How to Prevent and Treat Stubborn Toenail Fungus

You’ve been hiding that unsightly toenail fungus under closed shoes, but now it’s time to break out the sandals and flip flops – and time to address the problem head-on.

At Concord Podiatry, David Biss, DPM, and the team treat pesky toenail fungus from our offices in Concord and Plymouth, New Hampshire.

Here’s what they want you to know about this annoying condition.

Understanding toenail fungus

Toenail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis, occurs when microscopic organisms enter your nail through microscopic cuts or structural gaps around the nail edges.

Fungi thrive in warm, dark, and moist environments. Common places to pick up an infection include public locker rooms, swimming pool decks, and communal showers.

The infection usually starts as a small white or yellow spot under the tip of your nail. As the fungus spreads deeper, it causes the nail to discolor, thicken, and develop distorted edges.

An estimated 6 million to 10 million Americans are dealing with the infection at any given time.

Who is at greatest risk?

Anyone can develop this condition, but certain factors increase your risk, including:

Older adults: As we age, our bodies undergo changes that naturally make the feet a prime target for fungal spores.
People with weakened immune systems: When the immune system is compromised, the body cannot mount a strong enough defense, allowing the fungus to feed on nail keratin and multiply unchecked.
People with diabetes: Diabetes often causes nerve damage in the feet, reducing physical sensation, so a person might not feel a minor shoe scrape or a tiny cut where fungi can enter.

Fungi live underneath the hard nail plate in the nail bed. This protective barrier makes it very difficult for standard topical treatments to reach the source of the infection.

How we treat toenail fungus

Over-the-counter creams rarely cure a deeply rooted fungal infection. At Concord Podiatry, our specialists offer advanced treatment options to address the root cause of the problem.

Depending on your specific needs, our treatment plans may include the following options:

Oral antifungal medications: These help a new nail grow in free of infection
Topical prescription treatments: Unlike over-the-counter options, these penetrate the nail plate.
Debridement: This involves thinning and trimming the thickened nail to reduce pressure and improve treatment delivery

Preventing a recurrence is just as important as the treatment itself. Here’s how:

Wash your feet daily: Use soap and water to clean them, then dry them completely, especially between your toes.
Wear moisture-wicking socks: Also, be sure to change them if your feet get sweaty.
Choose breathable shoes: Also, rotate your footwear so they air out for 24 hours between uses.
Wear flip-flops or water shoes: Don’t go barefoot at public pools, gyms, and locker rooms.
Disinfect your home nail clippers: Also, don't share them with others.

Stop hiding your feet and seek professional care for your toenail fungus. Call our office at 610-272-8821 today.

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