Crumbly, brittle, discolored, warped, and otherwise awful-looking toenails are often affected by toenail fungus. This type of fungus is frustratingly persistent, which is why you need help from the professionals at Meridian Podiatry in Jacksonville, Florida. Norshae Robinson, DPM, DABPM, FACPM, and the team of skilled podiatrists offer treatments to end fungal nail frustrations permanently. To schedule an appointment, call the office or request an appointment online today.
Toenail fungus is a fungal infection that's trapped under your nail. Toenail fungus usually affects the big toe, but it can easily spread to your other foot and/or your other toes. This type of infection is quite persistent and is hard to treat with over-the-counter remedies, so it's important to reach out to the Meridian Podiatry team when you notice fungal toenail symptoms.
Toenail fungus changes a nail's appearance, often drastically. Some of the most common characteristics of toenail fungus are:
In addition to the obvious visual symptoms, you could also smell a foul odor from the nail. In severe cases, your nail might partially separate from the skin and could leak pus.
Toenail fungus comes from a fungal infection. Several kinds of fungi cause toenail fungus, but the most common are dermatophytes, a fungus that causes athlete's foot.
You can get toenail fungus whenever you have an entry point in your skin, so any tiny cut on your foot could allow the fungus to enter. Fungi grow in moist, warm places like public swimming pools and gym locker rooms, so remember to wear sandals or other shoes instead of walking barefoot.
For new fungal nail infections, your Meridian Podiatry provider may prescribe a topical treatment, laser treatments and/or oral antifungal medication. Additionally, you may need to learn new ways to trim and otherwise care for your nails while they're still infected.
Meridian Podiatry offers laser therapy for the treatment of toenail fungus as well as KeryFlex nail restoration treatments. The laser provides a safe and effective way to treat toenail fungus without pain and without any harmful side effects, while Keryflex improves the aesthetics of your toenail while you complete the antifungal treatments.
To learn more about treatments for toenail fungus, call Meridian Podiatry or request an appointment online today.
