Unsightly, yellow, crumbling nails don’t do much for your self-esteem, and it’s normal to want to keep them out of sight. Avoiding the problem may seem like the answer. However, the longer you wait to seek treatment, the greater the hold those tiny organisms have on your toenail. Take a stand, and stop the infection at the first sign of trouble.
Why Are My Toenails So Ugly?
Patients often wonder, why me? In fact, anyone can acquire a fungal infection of the toenail. Older people have slower growing nails, decreased blood flood, and a longer history of exposure. However, this condition is not limited to senior citizens. Men are more likely to get an infection than women, but anyone who is exposed to fungi can end up with the condition. It may begin just as a small white or yellow spot under the tip of your nail. Over time it grows, the nail becomes yellow and brittle, starts cracking or peeling, and may even separate from the nail bed and fall off. No wonder you want to hide your toes, but help is available!
What to Do for an Infected Nail
This problem is really hard to treat on your own, and it is best to recruit an expert to help you fight it. Contact The Plateau Foot & Ankle Clinic at the first sign of infection. The earlier it is caught, the better the treatment will work. We will examine the toe to diagnose the exact cause of the infection, and may take a sample from beneath the nail for lab analysis. Conditions such as psoriasis can mimic a fungal toenail, and sometimes bacteria or yeasts can be the source of the infection. This simple lab test will ensure that we are treating the right condition.
Treatments may include over-the-counter antifungal creams, antifungal nail polish, prescription ointments, oral antifungal medications, or surgery in extreme cases. These have varying degrees of success, and there are potential risks and side effects, as well.
Our office also offers laser treatment for fungal toenails. It uses a laser beam to target the affected cells underneath, while not harming the nail or skin. Many people have found relief from their toenail fungus after just one visit, without the long ritual of using topical ointments and oral medications, or the healing time from surgical techniques. Bring your unsightly toenails to us! We can help you decide on the best treatment for your particular situation.
Prevention Is the Best Treatment
We can also advise you on how to prevent toenail fungus in the first place, by practicing good hygiene methods, wearing footwear in places where the fungus thrives, choosing the right shoes and socks, not sharing personal items with others, and keeping diseases like diabetes under control. Dr Khanh Le provides expert foot care to the residents of Sammamish, Redmond, Bellevue, and Issaquah. He specializes in laser surgery for many foot problems, including fungal toenails. Call The Plateau Foot & Ankle Clinic today at (425) 868-3338 , or use the “ book an appointment ” button on our website, and get rid of your fungal infection for good!
