Since a fungal toenail infection often develops slowly and with little discomfort, it may go unnoticed until the toenail has become severely discolored and brittle. The microorganisms that cause the problem also emit a terrible odor as they infect your skin and nails. Athlete’s foot  (tinea pedis) is caused by the same microorganisms and it can spread to the toenails. People with excessively sweaty feet are more likely to contract fungal and bacterial infections and keeping your feet clean and dry will help prevent them.

3 treatments for fungal toenails:

1. Oral and topical medications—Antifungal sprays and ointments can be applied inside your shoes and directly on your toenails to kill the infection. You can also take prescription oral medication to attack the infection from within.
2. Protect your feet—You can help avoid contact with the microbes that cause infections by protecting your feet with sandals or shower shoes in public places like showers and locker rooms.
3. Nail shaving and/or removal—In the more advanced cases of a fungal toenail infection part or all of the infected toenail will have to be removed to properly treat the underlying infection. A new, healthy nail will then be able to grow.

 

If you have fungal toenails contact your podiatrist for the proper care. The foot doctors at Foot & Ankle Specialists, PC  will provide fast relief for your aching feet using a full range of both conservative and surgical therapies. Our expert team, including board-certified podiatrists Dr. Scott E. Hughes, Dr. Greg P. Vogt, and Dr. Christine I. Tumele, serves patients of all ages with state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment technologies including onsite digital x-ray, ultrasound, diabetic shoes, and digital scanning for custom orthotics.

For any questions or to make an appointment, please contact us at one of our Southeast Michigan facilities in Monroe (734-241-0200) and Lambertville (734-856-8900) (Bedford and Monroe counties). We also offer convenient housecalls from Monday through Thursday, so give us a call!