About Nail Infection
Key Highlights
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Accurate diagnosis by a skin and nail specialist to identify the specific cause (fungal, bacterial, or yeast).Personalized treatment plan based on infection type, severity, and patient health.Access to prescription-strength topical and oral medications not available over-the-counter.Minimally invasive procedures, like nail avulsion, to treat stubborn infections effectively.Prevention of permanent nail damage and spread of infection to other nails or skin.Professional guidance on nail hygiene and long-term preventive care./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Discoloration of the nail (yellow, white, brown, or black streaks).
- Thickening or crumbling of the nail plate.
- Distortion in the nail shape or separation of the nail from the nail bed (onycholysis).
- Brittleness, debris under the nail, or a foul odor.
- Pain, redness, swelling, or pus around the nail (signs of paronychia).
- Failure of over-the-counter treatments to resolve the issue.
- Underlying health conditions like diabetes or a weakened immune system that complicate infections.
How to prepare
- Schedule a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist.
- Do not apply nail polish, artificial nails, or creams to the affected nails for at least a few days before the appointment.
- Be prepared to discuss your medical history, including any medications, allergies, or chronic conditions like diabetes.
- For a potential nail removal procedure, inform the doctor of any blood-thinning medications (e.g., aspirin, warfarin).
- Wear open-toed shoes or comfortable footwear if the toe nails are affected.
Risks & possible complications
- Mild discomfort, pain, or bleeding during or after a nail removal procedure.
- Risk of infection at the treatment site, though this is minimized by sterile technique.
- Possible side effects from oral antifungal medications, including liver enzyme changes (monitored with blood tests), skin rash, or gastrointestinal upset.
- Temporary or permanent changes in the texture or appearance of the new nail growth.
- Recurrence of the infection if the underlying cause is not fully addressed.
- Allergic reaction to topical medications or anesthetics (rare).
Recovery & hospital stay
- For topical treatments: Apply medication as directed, keep nails clean and dry, and trim nails regularly.
- After nail avulsion: Keep the area clean, dry, and covered with a sterile bandage as instructed. Change dressings daily.
- Avoid submerging the treated nail in water (e.g., baths, swimming) for the first 48-72 hours or as advised.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers if mild discomfort occurs, as recommended by your doctor.
- Wear loose-fitting shoes and cotton socks to minimize pressure and moisture if toenails are treated.
- Complete the full course of prescribed oral medications, even if symptoms improve earlier.
- Attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing and treatment effectiveness.
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Typical hospital stay: 0 days (outpatient procedure)
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Expected recovery time: Varies: Topical treatment requires 6-12 months for clear nail growth; oral treatment shows improvement in weeks with full course over months; nail avulsion site heals in 1-2 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering nail infection in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for nail infection in India include Manipal Hospital Jaipur, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform nail infection. MediFyr helps you compare dermatologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for nail infection compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 500 – 15 Thousand | 0 days (outpatient procedure) | ~ Varies: Topical treatment requires 6-12 months for clear nail growth; oral treatment shows improvement in weeks with full course over months; nail avulsion site heals in 1-2 weeks. | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 1.75 Thousand – 52.5 Thousand | 0 days (outpatient procedure) | ~ Varies: Topical treatment requires 6-12 months for clear nail growth; oral treatment shows improvement in weeks with full course over months; nail avulsion site heals in 1-2 weeks. | Know More |
Top hospitals for Nail Infection in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated dermatology teams and experience managing patients undergoing nail infection.
Krishna Saxena, a 28-year-old software engineer...
Krishna Saxena, a 28-year-old software engineer and avid rock climber, had been ignoring a persistent, dull ache in his right big toe for months. The nail had become thick, yellowish, and slightly lifted from the nail bed. He was embarrassed by its appearance and avoided communal changing rooms at the gym. The discomfort finally became sharp and throbbing, making it painful to wear his climbing shoes. His dermatologist, Dr. Mehta, diagnosed a severe fungal nail infection (onychomycosis) that had not responded to topical treatments. She recommended a combination of oral antifungal medication and a procedure to remove the damaged nail (nail avulsion) to allow the new medication to penetrate effectively and for a new, healthy nail to grow. During the in-office procedure, Krishna felt only pressure and minor discomfort under local anesthesia. The recovery involved keeping the area clean and dry, with some tenderness for a few days. Over the next year, a clear, healthy nail slowly grew back. Emotionally, Krishna moved from shame and avoidance to relief and proactive care. He was grateful to be able to return to climbing without pain and no longer felt the need to hide his feet.
Dermatologists for Nail Infection
Explore experienced dermatologists who regularly perform nail infection and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 32 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
- 30 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 30 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 21 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 10 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 9 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 9 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 7 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 7 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 6 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 3 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 21 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata
- 7 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata
- 5 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 8 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 40 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata
- 26 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Doddaballapur, Bangalore
- 43 Years Experience
- Dermatologist
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata