What is toenail fungus?
Toenail fungus usually begins as a yellow or white spot at the end of the nail plate. It can cause your nail to thicken, discolor, and crumble at the edges.
Multiple nails can be affected at the same time, and while fungal toenails aren’t contagious between people, the infection can spread between your toes. Most fungus nails don’t have any other symptoms, but some people might experience pain or consider them a cosmetic concern.
How do I know if I have toenail fungus?
You might have toenail fungus if your toenails are:
- Discolored (yellow, white, or brown)
- Thickened
- Crumbling and brittle
- Releasing a foul odor
Some thickened, deformed, or discolored nails aren’t due to fungal infections and can be the result of birth defects, trauma, certain drugs and medications, circulatory problems, or other medical conditions.
If a fungal infection is left untreated, it can lead to a blood infection, such as cellulitis.
What causes toenail fungus?
Fungal nail infections aren’t spread through the bloodstream and are limited to the nails and skin. The infections can be caused by a number of fungal organisms. The most common type of toenail fungus is called dermatophyte.
The cause of the infection isn’t always clear, but certain factors are said to play a role, such as:
- Minor skin or nail injuries
- Walking barefoot in communal areas, such as swimming pools and locker rooms
- Mold and yeast
- Athlete’s foot
- Small bone spurs under the toenail
- Aging
- Excessive sweating
- Reduced blood circulation to the feet
- Diabetes
- Weakened immune system
- Psoriasis or another skin condition
Fungal nail infections are more prevalent in older adults.
How is toenail fungus treated?
Your podiatrist evaluates your toenail and may perform a fungal culture test to ensure the correct diagnosis. Treatments for toenail fungus include:
- Trimming and thinning the nails
- Over-the-counter or prescription antifungal topical medications
- Medicated nail polish
- Long-term oral medications
- Surgical removal of the fungus and nail plate
The experts at Associated Podiatrists, P.C. also offer treatment with the innovative PinPointe FootLaser®, a painless technology that uses precise laser energy to kill the fungus in a single 30-minute office visit with no downtime or anesthetic.
To learn more about treatment for toenail fungus, call or book your appointment online today.
