Although you can develop a nail fungus on your fingernails, it's more common on your toenails. Think about it; they're often covered by your shoes and socks and exposed to moisture. At Emerald Coast Podiatry, serving Fort Walton Beach and Crestview, FL, and the nearby regions, we understand this can be an unsightly problem, but Dr. Cosimo Ricciardi and Dr. Neil Patel can help.
General Information
Nail fungus is an infection of a nail caused by a fungus. The most common types of fungi to affect the nails include white superficial onychomycosis, Candida onychomycosis, and subungual onychomycosis.
These infections can cause changes in the nail's color, integrity, and structure. While you can manage the symptoms of a mild infection at home, they won't typically go away. Therefore, in cases where you're having unpleasant symptoms, it's important to seek out treatment at our practice.
Signs of Nail Fungus
Take notice if you have any signs of a nail fungus, such as a thickened toenail. A fungal toenail infection may cause the nail to change colors, particularly white, yellow, or black. Often, spots will appear on the toenail in these colors. The toenail may be misshapen, and you may notice it crumbling. It may be brittle or ragged. It can separate from the nail bed. Since fungi release chemicals, they can cause a strange odor being emitted from the toe.
Risk Factors
You're more at risk of a foot fungus as you age. If you wear shoes that aren't breathable and cause an increase in moisture that remains inside, it can create the perfect breeding grounds for fungus. Since athlete's feet can spread to the toenail, your chances of this infection are greater if you have this infection.
The moisture at a gym, public pool, or shower room makes for a prime area for fungus. Therefore, if you're walking in these areas without shoes, you could acquire this type of infection.
People who have diabetes or are immunocompromised have a greater risk of nail fungus.
Get Treatment
If you have any signs of a nail fungus, contact our podiatry practice today for an appointment. We can provide a topical treatment, laser fungus removal, or oral antifungals. To figure out which one is right for you, our podiatrist will assess the toenail and may take a sample to send to the lab.
Dr. Ricciardi may recommend laser therapy to kill the underlying nail fungus. Laser therapy offers important benefits. Consider that laser therapy is:
- Successful – laser therapy can clear up nail fungus with one treatment in many cases
- Completely painless – laser therapy uses light to create heat which kills the fungus
- Non-invasive – laser therapy requires no cutting or removal of your nail
- Cost effective – laser therapy provides a permanent solution to nail fungus
- Holistic – laser therapy uses no harsh chemicals, unlike other nail fungus treatments
To read more detailed information about nail fungus and laser treatment for nail fungus, please click here.
At Emerald Coast Podiatry, serving Fort Walton Beach, and Crestview, FL, and the neighboring communities, Dr. Ricciardi and Dr. Patel can help you get rid of that pesky infection, stop the embarrassment, and wear shoes comfortably again.
Call Emerald Coast Podiatry at the Fort Walton office at (850) 862-4119 or the Crestview office at (850) 682-6522.