Nail fungus is a common condition with the potential to cause permanent nail damage and serious infections. The expert podiatrists at Miklos Foot and Ankle Specialists in the Garfield Ridge neighborhood of Chicago offer effective treatments for nail fungus. It’s best to treat nail fungus as soon as you notice it — call or book an appointment online today.
request an appointmentWhat is nail fungus?
Fungal nail infections affect your fingernails or toenails and may cause them to become discolored, thick, and easily broken. Also called onychomycosis, fungal infections are more common in toenails than fingernails. When toenail fungus spreads beyond the nail, it’s called athlete’s foot.
What are symptoms of nail fungus?
Nail fungus may start out as a tiny discolored spot beneath the tip of your nail. As the infection progresses, your entire nail may turn yellow, brown, or white and grow thicker. The edges of your nail may become brittle and break easily or begin to smell foul.
What causes nail fungus?
Many different types of fungi that exist in the environment are capable of infecting your finger or toenails. Small cracks in your nail or surrounding skin may allow fungus to enter.
Certain health conditions may increase your risk of developing nail fungus, including:
- Diabetes
- Sweaty feet
- Athlete’s foot
- Blood circulation problems
- A nail injury or nail surgery
People with diabetes and blood circulation problems are also at greater risk of developing complications of nail fungus, such as having the infection spread.
When should I see a doctor for nail fungus?
You should schedule an appointment at Miklos Foot and Ankle Specialists if your toenail fungus is painful or doesn’t go away with self-care methods, such as over-the-counter nail fungus treatments.
If you have diabetes, a suppressed immune system, or another chronic health problem, you should call Miklos Foot and Ankle Specialists at the first sign of nail fungus.
How is nail fungus diagnosed and treated?
To diagnose a fungal infection, your provider at Miklos Foot and Ankle Specialists examines your nails. They may take a small scraping of the toenail for lab testing to identify the type of fungus causing the infection.
Treatment for nail fungus typically involves topical or oral medications to treat the infection. In severe cases, the team at Miklos Foot and Ankle Specialists may need to remove the toenail to apply the medication directly to the infection.
If you think you may have nail fungus, call Miklos Foot and Ankle Specialists or book an appointment online today.