Toenail Fungus Specialist

What is toenail fungus?

Toenail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is a type of infection that grows in and around the toenails. Toenail fungus often starts on the skin, spreading from another fungal infection, such as athlete’s foot. It can involve one or more nails and may worsen over time if not treated. Usually, the fungal infection starts under the nail fold near the end of the nail.

Fungal infections typically grow and spread quickly in warm, damp places like inside socks and shoes. Children and teens can get toenail fungus, so it is important to teach them to have foot hygiene, to not share shoes or socks with others, and the importance of wearing shoes, especially in public places.

Who is at risk of getting toenail fungus?

Older adults are at higher risk for getting a fungal infection, because they often have decreased circulation, a less effective immune system, and have difficulty keeping their feet clean and dry.

Other factors that place both children and adults at higher risk include:

• Sweating heavily
• Having poor hygiene
• Having an open injury on your foot
• Having diabetes or circulation problems
• Having a suppressed immune system
• Having a history of athlete’s foot or other fungal infection
• Walking barefoot in public areas, including locker rooms, playgrounds, or pools
• Sharing socks or shoes, especially for children and teens

Shared pedicure tools that are not cleaned properly and nails or cuticles that are cut too short can also place you at higher risk for getting a toenail fungus.

What are the symptoms of toenail fungus?

Toenail fungus may not be painful, but you should get an expert toenail examination at Premier Foot & Ankle if you notice changes in your toenail, including:

• Discoloration or yellowing
• Brittleness or crumbling
• Thickening or loosening
• Debris under the nail

Toenail fungus can spread to other toenails or to other people, so be sure to get treatment if you suspect you may have symptoms.

What are treatment options for toenail fungus?

Premier Foot & Ankle offers expert examination and diagnosis of your toenail fungus, as well as advanced treatments that include:

• Antifungal soap
• Topical and oral medications
• Nail debridement
• Surgical removal of the nail, if recurrent and severe

The team also proudly offers Hyperion HyperBlue 1530® laser therapy, a painless treatment that uses light waves to penetrate the nail and kill the fungus in the nail bed. Usually, this treatment requires 3-4 sessions that last around 10 minutes each.

For a consultation about how Premier Foot & Ankle can help get rid of your toenail fungus, call or schedule an appointment online today.