Fungus Toenails: Causes, Symptoms, and the Best Treatment Options

After consulting Dr. My Hoa Kaas and Dr. Jay Ryan of Virginia Foot and Ankle Center, arrange treatment sessions for your fungus toenails in Fairfax, VA.

What Are Fungus Toenails?

Fungus toenails are conditions that develop after a fungus enters an opening in your toenail or the surrounding skin. Even a small crack in your toenail or wound in your skin is a large enough opening for the fungus.

The fungi responsible for toenail infections can originate from different places. Fungi love warm and dark environments with plenty of moisture. You may find those environments inside the gym showers and locker rooms. If you regularly walk barefoot through those environments, you may develop infected toenails sooner rather than later.

That same type of environment may develop inside your shoes. People with sweaty feet or warm shoes are more likely to develop fungus toenails.

Additional factors may play a role in the development of toenail infections. Any skin conditions that directly affect your toenails can make you more susceptible to fungi. Diseases that weaken the immune system may also compromise your ability to resist toenail infections.

Fungal nail infections typically begin with discoloration. You may see some discolored spots under your nails. Eventually, your entire toenail may change color.

Infected toenails also tend to become thicker. However, the increased thickness may not necessarily make your toenails more durable. It may even become more prone to breaking as the infection persists.

The shape of your toenail may also change quite significantly. You may also see the toenail lift and separate from the nail bed.

Effectively treat your fungus toenails in Fairfax, VA, by working with Dr. Kaas and Dr. Ryan of Virginia Foot and Ankle Center.

What Are the Treatments for Fungal Toenail Infections?

Now that your toenails have been infected with fungi, you must get the right medications to treat them effectively. Consult your podiatrist to identify the best medications for your infected toenails. The medications prescribed will usually depend on the severity of your infection.

Topical antifungals can get the job done if you have a mild case of fungus toenails. The aforementioned medications may come in the form of creams or nail polish.

If your infection has progressed quite a bit before you had a chance to see your podiatrist, they may prescribe oral antifungals instead. Oral medication is more effective, but it also requires longer usage. Expect to take that medication for months to treat your infection.

Lastly, surgery is an option if the infected toenail can only be treated through removal.

Receive appropriate treatment for fungus toenails in Fairfax, VA, by calling 703-205-0770 and coordinating with Dr. Kaas and Dr. Ryan of Virginia Foot and Ankle Center.