Patient Newsletter
Foot & Nail Fungus: Persistent, stubborn, and very treatable.
Fungal infections of the skin and nails are among the most common foot conditions we treat. With the right care, they can clear completely.
ยง How it works
Why fungal infections persist, and how we clear them.
Fungal organisms thrive in warm, moist environments and can live in shoes, socks, gym floors, and nail tissue for months. Once established, the infection is protected by layers of hard nail material that store-bought products often cannot penetrate. Clearing the infection requires reaching the fungus at its source.
01 Prescription Antifungals
Topical formulas are designed to penetrate the nail and reach the nail bed where the infection lives. Oral antifungals travel through the bloodstream for cases that topicals can't reach on their own.
02 Partial Nail Avulsion
Laser energy heats and destroys fungal organisms beneath the nail without harming surrounding skin. No medications, no downtime.
03 Chemical Matrixectomy
Professional trimming and thinning of thickened or damaged nails helps treatments absorb better and speeds up visible improvement.
04 Prevention Protocols
Shoe guidance, antifungal powders, and simple hygiene steps help stop the infection from returning after treatment is complete.
Fungal nail infections affect roughly 1 in 10 people and are more common in those with diabetes or poor circulation. Early treatment prevents the infection from spreading. Same-day appointments are available.
ยง The condition
What is foot and nail fungus?
Fungal infections of the foot come in two forms. Athlete's foot affects the skin leading to itching, flaking, and redness between the toes and on the soles. Nail fungus affects the toenail itself, thickening it, turning it yellow or brittle, and causing it to separate from the nail bed. Both thrive in warm, moist environments and won't clear up on their own.
ยง Finding the source
How we confirm and assess your infection
Dr. Reddy and Dr. Pokala assess the extent of your fungal infection through a physical exam and, when recommended, lab testing to confirm the type of fungus and guide the best course of treatment.
01 Physical Exam & History Assessment
A close look at the affected nails and skin, combined with a review of your health history, to assess the infection and identify any conditions that may affect treatment.
02 Nail Culture or KOH Test
A small nail or skin sample is sent to a lab to confirm the presence of fungus and rule out other conditions that can look similar.
ยง Signs you should be seen
Fungal infections don't clear up on their own.
Most people wait too long. If any of these sound familiar, it's worth coming in.
Nails that are yellow or brown and won't clear up
Nails lifting away from the nail bed
Athlete's foot that keeps coming back
Thickened or brittle nails that are difficult to trim
Itching, burning, or scaling skin between the toes
Over-the-counter treatments that haven't worked
ยง Your care team
Meet Our Physicians
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ยง Beyond fungal care
Everything else we do for feet.
Conservative care first, advanced technology when recommended. A full range of podiatry services for adults and children.
General Podiatry
Class IV Laser Therapy
Sports Medicine
Diabetic Foot Care
Wound Care
Corn & Callus Removal
Ankle & Foot Trauma
Ankle Arthroscopy
Wart Treatment
Heel Pain & Plantar Fasciitis
Pediatric Podiatry
Neuroma Care
Custom Orthotics
Deformity Correction
Book your visit
Effective treatment starts with an accurate diagnosis.
If store-bought treatments have not worked, it is time for a professional evaluation and a plan matched to your specific infection. Call our Plano office or book online. Same-day appointments available.