Everything you need to know about toenail fungus. If your nails become yellow and brittle, you might have a fungal nail infection. Usually, the big toe is affected first. When it gets worse, it becomes more difficult to treat. Treatment takes months so it will require time and patience.

Symptoms

The affected toenail may detach from the nail bed. Other symptoms include discoloration: white, yellow, or brown. The nail can also become thicker or change in shape. In some cases. The toe can hurt or have a foul smell.

The fungus usually develops on the edges of the nail, rarely on the base. The fungus develops more often on the toenails than the fingernails. People with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to nail fungus.

Nail fungus infections sometimes form white patches on the surface of the nail. They may be dots but may spread out and cover the entire nail. 

Causes

It is usually caused by fungi that infect the skin, called dermatophytes. Yeast and mold may also cause infections on the nail. Also, yeast (candida) infections usually develop on the fingernails.

People with nail fungus usually also have athlete’s foot. Both these conditions are caused by the same kind of fungi. Athlete’s foot may cause fungal nail infections and vice versa.

Prevention

  • Proper foot hygiene – dry feet completely after showering
  • Wear proper footwear – not too tight
  • Don’t wear the same pair of shoes all the time
  • Try to go barefoot or wear open-toed shoes from time to time to let the feet breathe
  • Wear flip-flops in gym lockers, public pool areas, etc.
  • Don’t share towels, shoes, or socks.

Treatment Options

Nail fungus may be treated topically with nail polish or creams. These products contain substances that can kill the fungus and prevent it from growing. Topical treatments may be cheap and convenient but are usually not very effective. Oral medications are usually prescribed to treat nail fungus. They are to be taken for at least 3 months. These oral pills may have side effects such as stomach problems, skin rashes, and liver damage.

Laser Treatment for Nail Fungus

As you can see, tips for healthy feet without nail fungus can be easy to find. If you have caught nail fungus, it can be easily treated using the FDA-approved PinPointe laser, which typically only takes on treatment. Other treatments like topical solutions and oral medication are not as effective. Topical solutions have a very low cure rate. This is because the solution does not penetrate all the way through the nail bed.  This is because it can lead to liver toxicity. You would need to have consistent blood tests throughout the course of taking the medication. 

Our nail doctor in Irvine, CA recommends this treatment for toenail fungus. The PinPointe Laser treatment has the highest cure rate in the market. It has no side effects and no recovery period. As a result, you can go about your daily activities right after the treatment. Also, there’s no pain.

If you have any signs of nail fungus, call us at (949) 861-7006 our Irvine, CA location, or visit our website for more information on our doctors at one of our over 150 locations.