Podiatrist in Plano, TX, Explains How Nail Fungus is Treated

podiatrist in plano tx Nail fungus is caused by tiny microscopic fungi. They enter the body through small cuts in your skin and infect your toenails, which may not be noticeable in the beginning. However, over time, the fungi grow, making your toenail thick and discolored. Fungus can also spread to the skin, leading to a painful infection. Left untreated, your toes may hurt and the pain may make it difficult to walk. Treating this condition is critical — our podiatrist in Plano, TX, explains more below.

Symptoms of Fungal Nails

The most obvious signs of fungal nails include discoloration and thickening of the nail. There may also be pain or redness around the affected nail. People commonly hide the problem with closed-toe shoes or nail polish, but it is important to get the root of the problem treated. Home treatments may work for some people, but many cases of toenail fungus require stronger treatments.

Diagnosing Fungal Nails

Our podiatrist will evaluate your nails for signs of fungus and possibly test the type of fungus causing the infection — psoriasis or other conditions involving yeast and bacteria can mimic a fungal infection of the nail. Once we know the cause of your infection, we will be able to determine the best course of treatment for you.

Treatment Options

Nail fungus is sometimes treatable with at-home care. However, some cases may be severe enough to require other treatment options, so talk with our podiatrist if over-the-counter methods haven’t worked to resolve your problem. Other treatments that may be recommended by our podiatrist include:

Antifungal drugs — medications that are either taken orally or applied directly to the nail to clear a fungal infection.
Medicated nail polish — this is painted onto the infected nail and surrounding skin every day. After seven days, you remove the polish and repeat the process.
Medicated nail cream — our podiatrist may prescribe an antifungal cream to rub into your nail.

Infections can recur, so it will be important to take preventive measures after your treatment is complete, such as keeping your feet clean and dry. These treatments and preventive measures help most people, but some fungal nail infections don’t respond to medicine. Our podiatrist will discuss next steps if this is the case for you.

Contact Our Podiatrist in Plano, TX, Today To Learn More!

The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about hammertoe and other topics related to podiatry, feel free to contact Dallas Podiatry Works, with a convenient podiatry office in Plano, TX, by calling 972.564.8556 or by clicking here.

The doctor has great “bedside manners” when talking to patients. Great staff and comfortable atmosphere.

Derrick W.

The staff at Dallas Podiatry Works could not have been more courteous, helpful, and professional in doing their job. They made me feel comfortable when I was there, which is certainly appreciated. They answered all the questions that I had and just made each visit the most pleasurable that it could be. I would highly recommend them to anyone needing this type of foot care.

Joseph B.

I would highly recommend Dr. Brook to anyone with foot problems–especially problems that stump other podiatrists. He really is very caring and very knowledgeable.

Jeannette H.

Dr. Joel Brook and the staff were nice and helpful. Though I was a new patient, I got right in as soon as they were open in my preferred location. They diagnosed the problem and provided medicines along with a perfect gel bandage so I could keep exercising while my toes healed. My toes already hurt less and look a little better each day. If I have future issues, I will be a repeat customer. Here’s hoping I don’t, but at least I know my feet are in good hands.

Meryl E.

I visited this office for an ingrown toe nail a few years ago. After seeing another doctor, who made it worse, he referred me to Dallas Podiatry Works. The doctor there was able to fix my problem. I’m not great with reviews, all I can tell you is that this doctor and staff will have you up and running or doing whatever it is you do in no time. You will be in great hands. You’d be a fool not to use this doctor. Now its time to visit him again for the other toe.

Google User

Been having bad ankle pains for 6 months was referred here and it was a great visit ladies in the front desk medical assistants and the Doctor were all very friendly and make you feel very comfortable.