Toenail fungus is an infection underneath the surface, caused by fungi. Also called onychomycosis, it affects as many as 10% of Americans.
People suffering from this condition suffer from foul smelling and unsightly nails. Their feet prevent then from exposing their bare feet or toes in public. The fungi cause a number of changes to the appearance of the nail. For example, the nail becomes discolored and thick, and may even start to chip off.
It is important to note that infection may also spread from one toenail to other toenails, fingernails, or even the skin. If ignored, the infection may spread and affect a person’s ability to walk or even work. Toenail fungus can also be accompanied by other bacterial or yeast infections in and around the nail plate.
The toenails are very vulnerable, especially around damp areas where one is walking barefoot. Such areas include showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Any injury to the nail bed may make it more susceptible to different types of infections. Other risk factors include:
• Ageing
• Diabetes
• Heavy foot perspiration
• Circulatory problems
• Athlete’s foot
• Toenail trauma
• Weak immune system
Signs and Symptoms
The condition is characterized by a progressive change in a nails color and quality. This is often unsightly and embarrassing. The nail may become yellow, black, white, or green. As the infection progresses, it becomes thick and brittle with pieces breaking off. In certain situations, the whole nail may even detach from the toe completely.
Most people avoid wearing open shoes and hide their toes in closed-toe, sweaty shoes. Such shoes cause excess foot sweating, further worsening the fungal infection. As the condition worsens the skin around and underneath the nail becomes inflated and painful. Finally, white or yellow patches may appear on the nail bed or the skin next to the nail.
Treatment Options to Try This Spring
Initially, the treatment was difficult because the infection was both underneath and inside the nail. However, research and technological advances have simplified the treatment process.
1. Laser Treatment
Laser toenail fungus treatment is one of the most effective, safest, and painless procedures. And it takes only a few minutes.
A machine pulses high power laser energy through the nail to the nail bed and growth areas, killing the fungus immediately. The laser energy rapidly heats and kills the dermatophytes that form the fungus. The treatment does not provide visible changes immediately. However, over three to six months, healthy and clear nails will grow out.
2. Oral Medications
The doctor may prescribe oral antifungal medication such as terbinafine and itraconazole. Oral medication is recommended for people who have:
- Diabetes
- A history of cellulitis
- Pain or discomfort from the fungal infection.
Oral medications help new nails to grow without infection, gradually replacing the infected portions. Patients take the medications for 6 to 12 weeks.
3. Antifungal Lacquer
For people with a mild to moderate infection, the doctor may prescribe an antifungal nail polish. The patient paints it on the infected nails and surrounding skin once each day for one week. After one week, the patient must wipe off the piled–on layers with alcohol and begin the process again. This treatment may take up to one year.
4. Tropical Medication
There are various over–the–counter tropical antifungal medications for fighting toenail fungus. However, most doctors recommend using the tropical medication together with the oral medication for faster results.
5. Surgery
When a patient’s infection is severe or extremely painful, the doctor may opt for surgery to remove the nail. When the nail is removed, a new nail will normally grow in its place, although it may take as long as a year.
The type of treatment will usually depend on the nature and severity of the infection. It is very important to visit a podiatrist early enough before the infection worsens.
