Fungal Nail Treatment at Suburban Foot & Ankle Center
What is Toenail Fungus?
Toenail fungus or what is medically referred to as onychomycosis is a generally encountered infection caused by some bacteria that will influence the nail bed. They lead to the discoloration of nails, their thickening, and crumbling the nail. In case it develops without the proper treatment, it will bring severe pain, affect your walking ability, or even get worse over time.
Common Causes:
- Warm, humid environments (like sweaty shoes or public showers)
- A weak immune system
- Nail trauma or injury
- Poor foot hygiene
Effective Toenail Fungus Treatment
At Suburban Foot & Ankle Center, we offer state-of-the-art treatment methods to get rid of nail fungus and make your nails healthy again. Our treatment solutions are adjusted to suit your definite condition and needs.
Treatment Options:
- Laser Therapy: Laser treatment is secure and efficient and aims to eradicate the fungus under the nail without hurting the adjacent tissue.
- Topical Antifungal Solutions: Medicated creams and ointments utilized externally to the nail to kill the fungus.
- Oral Medications: With more severe cases, prescription antifungal pills are to be taken to treat the infection from the inside of your body.
- Nail Debridement: A procedure to trim, thin, or remove damaged parts of the nail is carried out by our doctors to improve treatment effectiveness and promote healthy nail growth.
Toenail Fungus Symptoms You Should Watch For
Fungus infection of the toenail and the recognition of this infection are very important for a person’s life. If a patient notices the following symptoms, the patient must find a doctor to get treatment.
Key Symptoms:
- Discoloration (yellow, brown, or white nails)
- Thickened or brittle nails
- Crumbly or ragged nail edges
- Foul odor coming from the infected nail
- Pain or discomfort when walking or wearing shoes
How to Prevent Toenail Fungus
Prevention is essential in the fight against toenail fungus. A set of very simple measures can greatly reduce the threat of getting an infection.
Prevention Tips:
- Keep your feet dry: Moisture attracts fungi, that’s why, make sure your feet are properly wiped with a towel after taking showers.
- Wear breathable shoes: Choose shoes made of leather or canvas which are breathable and allow your feet to breathe.
- Change socks regularly: Throw away the ones that are wet because they increase your exposure to moisture.
- Practice good foot hygiene: Regularly cutting nails will help as it avoids the overgrowth of nails and cleaning them will be more efficient.
- Avoid going barefoot in public places: It is crucial to use something to cover your feet while you are in communal areas such as the locker room or pool.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon do the results of toenail fungus treatment appear?
The process of toenail fungus treatment might span several months as it is often necessary for a new nail to grow and entirely take the place of the infected one. Lasers and oral medications are choices that usually bring results within 6-12 weeks.
What is the best treatment for toenail fungus?
Your treatment options are selected based on the severity of your infection. To apply Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation (laser) one will require only a couple of procedures, and it is effective for localized infections, while oral antifungal medications are usually given to patients who have more widespread infections.
Can toenail fungus spread to other nails or other parts of my body?
In some cases, the disease is transmitted from one person to the other due to apparel, specifically shoes and stockings and other items related to foot treatment, such as socks. This means that the risk of spreading a fungus or bacteria is high. Also, nails can get infected when they come into contact with fungi or bacteria from other areas of the body such as the groin area.
Will my toenail fungus come back after treatment?
By observing proper aftercare and other hygienic precautions, you are less likely to have a recurrence. Still, fungal conditions, in general, are often persistent, so you should maintain regular treatment and practice good hygiene.
Do you accept insurance for toenail fungus treatment?
Yes! We accept most major insurances at Suburban Foot & Ankle Center. Please call our office for a check of your coverage or make an appointment.