Toenail Fungus
Toenail Fungus Specialists
Every year, Americans spend millions of dollars trying to treat stubborn toenail fungus, but many treatments fail because the infection can take up to a year to fully clear. If you’ve been fighting a losing battle with toenail fungus, let Hatim Burhani, DPM, FACFAS, Siraj Panchbhaiya, DPM, FACFAS, and the team at Eastside Podiatry PLLC help you. To schedule an appointment, call the office in St. Clair Shores and Fraser, Michigan, or use the online booking tool today.
Toenail Fungus Q & A
What is toenail fungus?
Toenail fungus is an infection that occurs underneath the surface of your nail.
When fungi get under your nail, your nail tends to darken in color and may cause an unpleasant odor. Waste then collects beneath your nail plate, causing white marks to appear and your nails to thicken, making trimming your nails difficult.
A other infections, like yeast or bacterial, may develop toenail fungus.
What causes toenail fungus?
Nails become brittle and dry as you age, allowing toenail fungus to grow when your feet are in warm, moist environments. Walking around barefoot in damp areas — including swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers — increases your chances of getting toenail fungus, as it often starts as untreated athlete’s foot.
Other factors that increase the likelihood of you contracting toenail fungus include:
- Reduced blood circulation
- Weakened immune system
- Nail bed injury
- Pressure from shoes
- Chronic diseases
- Excessive perspiration
Keeping your feet dry, clean, and well-ventilated can reduce your risk of developing toenail fungus altogether.
What are the symptoms associated with toenail fungus?
Symptoms of toenail fungus include:
- Yellowing and thickening nails
- Itching around your nail
- Brittle nails with jagged edges
- Nails become deformed and detached from your nail bed
If you’re experiencing symptoms of toenail fungus, schedule an appointment at Eastside Podiatry PLLC.
How is toenail fungus treated?
Treatment for your toenail fungus depends on the type and severity of your infection. However, treatment often involves prescribing either topical or oral medication at your office visit. If your toenail fungus is severe, your infected nail might require removal.
Treatment usually begins with trimming the nail and removing damaged nail layers, followed by topical medication.
However, if your nail is too thick for the cream to penetrate, Eastside Podiatry PLLC can prescribe oral medication. While both methods work well, it often takes several months for the infection to clear.
In some cases, your nail might need to be removed to rapidly reduce your symptoms and allow for the use of local treatments. Additionally, permanent removal of a nail that fails to respond to other treatments prevents the return of your toenail fungus.
Trying to treat toenail fungus on your own can take longer and may not fully clear the infection. For effective treatment for toenail fungus, call the office or make an appointment online today.
Faq...
Fungal infections thrive in warm, moist environments. Common causes include:
– Walking barefoot in public showers or pools
– Wearing sweaty or tight shoes
– Nail trauma
– Weakened immune system or poor circulation
– Sharing nail tools or footwear
Yes. It can spread through direct contact or by sharing contaminated surfaces, socks, shoes, or nail tools.
Podiatrists offer several treatment options based on severity:
– Topical antifungal medications
– Oral antifungal prescriptions (e.g., terbinafine)
– Laser therapy to target fungal cells
– Partial or full nail removal in severe or resistant cases
– Custom care plans for patients with diabetes or circulation issues
Treatment can take several months. Even after the fungus is eliminated, it may take 6–12 months for a healthy nail to fully grow back.