Fungal Infection?

Hello
Well I have had an infection on my toes for about almost four or five years now.  And I went to the dermatologist, and they took a sample in for testing.  When they got it back they got it back as negative for fungal infection.  She said it could just be enlarged toe nail? I actually am totally blanking out on what she said....well I have it infected on 3 toe nails on my left foot and two on my right.  I suspect it to be fungal because it smells bad, and in between my toes there is peeling, and at the bottom of my foot there is peeling.  I really have no idea if it is fungal or not.  I'm hoping to see my dermatologist soon, but until I do I was hoping for more information.  

And I'm a teen, so I haven't been able to were sandals in forever because I'm so embaressed about it.  Any information would be good.

Also I had a question to the medication taken for this.  My dermatologist said it can cause liver problems, so now I'm even more afraid.  If anyone knows someone who has had this and or has had it please feel free to comment :) I need all the help I can get thanks!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms the possibility of fungal infection is important to be ruled out. Tinea pedis may present in several ways, varying from mild chronic scaling to acute lesions that are exfoliative, pustular, or bullous. Keep your feet dry and apply zinc oxide based diaper rash ointment. Most cases of fungal infections respond to over-the-counter products, which contain any of several basic ingredients: miconazole, tolnaftate, terbinafine,ketaconazole and clotrimazole. You can consult a pharmacist and get any cream or lotion containing these ingredients. If the symptoms persist then please get it evaluated from a dermatologist.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.