Toenail fungus is an infection that gets in through the cracks in the nails or skin.
There are different kinds of nail fungus infections that can affect different parts of your nail. Nail fungus thrives in warm, moist environments, and since your toes are often confined to your shoes, this presents an ideal environment for this type of bacteria to grow.
Who is at Risk?
While there are a wide variety of nail fungal infections, there are a few factors that will put you at a higher risk of contracting an infection –here are a few risk factors that can increase your chance of getting an infection:
- If you have diabetes
- Use public showers or pools
- If you have a nail injury
- If you wear closed-toe shoes or boots for long periods of time
What to Look For
Knowing what to look for can help you seek proper treatment quicker, helping to keep the infection from spreading. Here are some common symptoms of nail fungal infections that you should be on the lookout for:
- Scaling under the nails
- White, yellowed, or discolored nails
- Crumbling nails
- Loss of a nail
- Brittle or thickened nails
Treatment
The treatment plan for your nail fungal infection will depend on the type of infection that you have. In most cases, over-the-counter products are not recommended because they don’t provide reliable outcomes.
Your doctor will most likely prescribe an oral antifungal medication or a topical solution, but your individual course of treatment will depend on the type of infection, the extent of the infection, and how well it responds to treatment.
Often, fungal infections can return so it is important that you keep a close eye on the infected areas, even after your treatment is over. It’s important to follow up with your doctor –and always follow through with any treatment that’s been prescribed.
Diligence is key to preventing infections from spreading –or becoming worse.
For toenail fungal infection treatment Houston, Texas contact Dr. Lamarra of Shepherd Square Podiatry today.