FAQs about Toenail Fungus

Dealing with a toenail fungus can be annoying and embarrassing. Find out what you can do to get healthier toenails from your Winter Haven, FL podiatrist.

Dealing with a toenail fungus is anything but fun. It can cause otherwise attractive feet to look unattractive and unsightly. Do you think you might be dealing with toenail fungus? If so, then it’s time you found out Toenail Fungusmore about this common infection and what you and your Winter Haven, FL podiatrist can do to get rid of it.

What is a toenail fungus?

If you develop a fungal infection in your nail you can blame onychomycosis, a fungus, and yeast that loves dark, damp places, such as under the fingernails and toenails.

What are the symptoms of a toenail fungal infection?

Toenails that have been infected by fungus are often yellow or brown in appearance. The toenail may even thicken and become brittle. Toenails dealing with these kinds of infections are often rather embarrassing or unpleasant to look at.

What factors may predispose me to fungal infections?

Men and older adults are more likely to develop toenail fungal infections, as well as those with poor circulation, past nail traumas, bad hygiene, or weakened immune systems.

Athletes are also more likely to develop a fungal infection than non-athletes. This could be because of repeated nail trauma or because sweaty feet are contained within tight, damp shoes, which can be a popular breeding ground for fungus.

Are fungal infections contagious?

It is possible for a toenail fungus to be spread between family members; however, it’s less likely that a fungus will spread from one person to another. If someone in your family has a fungal infection, be careful not to share towels, socks, and shoes, or nail care products.

How can they be treated?

While some minor fungal infections can be cleared up with over-the-counter or prescription creams, if you aren’t getting the relief you need then it’s time you talked to your foot doctor about laser fungal treatment. The procedure is an easy, painless, and fast way to eliminate toenail fungus when other treatments just aren’t cutting it. Unlike creams and other products, the laser can penetrate through the nail to kill the fungus while leaving the skin around it unharmed.

Contact Your Winter Haven, FL Podiatrist

If you are dealing with a toenail fungus, isn’t it time you felt comfortable baring your feet? Find confidence again in wearing flip-flops and turn to your podiatrist today for toenail fungal treatment.