Toenail fungal infections are common, affecting up to 8% of the population. They can also be tough to treat, and when treatment is delayed, these infections can lead to more serious complications.
As a leading podiatry practice in the Garden State, Mid-Jersey Orthopaedics specializes in toenail fungus treatment, using an individualized approach for the best results. In this post, our team looks at why toenail fungal infections happen and what treatments can help you heal.
Toenail fungus happens when tiny organisms enter the nail bed, often through a tiny cut near your nail. Like the fungus associated with athlete’s foot, toenail fungus thrives in warm, damp environments — and it’s also highly contagious.
As with athlete’s foot infections, toenail fungal infections can be “caught” through contact with the fungus in damp environments, especially shared spaces like public pools, locker rooms, or saunas.
When it comes to treatment, fungal infections can be stubborn, and toenail fungal infections (or onychomycosis) are no exception. While it might be tempting to ignore an infection, over time, the affected nail will become thick, yellow, and brittle.
Untreated nail infections can cause pain, too, and over time, the fungus can spread to other toes and even lead to more serious infections. Prompt medical attention is the key to a cure — and we’re here to help.
Ideally, it’d be great to prevent fungus before it happens — and fortunately, it’s not hard to do. These tips can help:
That said, if you already have a fungal infection, getting rid of it can take a little more effort, largely because toenail fungus is pretty stubborn.
While over-the-counter products may claim to eliminate toenail fungus, the fact is that toenail fungus is typically too stubborn for these products to make a real, long-term difference. Even though initial symptoms may improve, the fungal “roots” are almost sure to stay intact, leading to a recurrence of the infection in the near future.
Our team offers prescription topical products designed to penetrate deeply into the nail bed, targeting fungal roots and eliminating the infection. For really stubborn infections, we may also recommend oral antifungal medicines. Follow-up visits ensure your infection is completely treated to prevent recurrence.
While it’s important to avoid regular nail polish while you have a toenail infection, polishes designed to treat fungus can often help. These polishes work best for people with mild to moderate infections who want to keep showing off their nails without revealing the yellowed, thickened nails underneath.
Antifungal polishes don’t just look great — they contain powerful antifungal agents that help battle the infection. Consistent use is key to getting the best results, and many people find combining these polishes with medication is especially effective.
Debridement uses special tools to remove thick layers of damaged nail, making it easier for topical medications to take effect. Laser therapy harnesses the power of focused light to target fungal bodies down to the root level without harming the surrounding tissue. Both therapies can be used on their own or in combination with medication or polish.
Our team will recommend the optimal treatment plan based on your specific needs, so you can count on complete healing while preventing the infection from coming back.
Toenail fungus can be stubborn, but a custom treatment plan can help destroy the fungus and restore your beautiful nails. To find out more, request an appointment online or over the phone with the team at Mid-Jersey Orthopaedics in Flemington, Bridgewater, and Washington, New Jersey, today.
