Get Ready for Summer: Banish That Ugly Toenail Fungus

Are your toenails scary? You know, thick and yellow with tiny cracks? Nearly 12 million Americans suffer from this condition. Banishing a fungal toenail infection, known medically as onychomycosis, is extremely difficult without professional care.

At A Step Up Podiatry in Manalapan, New Jersey, Sanjay Gandhi, DPM, offers several treatments to eliminate your annoying toenail fungus. Here’s what he wants you to know about getting rid of it and keeping it away for good. 

Why toenail fungus is so stubborn

A fungal nail infection occurs when microscopic organisms enter small cracks in your nail or the surrounding skin. These fungi thrive in warm, damp environments, such as public pools/beaches, pedicure salons, gym locker rooms, and the insides of sweaty shoes. 

You might notice a few subtle changes at first. Over time, the infection progresses and causes distinct symptoms. Common signs of an active fungal infection include:

• Nails that turn yellow, brown, or white
• Thickened or distorted nail shapes
• Brittle, crumbly, or ragged nail edges
• A foul odor is coming from the affected toe
• Nails that lift away from the skin underneath

Fungus is incredibly strong because it feeds on keratin, the tough protein that makes up your nails. Topical drugstore creams rarely work because they can't penetrate the thick nail plate to reach the infection underneath. If you leave it alone, the infection can spread to other toes or even cause pain when you wear closed-toe shoes.

How we treat fungal infections

We don't believe in one-size-fits-all treatments. Dr. Gandhi evaluates your specific condition to design a plan that targets the root of the problem. Depending on the severity of your infection, we offer several effective options to restore your nail health. 

These include:

Prescription topical solutions

For mild or early-stage infections, Dr. Gandhi may start by prescribing a topical that can penetrate the hard nail bed and treat the underlying infection. It can take up to 48 weeks of daily application. 

Oral antifungal medications

These medications have a higher success rate than over-the-counter options because they travel through your bloodstream to kill the fungus where it grows. You typically take the medication for 12 weeks.

Laser treatment

You might notice a few subtle changes at first. Over time, the infection progresses and causes distinct symptoms. Common signs of an active fungal infection include:

Laser treatment bypasses the keratin barrier to directly target the fungus. The laser light effectively vaporizes the fungus without damaging your healthy tissue. The nails do not fall off. 

• Nails that turn yellow, brown, or white
• Thickened or distorted nail shapes
• Brittle, crumbly, or ragged nail edges
• A foul odor is coming from the affected toe
• Nails that lift away from the skin underneath

Toenail removal

Severe toenail fungus may require toenail removal. Dr. Gandhi performs this procedure at the office using local anesthesia to numb your toe. Once the keratin is removed, Dr. Gandhi can remove the fungus and treat the skin to prevent its return. 

Preventing future fungal infections 

• Here are some of the best ways to prevent a future toenail fungal infection:
• Wear footwear in locker rooms, public showers, and pool areas
• Disinfect your nail clippers regularly, and don’t share them with others
• Choose nail salons that use properly sterilized tools, or bring your own
• Wear socks made of absorbent material, and change damp socks; avoid dark socks
• Choose shoes made of breathable materials, and discard old shoes

Clear nails take time to grow, so starting your treatment now ensures your feet look their best for the sunny days ahead. Contact our team at A Step Up Podiatry today.