Fungal Nails

If you notice yellow, brittle toenails, you may have nail fungus. Metroplex Foot and Ankle, LLP offers effective treatments for fungal nails to improve their appearance and quality. Call the specialists at the Dallas, Garland, or Richardson, Texas, offices to schedule an appointment today or book online through the reservation portal.

What are fungal nails?

Nail fungus is a common infection that affects millions of people annually. If left untreated, a fungal infection can lead to unsightly yellow toenails that break easily. Moreover, they may produce an unpleasant odor and induce painful sensations.

Nail fungus also leads to athlete’s foot when the infection spreads to the skin around and in between your toes. Nail fungus can be stubborn, so it’s important to stay on top of any infection.

What causes fungal nails?

Fungal nails are an infection caused by various types of fungi. People generally acquire these infections from contact with infected surfaces, such as shared bathroom floors and sweaty shoes. 

Certain factors increase the likelihood of acquiring an infection, like:

• Older age
• Walking in public spaces barefooted
• Diabetes
• Psoriasis
• Dirty shoes
• A previous fungal infection

Maintaining strong foot hygiene and managing preexisting conditions helps minimize your risk of a fungal infection. You can further prevent infection by cutting your nails short and washing your hands regularly. If left untreated, fungal nails may contribute to permanent nail damage. 

How do doctors treat fungal nails?

In addition to lifestyle modifications, your foot specialist can offer various effective treatments. Antifungal medications prove the most efficient at reducing the active amount of fungi on the skin. Antifungals come in several forms, such as oral, creams, and nail polish. 

You generally take oral antifungals for 6-12 weeks, and they come in an accessible pill form. Creams apply over the affected area and are applied daily. In more severe cases of infection, your doctor may recommend temporarily removing the nail so the medications have direct contact with the nail.

What can I expect during an appointment to treat fungal nails?

The Metroplex Foot and Ankle, LLP providers first assess your health status by asking questions about your symptoms and health history. This helps narrow down the source of your infection and allows the team to create a personalized treatment plan. From there, they’ll discuss all the options available to you.

Call the foot experts today at the Dallas, Garland, or Richardson office to schedule a consultation or book online through the reservation portal.