Fend off Toenail Fungus for Good!
The thought of sandal season should be calming, but it can actually be stressful if you’re dealing with toenail fungus. This common condition, medically known as onychomycosis, can cause nails to become thick, discolored, and brittle, making you want to keep your feet hidden. At Step By Step Family Foot Care, we understand your frustration. This guide explains what toenail fungus is, how you get it, and why seeking professional care is the key to clearing it up for good.
How & Where Do We Pick Up Nail Fungus?
Toenail fungus is a persistent infection caused by microscopic fungi (dermatophytes) that get under your nail. Fungi love warm, dark, and moist environments. This makes our shoes a perfect breeding ground!
Common ways to contract a fungal infection include:
- Walking barefoot in damp, communal areas like gym locker rooms, public showers, and pool decks.
- Getting pedicures at salons that do not properly sterilize their instruments.
- Having minor skin or nail trauma that creates an entry point for the fungus.
- Living with sweaty feet (hyperhidrosis).
Other factors like age, genetics, and certain health conditions (like diabetes or circulation issues) can also increase your risk.
Spotting the Signs: Is It Fungus?
How do you know if you’re dealing with a fungal nail infection? Look for these common changes:
- Discoloration: The nail may appear yellow, brownish, or have white spots/streaks.
- Thickening: The nail becomes thick and difficult to trim properly.
- Brittleness: The nail can become crumbly, ragged, or develop a distorted shape.
- Debris: Dark-colored debris may build up under the nail.
- Lifting/Separation: In more advanced cases, the infected nail may start to lift or separate from the nail bed.
Why “Waiting It Out” or DIY Treatments Often Fail
Hoping a fungal nail will clear up on its own is rarely a successful strategy. Left untreated, the infection typically:
- Worsens: The discoloration and thickening can become more severe.
- Spreads: The fungus can infect your other toenails or even the surrounding skin (athlete’s foot).
- Causes Discomfort: Thickened nails can become painful, especially when wearing shoes.
- Resists Home Remedies: Over-the-counter topical treatments often struggle to penetrate the nail plate effectively to reach the underlying fungus, leading to frustrating, incomplete results.
The First Step: Professional Diagnosis
If you suspect you have a fungal nail, the most important first step is getting an accurate diagnosis from a podiatrist. We can confirm it’s a fungal infection, determine its severity, and rule out other potential nail conditions, too.
Step By Step Family Foot Care is here to assist you with your podiatry needs. To make an appointment with Dr. Debra Manheim, call us at (973) 917-3785 or visit our site to schedule an appointment. The staff at our Parsippany office is ready and eager to help.
