General Dermatology
Nail Fungus Treatment in Tampa
Onychomycosis — fungal nail infection — affects millions of Americans, causing thickened, discolored, and brittle nails that are difficult to treat without medical guidance. Dr. Sergay offers prescription oral and topical therapies with proven efficacy to restore healthy nails.
Dr. Sergay's Approach
Understanding Nail Fungus
Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nail unit — most commonly toenails — caused by dermatophytes, yeasts, or non-dermatophyte molds. It affects up to 14% of the general population and becomes more common with age. The infection is often slow to develop and easy to overlook early on.
Symptoms include nail thickening, yellow-brown or white discoloration, brittleness, crumbling edges, and in some cases pain with shoes. Nail fungus doesn't resolve on its own and OTC treatments are largely ineffective — accurate diagnosis and prescription therapy are needed for meaningful clearance.
Before prescribing treatment, Dr. Sergay will confirm the diagnosis (nail changes from psoriasis or trauma can mimic fungus) and select the most appropriate therapy based on the number of nails involved, the degree of involvement, and your overall health profile.
Confirmed Diagnosis
Nail clipping or culture when needed
Prescription Treatment
Oral & topical options available
Treatment Options
How Dr. Sergay Treats Nail Fungus
Nail fungus requires prescription therapy. Treatment selection depends on the number and extent of affected nails, the organism type, and your health history.
Oral Terbinafine
Terbinafine (Lamisil) taken daily for 6 weeks (fingernails) or 12 weeks (toenails) is the gold standard oral treatment. Achieves complete cure in approximately 70–80% of cases. Requires baseline liver function monitoring. Most patients tolerate it very well.
Oral Itraconazole
Itraconazole can be taken as continuous daily therapy or as pulse dosing (1 week on, 3 weeks off) for 3–4 cycles. Effective for both dermatophyte and Candida nail infections. Considered when terbinafine is not suitable.
Prescription Topical Antifungals
Efinaconazole (Jublia) and tavaborole (Kerydin) are FDA-approved nail lacquers applied daily to affected nails. Best for mild-to-moderate cases without nail matrix involvement. Slower to work than oral therapy but avoids systemic side effects.
Nail Debridement
Trimming and filing the infected nail reduces fungal load and may improve penetration of topical agents. Dr. Sergay can perform in-office nail debridement as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, particularly for thick, crumbly nails.
Combination Therapy
Combining oral antifungals with daily topical application improves cure rates and reduces relapse compared to monotherapy. Recommended for patients with extensive involvement, slow-growing nails, or prior treatment failure.
Recurrence Prevention
Nail fungus has a high recurrence rate — up to 40% within 3 years. Dr. Sergay will advise on preventive measures: antifungal sprays or powders for shoes, breathable footwear, keeping nails dry, and treating athlete's foot promptly to prevent nail reinfection.
14%
Of adults affected by nail fungus
70–80%
Cure rate with oral terbinafine
3–6 mo
Time to see new nail growth
No OTC
Prescription therapy required for results
Your Dermatologist
About Amanda Sergay, MD
Board Certified
American Board of Dermatology
Specialties
Medical · Surgical · Cosmetic
Location
South Tampa, FL
Board-Certified Dermatologist · Medical · Surgical · Cosmetic
Amanda Sergay, MD is a board-certified dermatologist committed to excellence in comprehensive dermatological care. Originally from the Tampa area, Dr. Sergay received her undergraduate degree from Emory University and earned her medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.
She completed her residency in dermatology at Mount Sinai St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center in New York City, where she served as Chief Resident during her final year. Her practice encompasses medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology, treating both adults and children.
Dr. Sergay has been named to Tampa Magazine's Top Docs Edition in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025, and was twice named to New York Magazine's New York Rising Star list.
Awards & Recognition
Tampa Magazine Top Docs
2019202020212022202320242025Super Doctors
Emory University
Undergraduate
Univ. of Miami Miller
Medical Degree
Mount Sinai NYC
Residency · Chief Resident
Patient Reviews
What Our Patients Say
Real Google reviews from patients who trust Dr. Sergay with their skin health.
“Dr. Sergay was just fabulous. Thorough for our skincare check and so informative. Highly recommend for anyone looking to get an established, yearly dermatologist for skin cancer checks.”
Iris Moore
9 reviews
“Now this is a medical practice done right! I love how they don't play the insurance game and are a privately owned practice. This allows them to provide top notch care and a patient experience that is hard to find anywhere else. Dr. Sergay is extremely thorough during her exams and so kind. Trust her with your care!”
Victoria Hansen
Local Guide · 123 reviews · 144 photos
“Dr. Sergay is awesome! I am a new patient and very much appreciated her approach, thoughtfulness and attention to detail. Highly recommend!”
Chad Panton
Local Guide · 36 reviews · 2 photos
“Warm welcome to a nice office. Seen quickly by very proficient and kind Dr Sergay and staff. Great follow up with care plan and prescriptions. Highly recommended.”
Frank King
5 reviews
“Dr Sergay is wonderful. She's deeply knowledgeable about her field, and also has a wonderful, attentive manner. She and her staff are so caring and responsive. I highly recommend.”
Dana Whiting
3 reviews
“First time appointment — Dr. Sergay was amazing. Very easy to talk to and she told me the choices I had and got the procedure done. Highly recommend.”
Darren Finebloom
Local Guide · 21 reviews
Common Questions
Nail Fungus FAQ
Start Treatment
Ready for Healthier Nails?
Nail fungus won't clear on its own, but with the right treatment it absolutely can be cured. Book with Dr. Sergay and get a personalized plan to restore your nails.