Learn about Nail Infection Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Nail Infection and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Nail Infection

A nail infection, medically known as onychomycosis or paronychia, is a common condition where fungi, bacteria, or yeast invade the nail unit, leading to discoloration, thickening, brittleness, and sometimes pain. A dermatologist expertly diagnoses and treats these infections through a comprehensive approach. This begins with a clinical examination and may include nail clippings or scrapings for laboratory analysis (KOH test or fungal culture) to confirm the causative organism. Treatment is tailored to the severity and type of infection, ranging from topical antifungal medications and medicated nail lacquers for mild cases to oral antifungal pills for more extensive infections. In severe or recurrent cases, a dermatologist may perform a minor surgical procedure to remove the infected nail (nail avulsion) to allow direct application of medication or to facilitate the growth of a new, healthy nail. Prompt treatment by a specialist is crucial to prevent permanent nail damage and the spread of infection.

Key Highlights

    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.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 0 days (outpatient procedure)
  • checked 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.

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 USD 6 – USD 165 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 USD 41 – USD 1,229 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.

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279+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Jaipur

  • IconJaipur, India
  • Icon55 Doctors
PATIENT REVIEW

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.

Dr. Somnath Das
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1200
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospitals Broadway, Kolkata

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Dr. Shantini Vijayasuriar
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 2000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore

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Dr. Arti Sarda
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata

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Dr. Chanchal Bhar
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata

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Dr. Simantini R. Sakhardande
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 2000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Goa , Panaji

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Dr. K R Sharmatha
  • Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Consult Charge ₹ 800

MediFyr Plus SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai

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Dr. Piyali Chatterjee
  • 18 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata

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Dr. Jayanta Kumar Barua
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata

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Dr. Jaidev Yadav NC
  • 19 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 2000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore

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Dr. Sai Lahari Rachumallu
  • 3 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar

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Dr. Souvik Sardar
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata

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Dr. Vijender Kumar Saini
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jaipur, Jaipur

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Dr. Chandrashekhar C. R.
  • 40 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 2000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Goa , Panaji

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Dr. Jaidev Yadav
  • 20 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore

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Dr. Shouvik Ghosh
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata

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Dr. Ritika Shanmugam
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore

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Dr. Sharanya Padma
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore

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