Toenail fungus is a common ailment that affects the appearance and structure of an individual’s nails. Approximately 10% of people will contract this fungus, with the likelihood increasing as a person ages.
The condition will not go away on its own but can be eradicated with targeted treatment. The more you know about this condition, the more confident you can feel in resolving the issue with your podiatrist. Newtown Foot and Ankle Specialists, a podiatrist’s office located in Newtown, PA, helps individuals recognize toenail fungus and understand more about this podiatry concern and its treatment.
Symptoms of Toenail Fungus
Individuals with toenail fungus often recognize the problem when they spot a change in the appearance of their nails. The fungus will usually present as a discoloration in the toenail that is white or yellow.
The issue may also cause darker discoloration as well as peeling, crumbling, thickening, and other structural changes in the nail. You will likely notice the fungus spread further across the nail over time. Without treatment, the nail may detach from the nail bed.
Causes of Nail Fungus
This infection occurs when fungal organisms enter the underside of the nail and reside there. You can pick up the fungus from public spaces, so podiatrists recommend avoiding walking barefoot in locker rooms or swimming pools when possible.
The risk of contracting nail fungus rises when you are older because nails become brittle and more likely to crack. Fungi can more easily infect people through these cracks. If you practice optimal cleanliness and hygiene with your feet and nails, you can protect their look and wellbeing.
Will Over-the-Counter Fungal Treatment Work?
You might have noticed that your local shop sells over-the-counter medications in the form of polish or cream to treat nail fungus. These methods may ultimately resolve the issue, but it can take a long time to get rid of a fungal infection this way. These treatments do not penetrate the nail effectively, so it is difficult for them to eradicate deeper infections.
If your fungal infection persists, you should visit your podiatrist. They can prescribe an oral antifungal medication that will help you get rid of toenail fungus.
In some cases, this treatment is not viable as it will interact with a patient’s other medicines. A podiatry expert may offer these patients a laser treatment that will target and eliminate nail fungus. This treatment is gentle, non-invasive, and can be completed within one session with your podiatrist with little recovery time needed.
Find Nail Fungal Treatment from Your Newtown, PA Podiatrist
Newtown Foot and Ankle Specialists offer nail fungal treatment and other toe remedies to patients in Newtown, PA. Our team of expert podiatrists can treat pain, discomfort, and other concerns in the feet and ankles as well. To schedule a consultation or appointment with our practice, contact our staff by phone at 215.234.3772 or reach our office online.