Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus isn’t usually anything to worry about from a medical standpoint, although it can certainly make you feel self-conscious about your toenails. If your toenails seem discolored or overly brittle, schedule an evaluation at Woodlands Center for Special Surgery before your condition worsens. Dr. Mark Ciaglia, DO, Dr. William J. Jordan, MD, Dr. Hemali Patel, DPM, and their team offer innovative toenail fungus treatments at their offices in The Woodlands and Willis, Texas. To schedule an appointment, call the nearest office or request one online today. 

What causes toenail fungus?

Toenail fungus (onychomycosis) is an infection of your nail and nail bed. Usually caused by fungal organisms, toenail fungus can spread easily. Your chances of developing a toenail fungus infection increase due to:

• Having a history of athlete’s foot
• Walking barefoot in communal areas, including gym locker rooms
• Sweating profusely or regularly wearing damp socks and shoes
• Having circulatory problems, possibly from diabetes

While toenail fungus affects men and women of all ages, you’re more likely to develop it if you’re older. This is because blood flow is reduced later on in life, so it’s tougher to recover from infections. Plus, your nails just don’t grow as quickly.

How do I know if I have toenail fungus?

Toenail fungus usually causes obvious changes in your nail color and texture. It’s common to notice a little white spot right underneath your nail in the early stages. As the fungal infection spreads, you may experience:

• Thickened nails
• Crumbly or brittle nails
• Distorted nail shapes
• Whitish to yellow-brownish nails

Because your toenails can even start pulling away from your nail bed, debris can build up underneath them so that you might notice dark-colored spots. In severe cases, you could even find that the fungal infection causes a foul odor. If you’re experiencing any of these signs and symptoms, the team at Woodlands Center for Special Surgery can help.

What is the treatment for toenail fungus?

After spending time evaluating your case of fungal nails, your provider can help you determine the ideal solution for your specific needs. You may benefit from:

• Oral antifungal medications
• Topical antifungal creams
• Medicated nail polish
• Antifungal shoe sprays or powders

As a last resort, you might need to have the affected toenail (or toenails) removed. This in-office procedure allows your Woodlands Center for Special Surgery provider to apply an antifungal cream directly to the skin under your nail to prevent future infections.

How can I prevent toenail fungus?

You can prevent fungal nail infections by taking these simple precautions:

• Exercise proper hygiene and regularly inspect your feet and toes
• Keep your feet clean and dry
• Wear shower shoes in public facilities whenever possible
• Clip your nails straight across so that the nail does not extend beyond the tip of the toe
• Use a quality foot powder (talcum, not cornstarch)
• Wear shoes that fit well and are made of breathable materials
• Disinfect home pedicure tools, and don’t apply polish to nails suspected of infection

You should also avoid wearing excessively tight hosiery, which promotes moisture. Socks made of synthetic fiber tend to “wick” away moisture faster than cotton or wool socks, especially for those with more active lifestyles.

To restore your beautiful, healthy nails, schedule a toenail fungus evaluation at Woodlands Center for Special Surgery today. Call the nearest office or request an appointment online today.