Fungal Toenails: Basics and Treatments
Dr. Jason Homan is a podiatrist practicing in Southern California. Dr. Homan is a medical doctor specializing in the treatment of the foot , ankle and related parts of the leg. As a podiatrist, Dr. Homan diagnoses and treats conditions of the feet. The feet are key body parts that give a person stability, absorb shock,... more
Fungal toenail infections, or onychomycosis, are common nail conditions causing discoloration, thickening, and brittleness, often requiring long-term treatment. Fortunately, toenail fungus isn't a critical health problem. It is, rather, more of a cosmetic health problem. Fungal infection can ruin the appearance of your nails and cause pain as it lifts the nail away from the nail bed. And fungal infections are notoriously difficult to get rid of. Most often, you should consider fungal toenail a condition to be managed rather than cured.
Onychomycosis, or toenail fungus, is an invasion by a microscopic fungal organism that thrives in warm, dark, and damp environments (like inside our shoes). Fungal spores are in the air, and they will grow if they land on an appropriate receptive surface like your toenail. Damaged or injured nails can also provide entry points for fungi. They feed off the nail tissues, burrowing into the skin under the nail; what we call the Nail Bed. Over time the nail thickens and may lift off the nail bed as fungal debris thrives and accumulates. Once your nail is raised off the nail bed, it won't reattach, and a new nail won't grow from that part of the nail bed. However, your nail will continue to grow from the root at the base.
Risk factors include poor foot hygiene, walking barefoot in public areas, and wearing tight shoes can increase the risk.
So how do we diagnose for Onychomycosis? Doctors typically diagnose onychomycosis by examining the nail and possibly taking a nail clipping for testing.
What do treatments look like? Treatment can be challenging and may involve prescribed oral or topical antifungal medications. Be sure to talk with your local foot and ankle specialist on the best treatment options for you!
Any preventative tips? Good foot hygiene, wearing breathable shoes, and avoiding walking barefoot in public areas can help prevent fungal nail infections. Here are some easy pointers and basics:
- Avoid shoes that keep your feet from breathing or that press on your nail.
- Wear sandals or flip-flops in shower rooms at gyms or pools to avoid infection.
- Wear socks that wick away perspiration. Although it seems counterintuitive, acrylic is much better at carrying off moisture than cotton.
- Use antifungal foot powder daily.
Hope this helps. Let's all continue to move and stay healthy!
