Are you avoiding open-toed shoes because of a foot fungus? You're not alone. Fungal infections are extremely common, making up 50% of nail conditions. While toenail fungus is unsightly, it can be cured with proper care and medication, and then prevented from recurring.
At Neuhaus Foot and Ankle, with locations in Hermitage, Brentwood, Nashville, Mount Juliet, Waverly, Smyrna, Murfreesboro, and Lebanon, Tennessee, our doctors provide diagnosis and treatment of toenail fungus issues. Sandal season will come sooner than you think, and getting the problem addressed now means you can slip into your flip-flops with confidence come summertime.
Fungi thrive in damp, warm environments. The flesh beneath and around your nail bed is an excellent place to call home, but these infections can cause serious damage to your feet and toenails. As the fungi multiply, they can cause your toenail to yellow, darken, harden, and flake away.
Your chances of contracting a toenail fungus increase if you:
The general treatment and prevention of fungal foot infections doesn't really change with regard to the specific fungus causing your problem. However, it's important that you talk to your podiatrist if you have a persistent, recurring, or serious infection.
The treatment of fungal nails varies depending on the severity of your infection. Your podiatrist might:
In extreme cases, the nail may be removed. If you do require nail removal, your nail should grow back healthy once the underlying skin has been treated. Because of the time it takes for your toenails to grow, this can take up to 12 months.
The best way to avoid a serious fungal infection is to practice good hygiene and foot care. This includes:
Podiatrists can effectively clear up any issues by taking a look at your feet and determining the cause of your nail infection. From there, a medication and treatment plan can be prescribed.
If you're ready to tackle your foot infection, you can contact Neuhaus Foot and Ankle by calling 615-239-6207 or scheduling an appointment online.
