It happens to the best of us. One day, you look down and find that something about your toenails just doesn’t look right. Upon closer inspection, you begin to suspect that you’ve developed a case of toenail fungus.
Help is available through the care of Aaron Chokan, DPM, and Kristina Minniti, DPM, of Ohio Foot and Ankle Center. Residents of Canton, Stow, and Rittman, Ohio, turn to this amazing team for outstanding podiatry care, including solutions for toenail fungus.
Very often, the first thing that people think when they discover they have toenail fungus is that they’ve unknowingly joined some highly exclusive club of others who are similarly afflicted. In reality, toenail fungus is incredibly common, even if it’s a topic that isn’t often brought up in social settings.
The human body is covered with a wide range of fungi, bacteria, yeasts, and other organisms at all times. Many are harmless, and even play essential roles in keeping us healthy. But some can cause problems if they enter our bodies. Toenail infections are most commonly caused by a fungus, but can also develop from bacteria, yeast, or mold.
Anyone can develop toenail fungus, and your risk rises as you age. But in most cases, these infections are more of an aesthetic issue than a serious health concern.
Knowing what to look for can help you know when it’s time to seek professional help for a fungal infection in your toenails. Here are some of the more common symptoms:
If you develop these changes, be sure to come in for a diagnostic assessment right away. Toenail fungus is easier to treat in the early stages.
After examining your toenails and determining the extent of the infection, your podiatrist guides you toward the best treatment path. One approach is to apply a medicated cream to the affected toenails after giving your feet a good soak and using a nail file to buff away some of the outermost layers of toenail tissue, or applying an antifungal nail polish every day for a period of time.
Topical medications can take time to deliver the intended effects and require close adherence to the application instructions.
Some people need a course of oral antifungal medication to attack the infection from within. These drugs are very effective, but they do carry a risk of side effects.
Be sure to let your podiatrist know about any health issues you have, as well as a complete list of medications and supplements you’re taking. Drug therapy can cause negative interactions with other medicines. They’re also not a good option for people with congestive heart failure, liver disease, or other specific health problems.
Laser therapy can treat toenail fungus by using carefully controlled beams of light to create heat that kills the fungus. As with all of the options mentioned above, it takes time for your body to produce new nail tissue, so expect to wait weeks and even months before you see healthy nail tissue growing in.
In some extreme cases, surgically removing the infected nail is the best way to treat toenail fungus. Most commonly, your nail bed is left intact, and you will eventually grow a new, healthy toenail. But in some instances, permanent nail removal is the only way to fully eradicate a toenail fungal infection.
As soon as you notice changes in the way your toenails look or feel, schedule a visit to Ohio Foot and Ankle Center for a thorough diagnostic exam. Our practitioners have the skills and experience needed to determine if a fungal nail infection is present quickly and to get you started on a treatment path right away.
At Ohio Foot and Ankle Center, you’ll find a team of professionals who can help you move beyond toenail fungus and feel more confident about the appearance of your toenails. You can schedule a visit today with a quick phone call or a few moments on our easy booking tool.
