Fungal Nail Treatment That Works

What You Need to Know

Understanding fungal nail infections, symptoms, and how we treat them.

Understanding Fungal Nail Infections

Toenail fungus (onychomycosis) is a common problem that causes your nail to become discolored and thickened. The nail may also grow brittle and crumble at the edges. Toenail fungus usually isn’t painful, but you may experience pain if the infection worsens. The changes in the nails are due to a local infection of both bacteria and fungus that cause discoloration, thickness, and debris to collect under the nails.

Nail fungus is common, affecting as many as 10% of people all over the world. People of all ages can get toenail fungus, but it most often affects older adults, since nails become dry and brittle with age and may crack and allow fungus to enter. It is especially common for seniors and those with chronic health conditions like diabetes and poor circulation. Excessive sweating and a history of athlete’s foot can also increase your risk.

Toenail fungus may begin as a tiny white or yellow spot beneath the tip of your nail. As the infection progresses, it may cause discoloration in the entire nail, ranging from white to yellow-brown. The nail can thicken, become brittle, appear ragged at the edge, or grow distorted in shape, and you may notice dark debris build up beneath the nail.

Because toenail fungus is not necessarily painful, it often goes undiagnosed. Left untreated, it may spread to other nails or the skin and cause secondary problems like yeast or bacterial infections. If you notice discoloration, brittleness, crumbling, thickening, or loosening of a toenail, we recommend an expert evaluation so we can confirm the diagnosis and begin a plan tailored to you.

Our Treatment Options and Approach

Artisan Foot and Ankle Specialists provides a number of treatment options for patients experiencing fungal nail conditions. We realize that every patient is unique and that treatments can’t be one size fits all. Some doctors prefer to simply remove the entire nail, but that is not part of our treatment philosophy. We are conservative in our approach and put patient safety and comfort first.

Conservative care typically includes careful debridement (trimming) of the nails, thinning of the nail plate with a specialized sanding device, prescription topical antifungal medication, and in some cases prescription oral medication. Our physicians also work to identify the best custom fungal nail soaks, compounded based on the type and severity of the infection.

For stubborn cases, we offer laser treatment. A significant challenge in treating fungal nails is delivering medication under the nail. The PinPointe FootLaser uses a laser beam that passes through the nail plate to eliminate the infection at its source, without harming healthy tissue. The treatment is virtually painless, can be done in the office without anesthesia, and over 80% of patients treated have shown substantial improvement.

We also offer KeryFlex Nail Restoration, a painless, in-office application that restores the appearance of natural nails damaged by fungus, defects, or trauma. A composite resin creates a flexible, durable, non-porous nail that allows the remaining natural nail to grow underneath. After a thorough exam, your podiatrist will suggest the combination of treatments best suited to help you achieve clearer, healthier nails.