Toenail Fungus

What causes toenail fungus?

As the name implies, toenail fungus is an infection that develops when fungal organisms take over your healthy nails. These fungi thrive on a protein known as keratin in your nails. 

Without proper medical treatment, your infection is highly likely to worsen and spread to other nails.

While anyone of any age can develop a fungal nail infection, these factors increase your risk:

• Walking barefoot in a damp communal area, such as a sauna
• History of nail fungus or athlete’s foot
• Chronic diseases, such as diabetes
• Poor circulation

Men are about three times more likely than women to struggle with fungal nails, although the reasoning behind this isn’t clear.

Which symptoms are associated with toenail fungus?

One of the most obvious signs of nail fungus is nail discoloration. You may initially notice white spots on your toenails. As the fungal invaders spread, your nails become more yellow or brown. Over time, you could also notice that your nails are:

• Brittle
• Crumbly
• Thickening
• Distorted in shape

In advanced stages of toenail fungus, you may also notice a foul, smelly foot odor. Without proper treatment, toenail fungus can become so severe that your toenails chip away and fall off.

Because this causes agonizing pain, the caring podiatrists at Apple Podiatry Group encourage you to come in for an evaluation right away if you experience any of these symptoms. They can usually provide same-day treatments for fungal nails.  

How is toenail fungus treated?

Your toenail fungus treatment plan includes solutions for treating the infection and promoting healthy nail growth. Your dedicated podiatrist from Apple Podiatry Group might recommend any of the following treatments:

• Medicated nail polish
• Topical antifungal creams
• Professional nail trimming
• Removing severely infected nails

You might also be a candidate for toenail fungus treatments with The PinPointe™ FootLaser®. This cutting-edge laser treatment is highly effective for destroying stubborn fungus and promoting healthy nail growth, in a few short in-office treatments.

At Apple Podiatry Group, you can even get KeryFlex® nail-restoration treatments. Nail restoration resolves discolored and misshapen nails while doing your toenail-fungus treatment plan, so you can feel more confident about your feet and nails. 

Before your toenail fungus progresses any further, contact Apple Podiatry Group for treatment. Book your toenail-fungus exam online or call either office to speak with a team member.