Toenail Fungus Specialist

What is toenail fungus?

Toenail fungus is the result of an infection that gets in through cracks in your nail or cuts in your skin. Because toes are often in a warm and/or damp area, it makes it easier for different kinds of fungi to develop there. If left untreated, an infection could spread to other toenails, skin, or even your fingernails. Infected nails are usually thicker than normal and could be oddly shaped and may even look yellow. When fungus builds up under your nail, it can loosen and even separate the nail from the bed or cause it to break more easily. The fungus can also spread to the skin around your nail.

What causes toenail fungus?

Toenail fungus is usually a direct result of an infection of the nails most commonly caused by fungus that is caught from moist, wet areas. Communal showers, such as those at a gym or swimming pools, are common sources. Going to nail salons that use inadequate sanitization of instruments such as clippers, files, and foot tubs are also risk factors. Athletes are more susceptible to nail fungus due to wearing tight-fitting shoes associated with repetitive trauma to the toenails and the accumulation of sweat. Having athlete's foot makes it more likely that the fungus will infect your toenails. Elderly people and people with certain underlying disease states are also at higher risk.

What is the treatment for toenail fungus?

Toenail fungus will be treated according to the type of fungus causing the infection and how bad the infection currently is. Some treatments that might be used involve:

• A topical cream that goes directly on the nail
• A topical nail lacquer
• An antifungal prescription pill
• Removing the damaged area of the nail or skin
• In some cases, you might need to have the nail removed completely with surgery

Pandit Foot & Ankle Clinic proudly offers NG YAg 1064 technology. This state-of-the-art laser is one of very few FDA-cleared lasers approved to treat fungal toenails painlessly and effectively We are one of the first to use laser in Illinois and have had thousands of success stories.