Toenail fungus is one of the most common foot infections, affecting up to one in 10 Americans. It occurs when fungus, such as dermatophytes, infiltrate the nail tissue and spread, resulting in damage, discoloration, and poor nail health. Toenail fungus is typically mild and mainly a cosmetic concern, but if you have diabetes or another medical condition that affects circulation to your feet, it can increase the risk of more serious problems, such as slow-healing wounds (ulcers) and infections.
At Foot and Ankle Excellence in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, experienced podiatrist Bruni Leka, DPM, provides high-quality care for toenail fungus. Read on to learn about the symptoms of toenail fungus and why professional treatment is key to preventing complications.
Toenail fungus affects the appearance of your toenails in several ways. Contact us if your toenails look:
As toenail fungus spreads and takes hold, it may even cause your toenails to separate from the bed, leaving a space between the affected nails and skin underneath.
Toenail fungus often affects one nail at first, but it can quickly spread to the surrounding toes if you aren’t careful. To help prevent this, we try to diagnose fungal infections as early as possible.
To do this, we ask about your symptoms and lifestyle, including when you first noticed the changes to your nails and whether you’ve recently walked barefoot in public areas, such as swimming pools or saunas. Since fungus thrives in these environments, this information helps us determine if your symptoms are due to an infection or another condition.
Next, we examine your toenails, assessing their color, thickness, and appearance. While we can often diagnose toenail fungus visually, we may also clip a small sample for lab testing to confirm the type of infection and guide treatment.
We take a conservative, integrative approach to treating toenail fungus. Depending on the type and severity of your infection, we could suggest:
The most commonly prescribed treatment for toenail fungus is oral antifungal drugs, such as terbinafine and fluconazole. These medications prevent the fungal infection from spreading and may even help your immune system fight back. For antifungals to be effective, you must take the full course. Stopping before you’ve taken all the medication can cause the infection to recur and make it harder to treat.
We may prescribe a topical antifungal cream or ointment if you have a medical condition that prevents you from taking oral medication. You apply these medications directly to the affected nails, killing the fungus over time.
Laser treatment uses targeted light energy to heat up the fungus inside your nail tissue and destroy it. While results vary, some patients see improvement with multiple sessions. We often recommend it to healthy people with mild toenail infections.
If you’re worried about toenail fungus affecting your ability to wear sandals this summer, seek treatment now. To schedule an appointment, contact Foot and Ankle Excellence today. Call our office at 215-608-6104 or use the online booking feature.
