Nail fungus is a common but annoying condition especially common in people with diabetes. At Gateway Foot and Ankle Center, the team of board-certified podiatrists offers high-quality care for nail fungus. After determining the underlying cause, they can make treatment recommendations. To make an appointment today, call the nearest office in Clarksville, Nashville, or Erin, Tennessee, or Hopkinsville, Kentucky, or book online.
Nail fungus, or onychomycosis, is an infection of your toenails. Often, the first sign of infection is a small yellow or white spot. As the fungus spreads, it penetrates your nails causing them to thicken, change color, and crumble.
Anyone can develop nail fungus, but it’s most common in people with diabetes and other health problems that affect circulation to the feet.
You might have nail fungus if your toenails are:
As the infection spreads, you might also notice your toenails separating from the nail bed.
Make an appointment with the team at Gateway Foot and Ankle Center if you develop symptoms of nail fungus and they don’t improve with at-home treatments, like over-the-counter anti-fungal lotion. That’s especially true if you have diabetes or another health problem that increases your risk of infection or other, more serious complications.
To diagnose nail fungus, your Gateway Foot and Ankle Center provider reviews your health records and asks about your symptoms, including when you first noticed your nails changing color, if your nails hurt, and if you’ve noticed a foul odor.
Next, they complete an exam of your toes and toenails. Your provider assesses the color, thickness, and condition of your nails and takes a series of nail clippings. They send the clippings to a nearby lab to identify the cause of your symptoms. That’s because certain skin problems, like psoriasis, present similar side effects.
Treatment of nail fungus depends on various things, including your age, the severity of the infection, and your health history. The team at Gateway Foot and Ankle Center might recommend:
The goal of treatment is to stop the infection from spreading and encourage your body’s natural healing process.
You can’t prevent nail fungus entirely, but there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. The team at Gateway Foot and Ankle Center recommends keeping your toenails clean and dry, regularly trimming your toenails, and wearing absorbent shoes and socks that help wick sweat away from your skin.
To receive treatment for nail fungus today, call the nearest Gateway Foot and Ankle Center office, or book online.