Tuesday, 15 August 2023 00:00

Treating Toenail Fungus

Fungal infection of the toenail, or onychomycosis, typically appears as a gradual change in a toenail’s texture and color that involves brittleness and darkening.  The fungal infection itself occurs beneath the surface of the nail.  Aside from discoloration, other symptoms include the collection of debris beneath the nail plate, white marks on the nail plate, and a foul odor emanating from the nail.  If ignored, the infection can spread into other nails and the skin; in severe cases, it can hinder one’s ability to work or walk. 

The toenails are particularly vulnerable to contracting infection in moist environments where people are likely to be walking barefoot, such as around swimming pools, public showers, and locker rooms.  Fungal infection may also be more likely to occur in nail beds that have been injured, and sufferers of chronic diseases such as diabetes, circulatory problems, or immunodeficiency conditions are particularly prone to developing fungal nails. 

Fungal nails can be primarily prevented by practicing proper hygiene and regularly examining the feet and toes.  Carefully washing the feet with soap and water and thoroughly drying the feet afterwards are essential.  Other tips include wearing shower shoes in public areas, changing shoes and socks daily, keeping toenails clipped at a short length, wearing breathable shoes that fit properly, wearing moisture-wicking socks, and disinfecting home pedicure tools and instruments used to cut nails.

Fungal nail treatment may vary between patients and the severity of the condition.  Your podiatrist may suggest a daily routine of cleansing that spans over a period of time to ease mild infections.  Over-the-counter or prescription antifungal agents may also be prescribed, including topical and/or oral medications.  Debridement, or the removal of diseased nail matter and debris, may also be performed.  In more severe cases, surgical treatment may be needed.  In some instances, the temporary removal of the fungal nail allows for the direct application of a topical antifungal to the nail bed.  In other cases, a chronically painful fungal nail that has not responded to other treatments may be permanently removed; this allows the infection to be cured and avoids the growth of a deformed nail.  

Schedule your foot and ankle podiatry appointment now!

Please feel free to call us at (954) 455-9404 with any questions you have or to schedule an appointment for your foot or ankle problems. You can also make an appointment online now by clicking here. We hope you'll find our foot doctor practice in Hallandale Beach, FL offers the accessibility and personal commitment you look for from a podiatric physician.

While our podiatry office is conveniently located in Hallandale Beach, FL, we serve patients from Miami Dade and Broward County including:

Hallandale Beach, Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, Aventura, North Miami, Miami, Miami Beach, Miami Lakes, Sunny Isles Beach, Coral Gables, Surfside, Bal Harbour, Plantation, Cooper City, Weston.

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Advanced Podiatric Procedures & Services in the Broward County, FL: Hallandale (Hollywood, Dania Beach, West Park, Fort Lauderdale, Davie) and Miami-Dade County, FL: Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Oju, North Miami, Golden Beach, Bal Harbour, Opa-locka, Surfside areas