Understanding Nail Fungus
- Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, can cause thickened, discolored, and brittle nails.
- Common signs of toenail fungus include thickened nails, yellow or brown discoloration, and misshapen toenails, with underlying debris at times.
- Causes and risk factors may include older age, excessive sweating, athlete’s foot, diabetes and poor circulation
What to Expect During Toenail Fungus Treatment
At New Horizons Foot and Ankle Associates in Louisville, Kentucky, we offer comprehensive treatment options for toenail fungus tailored to your individual needs.
Here’s what you can expect during your consultation:
Evaluation
Your podiatrist will conduct a thorough assessment of your toenail fungus to determine the most suitable treatment approach for you. This evaluation includes examining the affected nail(s) and considering factors such as the severity of the infection and your overall health.
Treatment Options
Based on the evaluation, your podiatrist may recommend one or more of the following treatments:
- Topical Treatments: Creams, powders, or nail lacquers containing antifungal medication to target the fungus directly.
- Oral Antifungals: FDA-approved medications that work systemically to eradicate the fungus from within. Oral antifungals are often considered the most effective treatment option.
- Laser Therapy: Utilizing FDA-approved UV light to penetrate the nail and destroy the fungus without harming surrounding tissue. While not typically the first-line treatment, laser therapy offers an alternative for some patients.
- Surgical Treatment: Temporary removal of the infected nail to apply topical antifungal medication directly to the affected area.
- Combination Therapy: A combination of surgical procedure(s), laser, and topical or oral antifungals may be utilized to treat fungal nails. Our doctor is one of the few in the world carrying out the most effective treatments to restore nails, resulting in several awards and global recognition as one of the Top Podiatrists in the country.
Symptom Awareness
Recognizing symptoms of toenail fungus is crucial for early detection and intervention. Symptoms may include nails that appear discolored (white or yellow), thickened, oddly shaped, or exhibit scaling.
Precautionary Measures
It’s important to avoid wearing artificial nails while undergoing treatment for toenail fungus. Artificial nails can impede your podiatrist’s ability to monitor improvement and create an environment conducive to fungal and bacterial growth.
Treatment Duration and Expectations
Oral antifungals typically require a treatment regimen of approximately three months, with cure rates ranging from 57.8% to 73% depending on the patient Topical medications are most effective when combined with oral treatments. Treatment of fungal nails is most effective, with the lowest rates of recurrence when combined with Laser treatments. Laser therapy may require multiple sessions spaced several weeks apart for optimal results. Inquire about our Platinum Fungal Nail Treatment package, boasting results that have led to several awards and recognitions for our very own Laser Medicine and Surgery Expert, Dr. Patel.
