What To Do If You Develop Fungus In Your Toenails

Our feet are essential for protection. Having an issue with your feet can be stressful as you only want the best for your health. Lately, you have noticed some toenail discoloration, and with everything you do, you can’t get rid of it.

Dr. Sara Bouraee, Dr. Sonya Wali, Dr. Carl Belock, and Dr. Meng Liu, along with the highly experienced staff of Hampton Roads Foot and Ankle Specialists in Williamsburg and Hampton, VA, can help you with issues related to your toenails.

What Is Toenail Fungus?

Our topic may seem unlikely, but your toenails can show your overall foot health. When there is an issue, it can be worrisome. We will discuss what nail fungus may look like and how to treat it successfully.

The most common way to get fungus is to have an open cut or sore or be in a public place like a shower room or pool. Wearing a foot covering like flip-flops is highly advisable, but you will be more susceptible if you don't.

The fungus will infect the space between the underside of your toenail and your nailbed. This type of fungus is commonly a dermatophyte called tinea unguium, which needs keratin to grow and causes 90% of these cases.

According to Hampton Roads Foot and Ankle Specialists in Williamsburg, VA, fungus toenails can have the following appearance:

• Tan - brownish discoloration of the whole nail, sometimes with white spotting
• Thickened nail that lifts away from the nailbed
• Can be painless
• Ragged appearance at the top of the toenail
• Chalky or cloudy appearance
• Falls away easily when shaping or cleaning the nail

Some people are more prone to these types of nails. Those over age 60, diabetics, individuals who’ve suffered athlete’s foot, those with previous nailbed injuries, psoriasis, or weakened immune systems are at higher risk.

Diagnosing and Treating Nail Fungus

Our doctors can diagnose this condition with a visual inspection and take a sample from the underside of the nail for microscopic examination. A scraping can also be sent to a lab to grow the fungus, so your doctor can know how to treat it.

Toenail fungus can be hard to treat. The good news is that fungus is primarily a toenail condition, but in some uncommon cases, it can spread between the toes, groin, or scalp.

Treating this fungus typically involves a topical ointment or an oral antifungal medication. The best treatment is often a combination of both. Be warned: treatment can be slow to clear the fungus entirely, and it may sometimes return.

Dr. Sara Bouraee, Dr. Sonya Wali, Dr. Carl Belock, and Dr. Meng Liu, along with the highly trained staff of Hampton Roads Foot and Ankle Specialists in Williamsburg, VA, are available to consult and treat your toenail fungus today. Call us at (757) 220-3311 to schedule your appointment. We also have a location in Hampton, VA, that can be reached at (757) 224-7605.