Toenail Fungus
Toenail Fungus services offered in The Fan, VCU, Richmond, VA
A fungal infection can lead to yellow, crumbling, cracked toenails. At Richmond Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates in Richmond, Virginia, skilled podiatrists Weston Angermeier, DPM, and Rachel Hensley, DPM, offer several treatments for toenail fungus, including topical and prescription solutions. Call Richmond Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about toenail fungus.
Quick Facts About Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus is caused by a type of fungi known as dermatophytes, which can live in moist and dark environments such as the spaces between your toes.
Toenail fungus can cause thickened and discolored nails, pain and swelling in the infected area, and an unpleasant odor from the toe.
Treatments for toenail fungus include topical creams or ointments, oral medications, or laser therapy to kill the fungus.
Toenail Fungus
Q & A
What is toenail fungus?
Toenail fungus is an infection that develops between the toenail and nail bed. Also called onychomycosis, fungus typically invades the nail through small cracks or cuts. Onychomycosis can penetrate the fingernails, but it’s far more common in toenails.
What are the symptoms of toenail fungus?
Toenail fungus starts as a small white or yellow spot but can quickly spread throughout the nail. As the fungus penetrates deeper into your nail, the following symptoms can appear:
- Yellow nails
- Thickened, crumbling nails
- Nails that easily break
- Distorted nails
- Foul-smelling nails
- Debris buildup under the nail
A foul smell from your affected nail can indicate an infection. Without treatment, a fungal infection can spread through the skin on your feet and the surrounding nails.
What causes toenail fungus?
The most common cause of an infected toenail is a fungus called dermatophyte, but mold and some yeasts can invade the nail. Certain risk factors for toenail fungus include:
Age
Nails naturally thicken and become more brittle with age. As a result, small cracks can lead to fungal infections in the nail.
Poor circulation
Conditions that cause poor circulation, like diabetes, can interfere with wound healing. The longer it takes for a small cut to heal, the more likely fungi are to penetrate the nails and skin.
Skin conditions
Skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema can cause minor cuts in the skin that allow fungi to break through.
Athlete’s foot
A history of athlete’s foot — a fungal infection of the skin — increases your risk of developing toenail fungus.
Damp environments
Fungi thrive in wet environments. Wearing sweaty socks or walking through a swimming pool locker room barefoot can leave you wide open to a toenail fungus infection.
How is toenail fungus treated?
Richmond Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates offers several topical and prescription treatments for toenail fungus, including:
Tolcylen™
Tolcylen, from Marlinz Pharma, is a powerful over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal solution that utilizes an alcohol base with a low surface tension similar to prescription products.
Prescription products
Medicated antifungal creams, and nail polishes can help eliminate nail fungus before it spreads to your surrounding nails.
Surgery
In advanced cases, your doctor at Richmond Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates will remove your infected nail and apply medication directly to the skin underneath.
Call Richmond Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about toenail fungus.