A Fungal nail infection or Onychomycosis is an invasion of a fungus into the toenails.
. This fungus is the same as those found in athlete’s foot, jock itch and ringworm. The fungus gets inside toenails through nail cracks. In some cases, the fungus also uses skin lesions to get inside nails.
Signs to look for: Signs of a fungal nail infection include thickening of toenails, changing nail colour, deformities and pain. Although toenail fungus may appear as a mild nail infection, you should still seek treatment since all infectious diseases get worse over time. Don’t think that toenail fungus is just a cosmetic problem that you can ignore.
Once toenail fungus penetrates the deep layers of your nails, you can experience recurring pain that will continue to worsen over time. Untreated a fungal nail infection can affect your ability to walk. People who wear shoes all day are more prone to developing toenail fungus complications because fungi grow in a warm, dark and moist environments.
Treatment: Many Toes, Many Options.
There are many different options that can be very effective. Reducing the warm, moist atmosphere that fostered the fungus on your feet and in your shoes, along with medications or other treatments, is key to remedying the condition.
Recommendation: Our doctors will recommend medication to help reduce heavy perspiration if that has contributed to the problem. They will also help you find the right anti-fungal products to kill the fungus that’s lurking in your shoes. Reducing your chances of reinfection. Topical medications for your feet will eliminate fungus on the surface. But they can’t reach the stubborn microorganisms under the nail.
It does take time for your toenails to return to their natural good looks following treatment.
You don’t have to let embarrassment about your nails keep you from enjoying your feet.