It is time to stop putting it off and finally take care of it!
No, it’s not paying the bills or going to gym (although those things are important too)! It’s that discolored, brittle toenail that you noticed a few months ago. It might be a toenail fungal infection and ignoring it is not going to make it go away!
But don’t worry—there ARE solutions that will work for you. It’s important that you treat it now because even though it’s getting chillier and the leaves are changing, the summertime is going to be here before we know it!
And let’s face it; we all want nice nails for the summer.
A nail fungal infection is a common problem for many people and it will usually show up on your toenails before your fingernails. The fancy name for toe fungus is onychomycosis.
If you’ve noticed that your toenails have thickened, become brittle or crumbly, and/or have changed shape or color, you may have a nail fungal infection and should schedule an appointment right away.
If your nails haven’t changed much but you’ve noticed a tiny, white or yellow spot under your nail that isn’t going away, that could be a sign of the beginning of a fungal infection, so it is important to get to the doctor before is spreads to other nails or gets any worse.
There is a combination of antifungal medications that can be taken orally to treat to the problem, as well as some topical solutions that are effective as well. Like any course of treatment though, these solutions take time to work, so don’t wait any longer to schedule an appointment!
If you have diabetes or psoriasis, you may have an increased risk of contracting a toenail fungal infection. Here are some ways to prevent contracting an infection:
-Keep your nails short, trimming straight across
-Thoroughly dry your feet (and in-between your toes!) after swimming or bathing
-Never go barefoot in public places, always use your own shower shoes at the gym or the pool
-Wear socks made of synthetic material to wick away moisture
-Think twice about the salon you visit to get your nails done. Do they disinfect all instruments between uses?
-Always wash your hands after touching an infected nail
-Use an antifungal spray or powder
-Don’t trim or pick at the skin around the nail. This only gives germs an easier pathway to your skin and nail.
If you suspect that you have a fungal infection in your toenails, call Hollowbrook Foot Specialists today and visit with Dr. Geshev to see what your best solution would be. Treating a fungal infection now means you can have better looking and healthier nails this spring.
By Dr. Yavor Geshev, DPM
