advances – A specialist is current on new techniques and technological advances that directly relate to their area of expertise. For example, a podiatrist will likely have exposure to new laser treatments that would not be available at a general practitioner.
References
- Medicinenet.com – “Facts You Should Know About Fungal Nails (onychomycosis, tinea unguium).”
- American Academy of Dermatology – “What Is a Dermatologist?”
- American Association of Podiatric Medicine – “Becoming a Podiatric Physician.”
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