Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is a common fungal infection that can cause the toenails to become yellow or white, thickened, brittle, crumbly, or distorted. While some cases begin as a small area of discoloration, fungal infections can spread deeper into the nail and surrounding nails over time.

At Restore Foot & Ankle Specialists in Plano, Texas, our podiatrists evaluate the appearance and severity of your nails and recommend a treatment plan based on your individual needs. Because not every fungal nail infection responds to the same treatment, we offer several options rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.

What Causes Toenail Fungus?

Toenail fungus develops when fungi infect the nail or the skin underneath it. Fungi tend to thrive in warm, moist environments, which is why infections can be associated with sweaty footwear, locker rooms, swimming pools, athlete's foot, or repeated exposure to moisture.

Other factors that may increase your risk include:

• Previous athlete's foot infections

• Nail trauma or injury

• Wearing tight or poorly ventilated shoes

• Excessive sweating

• Increasing age

• Circulation problems

• Diabetes or certain medical conditions

Signs of Toenail Fungus

You may benefit from an evaluation if you notice:

• Yellow, white, or brown nail discoloration

• Thickened toenails

• Brittle, cracked, or crumbling nails

• Changes in nail shape

• Debris underneath the toenail

• Separation of the nail from the nail bed

• Unpleasant odor

• Discomfort when wearing shoes or walking

Several nail conditions can look similar to fungal infections, so an evaluation can help determine whether fungus is actually responsible for the changes in your nail.

Toenail Fungus Treatment Options

At Restore Foot & Ankle Specialists, treatment is selected based on the severity of the infection, the number of nails affected, your medical history, and your treatment preferences.

Oral Antifungal Medication

Prescription oral antifungal medications treat the infection from within the body and may be recommended for certain moderate or more extensive fungal nail infections.

Our providers will review your health history and determine whether oral treatment is appropriate for you.

Topical Antifungal Treatment

Prescription topical antifungal medications are applied directly to the affected nail. These treatments may be appropriate for certain mild or localized infections and can also be incorporated into a broader treatment plan.

Because toenails grow slowly, topical treatment generally requires consistent application over an extended period.

Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus

We also offer laser therapy for fungal toenails. Laser treatment directs controlled energy toward the affected nail and surrounding nail bed while avoiding many of the systemic considerations associated with oral medication.

Laser therapy may be an option for patients who prefer a non-oral approach or when it is appropriate as part of a customized treatment plan.

Depending on the severity of the infection, multiple treatments may be recommended.

How Long Does It Take for a Clear Nail to Grow?

Even after the fungal infection is being successfully treated, the damaged portion of the toenail does not disappear immediately. Instead, healthier nail must gradually grow forward from the base of the nail.

Toenails grow slowly, so noticeable improvement can take several months, and complete replacement of a toenail can take considerably longer.

Our team can monitor your progress and help determine whether additional treatment is necessary.

Preventing Toenail Fungus From Returning

After treatment, preventing reinfection is an important part of maintaining healthy nails. Patients may be advised to:

• Keep the feet clean and dry

• Change socks regularly

• Wear breathable footwear

• Rotate shoes when possible

• Treat athlete's foot promptly

• Avoid walking barefoot in public locker rooms or showers

• Keep toenails properly trimmed

• Avoid sharing nail clippers or footwear

• Disinfect or replace contaminated footwear when appropriate

Get Healthier, Clearer-Looking Toenails

Toenail fungus often becomes more difficult to treat the longer it remains present. If you have persistent nail discoloration, thickening, brittleness, or other changes, the podiatrists at Restore Foot & Ankle Specialists can evaluate your nails and discuss treatment options including oral medication, topical therapy, and laser treatment.

Schedule an appointment at our Plano, Texas office to find the treatment approach that is right for you.