At first, toenail fungus may seem like a small problem but for many people it can become chronic and uncomfortable, disrupting day-to-day living. This condition has a medical name: onychomycosis. It causes nails to become thick, discolored, brittle and, in many cases, painful. If not treated, toenail fungus will worsen in appearance and possibly spread to the point that it makes wearing shoes uncomfortable or even painful to walk.
Fortunately, toenail fungus treatment options continue to provide patients of all ages relief and recovery. From early identification to advanced treatments like laser foot fungus removal and KeryFlex nail restoration, today the options for toenail fungus treatments may be more ample than at any time in the history of medicine. This guide will help you sort through everything you have to know, from toenail fungus detection to the best toenail fungus treatments available and how to make a complete recovery.
Understanding Toenail Fungus
Fungal toe infections are common and generally caused by dermatophytes, yeasts, or molds that thrive in warm, wet, and humid environments such as locker rooms or swimming pools. Tight-fitting shoes can also create a warm and humid environment that can contribute to this fungal infection. Once the fungus sets up shop, it can be hard to treat because it resides under the nail plate, making it difficult for topical creams to treat the infection.
Common signs of toenail fungus include:
Thickened yellow or brown nails
Nails that become brittle or crumbly
Abnormal shape of the nail
Curvature or pain when wearing shoes
A bad smell coming from the infected nail
If you suspect you have one or more of these signs, the first step to treatment is to schedule an evaluation to see a foot specialist such as Deniel Foot & Ankle Center in Houston.
Why Early Diagnosis Matters
Toenail fungus typically does not resolve itself. Left untreated, early symptoms of toenail fungus can spread to other nails and skin – leading to other conditions such as athlete’s foot. Timely diagnosis gives your podiatrist the opportunity to identify the type of fungus affecting you and prescribe the best toenail fungus treatment possible.
A comprehensive exam often includes a nail culture or biopsy to confirm the type of infection you have. When the type of toenail fungus is confirmed, your doctor will create a treatment plan specific to your needs.
Traditional Toenail Fungus Treatments
Over time there have been different ways to treat toenail fungus. Some work better than others but what the best form of treatment will be depends on how chronic the infection is.
1. Topical Antifungal Medications
This includes medicated nail polish and topical creams which can penetrate into the nail surface. They are easy to use but are usually most effective when there is a mild infection as they have trouble getting to the fungus underneath the nail.
2. Oral Antifungal Medications
Prescription medications like terbinafine and itraconazole are usually far more potent than topical antifungals. They attack the fungus from the “inside out”. Orals may have side effects which may require monitoring of liver function.
3. Nail Debridement
Debridement involves trimming and thinning out the nail to reduce the fungal load and allow topical (or oral) therapies to work better. It is an in-office procedure typically performed by a podiatrist.
Advanced Treatments for Toenail Fungus
For some patients who may not do well with traditional treatments, there are advanced treatments available. Newer treatments that have become available provide faster and more reliable outcomes, which come with fewer side effects.
Laser Toenail Fungus Removal
One of the most advanced options available today is laser toenail fungus treatment in Houston. This procedure utilizes laser energy that can penetrate through the nail and destroy the fungus without damaging surrounding tissue. Minimal discomfort is reported with this treatment, and there is no downtime afterwards.
Laser therapy is particularly beneficial for patients who are unable to take oral antifungal medications due to other health conditions. After only a few laser therapy sessions, many patients reported improvements in their nail clarity.
KeryFlex Nail Restoration
Even after treating toenail fungus, toes can be thick, brittle, or deformed. KeryFlex nail restoration is a way for your podiatrist to provide an overlay of a natural-looking, healthy toenail as a cosmetic solution while a thin layer of the remaining infected nail regrows free of fungus. Not only does it restore the appearance of your toenail, but it also protects your toenail as your natural toenail is growing out healthy.
Combining Treatments for Best Results
In most cases, toenail fungus treatment is most successful when multiple techniques are combined. For example, one of our physicians may recommend debridement of the toenail, then laser treatment, followed by a topical medication to eliminate the infection, and prevent the fungus from returning. Adding KeryFlex nail restoration allows a patient to feel more confident about the appearance of their toenail and make the transition to treatment.
The Deniel Foot & Ankle Center provides customized treatment plans depending on the individual and their lifestyle to ensure that every patient is receiving the best combination of treatments for their particular condition.
Preventing Toenail Fungus Recurrence
Treatment is only part of the fight. Preventing the infection from coming back is equally important. If good hygiene and precaution is not taken then toenail fungus can come back. Below are some recommendations to prevent return of the infection:
Keep feet clean and dry, especially between the toes
Wear breathable socks; change your socks daily
Do not walk barefoot in public places such as locker rooms and pools
Trim nails straight across and avoid overly trimming the nails
By adopting these habits, patients can significantly reduce the chance of toenail fungus coming back.
Why Choose Deniel Foot & Ankle Center
With toenail fungus treatment in Houston, expert care is everything. At Deniel Foot & Ankle Center, our qualified podiatrists utilize the latest medical technology and patient-focused care to provide results that make a difference.
KeryFlex nail restoration to restore the appearance of the nail
All aspects of podiatric care from diagnosis to recovery
Treatment plans personalized for your lifestyle
It is our goal not only to treat the infection, but also to restore your comfort, confidence and mobility.
Realistic Expectations and Recovery Timeline
Recovering from toenail fungus takes time. Even after the fungus is gone, toenails grow slowly, at only 1-2 millimeters per month. Therefore, it can take months to see a completely healthy nail grow out.
Expect the following during recovery:
Improvement in nail color and texture over time
Decrease in discomfort when walking or being in shoes
Some form of long-term prevention strategies for keeping nails fungus-free
Restored confidence by a cosmetic treatment like KeryFlex
Patience and consistency are the whole thing. With adequate treatment along with follow-up care, we expect most patients to have excellent results.
Conclusion
Toenail fungus should not be viewed as a mere aesthetic issue; it is a medical condition that necessitates professional intervention. Modern-day advancements such as laser toenail fungus removal and KeryFlex nail restoration provide patients with faster and more effective treatment options than ever before.
At Deniel Foot & Ankle Center, we believe in combining medical expertise with innovative solutions to help patients overcome toenail fungus and restore healthy, beautiful nails. If you are suffering from thick, discolored, or painful toenails, now is the time to take charge.
Call to Action
Don’t suffer with toenail fungus and let it affect your self-esteem and comfort any longer. Call today to set up your toenail fungus consultation appointment at Deniel Foot & Ankle Center. Our team will be able to assist you in restoring your nails to a healthy, clear state, whether you are choosing laser toenail fungus treatment in Houston or a cosmetic restoration with KeryFlex.
Contact us today or go to the schedule an appointment page to get started on the road to recovery!
