Onychomycosis: an infection in a toenail or fingernail from a fungus is called an “onychomycosis.” Such infections are quite common in the Southern U.S., with our high heat and humidity. Symptoms include nail thickening, discoloration, separation of the nail plate from its bed, and even nail breakage or loss. Fortunately, in 2016  there are 5 oral pills and several new topical medicines for management. At Rheumatology and Dermatology, we have an in-house laboratory to help to identify the organism, thereby revealing where the infection came from, perhaps from a cat, another person, or the yard. Such identification can also help in finding the right medicine to clear the infection. It’s a priority to get these nail infections treated before they spread to the foot, the rest of the body, or even to other family members. Most treatments involve blood tests to monitor liver function while on oral drugs.

The first patient below has typical features of a toenail fungal infection: toenail thickening, yellow discoloration, and even warping of the nail plate. Fortunately, with the medications currently available, this condition is quite manageable.  

The second patient below also has typical features of a toenail fungal infection: toenail thickening, yellow discoloration, and even separation of the nail plate from its bed. This separation can eventually lead to actual loss of the toenail if not managed properly.




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WALK TO CURE ARTHRITIS: SATURDAY MORNING 06/04/2016:
Rheumatology and Dermatology staff and friends joined the Walk to Cure Arthritis June 6th 2015, in Shelby Farms, Memphis TN.
 
Over 500 people participated in this walk to raise money for arthritis research.

Come join us Saturday morning June 6th 2016, at Shelby Farms Park, in Memphis, TN, likely at 9:00 AM, to once again raise money for arthritis research.

There are over 300 types of arthritis, and some even affect kids. In fact, the Arthritis Foundation tells us that over 6700 children in Tennessee suffer from varieties of juvenile arthritis. Over 1.2 million adults in Tennessee suffer from adult types of arthritis. The key to improvements in treatment lies in medical research. Check out Arthritis Foundation.org.

Dr. Chapman has been a long-term advocate for the Arthritis Foundation.

For more: contact Michelle Dooner: mdooner@arthritis.org, or call 1-901-322-1517

Look at how much fun Rheumatology and Dermatology Medical Assistants Vicki and Shirley had at the Walk to Cure Arthritis last June. Don't miss this year's event.