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Toenail fungus is a common but annoying problem that affects the appearance and integrity of your toenails. At Feet First Institute of Beavercreek in Beavercreek, Ohio, experienced podiatrist Stephan Giambi, DPM, provides treatments for toenail fungus, including topical and oral antifungal drugs. Call Feet First Institute of Beavercreek today to schedule toenail fungus treatment, or book your appointment online.
What is toenail fungus?
Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a fungal infection of your toenails. Often, it begins as a small white dot in the center of a nail. As the fungus takes hold, it spreads deeper into the nail and can extend to the surrounding toenails.
If you think you have toenail fungus, visit Feet First Institute of Beavercreek as soon as possible. Prompt treatment prevents the infection from spreading and reduces the risk of potentially severe complications.
What are the symptoms of toenail fungus?
If you have toenail fungus, your toenail might:
- Crack or break
- Separate from the nail bed
- Thicken and look misshapen
- Look chalky or cloudy
- Change color
Toenail fungus affects people of all ages, but it’s most common in folks with diabetes and other medical conditions that affect blood flow to the feet.
How is toenail fungus diagnosed?
Dr. Giambi reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and examines your toenails. Most fungal infections are diagnosed visually, but Dr. Giambi also orders several tests to rule out other medical conditions that present similar symptoms.
For instance, he might clip a sample of your toenail and look at it under a microscope to identify the type of fungus. Dr. Giambi might also order a fungal culture. After determining the cause and severity of your infection, he makes personalized treatment recommendations.
How is toenail fungus treated?
Toenail fungus is often challenging to treat. It typically takes several months of therapy to prevent the infection from coming back. Depending on the type of fungus and severity of your infection, Dr. Giambi could suggest:
- Oral antifungal medication
- Topical antifungal medication
- Laser treatment to kill the fungus
- A combination of all three treatments
Dr. Giambi monitors your symptoms at routine checkups, adjusting your care plan as needed.
Can toenail fungus be prevented?
There’s no way to prevent toenail fungus altogether, but you can reduce your risk. Dr. Giambi recommends avoiding going barefoot in public areas, like locker rooms and swimming pools, cleaning your nail trimmer before use, and thoroughly drying your feet after baths and showers.
Call Feet First Institute of Beavercreek today to schedule toenail fungus treatment, or book your appointment online.