Toenail Fungus Specialist

What is toenail fungus?

Nail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a fungal infection affecting your toenails. The infection starts in the skin beneath your nail but can quickly affect the nail itself, causing a variety of cosmetic and physical issues. It commonly starts in one nail but can spread to others if left untreated. 

The fungi that cause this infection to grow flourish in damp, dark, and warm environments such as public swimming pools, locker rooms, and even the inside of your shoes. 

A small crack in your nail or tiny skin puncture creates an entry point for the fungus, and it quickly takes hold to change the appearance of your nail. 

What are the symptoms of toenail fungus?

Toenail fungus can cause symptoms such as:

• Toenail thickening or thinning
• Color change (white, yellow, or brown)
• Ragged, splitting, or brittle nail
• Powdery nail surface
• Misshapen nail
• A foul odor around the nail

Unfortunately, nail fungus usually grows worse if you ignore it. In severe cases, fungal toenails can grow quite painful, especially when you wear shoes or pressure is applied via another means.  

The infection could also spread to your skin (athlete’s foot). In severe cases, this skin infection could lead to cellulitis, especially if you have a condition like diabetes that weakens your immune system. 

About 33% of people living with diabetes have toenail fungus, so regular diabetic foot care is important in preventing fungal nails and other complications if you have diabetes.

What is the treatment for toenail fungus?

The Michigan Foot & Ankle Institute podiatrists use cutting-edge protocols to treat your nail fungus in the office. You may need topical treatment, or oral medication, or mechanical debridement to target the nail fungus and destroy it at its source. Nail removal is also an option.

After you beat nail fungus, it’s important to protect your feet in the future. Don’t go barefoot, and wear moisture-wicking socks whenever possible. If your socks or shoes get damp, swap them out for a fresh pair. These simple measures can help you avoid a recurrent bout of toenail fungus and reduce your risk of athlete’s foot as well. 

If you notice the symptoms of toenail fungus, don't wait for it to get worse or spread to your other nails. Call the nearest Michigan Foot & Ankle Institute, PC, office right away, or book online today.