Fungal Nails Explained: A Podiatrist’s Guide to Identification Fungal Nails
Sandal season is great…for most of us, anyway!
If you find yourself hiding your feet due to thick, discolored, or brittle toenails, you’re not alone. The likely culprit is toenail fungus, a common and surprisingly persistent infection known medically as onychomycosis. Understanding what it is, how you got it, and how to spot it is the first step toward reclaiming clear, healthy nails. And in the following blog, Batavia Foot Care Center will explain all that and more!
What Is Toenail Fungus?
Toenail fungus is a common infection caused by microscopic fungi (dermatophytes) that get in, under, or on the nail itself.
- These organisms are everywhere in our environment, but they thrive in specific conditions, and once an infection begins, it can be very difficult to clear without proper treatment.
How & Where Do We Pick Up Nail Fungus?
Understanding the sources of infection is crucial for prevention. Fungi love warm, dark, and moist environments – making our shoes a perfect breeding ground!
Common ways people contract fungal infections 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 (even a small cut) that creates an entry point for the fungus.
- Living with chronically sweaty feet (hyperhidrosis).
It’s important to know that nail fungus can be contagious and can spread from one person to another or from one of your toenails to others.
Spotting the Signs
How can you tell if you’re dealing with a fungal nail infection? Look for these common changes in your nails:
- Discoloration: The nail may appear yellow, brownish, or have white spots or streaks.
- Thickening: The nail becomes thick, raised, and difficult to trim.
- Brittleness: The nail may become crumbly, ragged, or develop a distorted shape.
- Debris: Dark-colored debris may build up under the nail, causing further discoloration.
- Lifting/Separation: In more advanced cases, the infected nail may start to lift or separate from the nail bed (a condition called onycholysis).
The Importance of Diagnosis
If you suspect you have a fungal nail infection, the most important first step is getting an accurate diagnosis from a podiatrist!
- From powerful topicals like our Tolcylen products to oral medications and nail avulsion surgery, we can create a plan that meets your needs and stops the problem from recurring.
- We even carry holistic polish options like Dr. Remedy, which allow you to fend off cosmetic issues while we take care of the underlying infection!
Affected? Struggling? Skip the recurrence and sidestep complications. Get in touch and find relief today!
You can always count on Batavia Foot Care Center to care for your feet using a full range of therapies and treatment options. Dr. Dawn K. Dryden serves patients of all ages in Batavia, New York. Contact our office to schedule an appointment!
