Afraid to show your toes? (Onychomycosis – Toenail Fungus)

As warm weather approaches, people with toenail fungus (onychomycosis) may want to run for cover. This problem tends to affect people over the age of 40, and causes thickening and discoloration of the nails. Sometimes the nails even crumble.

Onychomycosis isn’t usually serious, but it can be if the sufferer is diabetic or has a compromised immune system.

Fungal infections can be avoided by taking care to keep feet clean and dry. The fungus thrives in dark, moist environments. Avoiding nail polish is a good idea since polish seals the nail rather than allowing it to breathe.

Treatment involves removing as much of the infected nail as possible (debridement) followed by topical or oral medication to control the fungus. In severe cases, the nail may be completely removed in a simple office procedure.

Alexandra Buk, DPM

Ask about treatment at Arkansas Foot & Ankle Clinic