Toenail Fungus
What is toenail fungus?
Are your toenails yellow or thickened? If so, there’s a great chance that you have a fungal infection in your toenails. A fungus is an organism that likes to live in warm/sweaty environments a.k.a. our shoes. (yikes!) Often known as onychomycosis, toenail fungus can also spread to skin around the toenail which can lead to a condition called athlete’s foot. Although anyone can be affected, this is mostly prevalent in individuals who are older or immunocompromised. Toenail fungus can also spread to other people, so early diagnosis and treatment is critical.
Toenail Fungus Treatment in Frisco, Texas
Toenail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis, is a common infection that can cause a toenail to become thick, brittle, discolored, distorted, or separated from the nail bed. Although fungal infections are common, an abnormal-looking toenail is not always caused by fungus. Nail trauma, psoriasis, and other medical conditions can produce similar changes.
Confirming the Diagnosis
Before recommending treatment, Dr. Woojung Lee will examine the affected toenail and review your symptoms and health history. A small sample of nail material may be collected and sent to a laboratory to determine whether a fungal organism is present. Confirming the diagnosis helps avoid unnecessary treatment and allows Dr. Lee to recommend an appropriate plan.
Toenail Fungus Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the severity of the infection, the number of nails involved, previous treatments, medication interactions, circulation, and other health considerations. Your individualized plan may include:
• Prescription topical antifungal medication applied directly to the affected nail
• Prescription oral antifungal medication, when medically appropriate
• Nail trimming, thinning, or debridement to reduce discomfort and improve access to the affected nail
• An antifungal foot soak or hygiene program as an adjunct to medical treatment
• In-office laser treatment intended to produce a temporary increase in clear nail
• Temporary or permanent removal of a severely damaged or painful toenail in selected cases
Some patients benefit from a combination of treatments. Because toenails grow slowly, visible improvement typically occurs gradually as healthier nail grows from the base. Treatment does not prevent every recurrence, so consistent foot hygiene and preventive care remain important.
About Laser Treatment
Modern Podiatry offers an FDA-cleared laser procedure for the increase of clear nail in patients with onychomycosis. Laser treatment is generally performed in the office and does not require an injection or numbing agent. It may be considered alone or alongside other therapies, depending on the patient and the condition of the nail.
FDA clearance for this type of laser relates to improvement in the appearance of clear nail and should not be interpreted as a guaranteed fungal cure. Dr. Lee will discuss the expected benefits, limitations, cost, and alternatives before treatment.
Preventing Reinfection
To help reduce the risk of reinfection, patients may be advised to keep their feet clean and dry, change socks regularly, disinfect or replace contaminated footwear, avoid sharing nail instruments, wear protective footwear in communal areas, and treat athlete’s foot when present.
Schedule an evaluation at Modern Podiatry in Frisco to determine whether your nail changes are caused by fungus and which treatment options may be appropriate for you.
