Nail Fungus
Healthy Nails Start Here
We provide advanced solutions for nail fungus with a focus on effective,
long-term results.
What is nail fungus?
Nail fungus is a common condition that occurs when fungus affects your fingernails or toenails. It often causes nail discoloration or deformities.
The fungus might look unsightly or spread to other parts of your body when left untreated. The experts at Thomas Dermatology can effectively eliminate nail fungus and prevent it from returning.
What are the symptoms of nail fungus?
Common signs and symptoms of nail fungus include nails that are:
- White
- Yellow
- Brown
- Crumbly
- Ragged
- Brittle
- Thickened
- Dark in color
- Distorted
- Foul-smelling
Nail fungus often affects your toenails, but it can appear in your fingernails as well. Complications that might occur with untreated nail fungus include permanent nail damage, reduced blood circulation, and the risk of bacterial skin infections.
What are the risk factors for nail fungus?
Anyone can get nail fungus, but some factors boost your risk of experiencing it. Examples include:
- Older age
- History of athlete’s foot
- Heavy sweating
- Walking barefoot in communal areas
- Diabetes
- Circulation problems
- Weakened immune system
- Minor nail injuries
- Skin injuries
- Psoriasis
Ways to reduce your risk of nail fungus include washing your feet and hands regularly, not walking around barefoot in locker rooms or other communal areas, trimming your nails straight across, changing your socks often, and wearing shoes made of breathable materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
What signs suggest nail fungus?
Common features include nail thickening, brittleness, discoloration (yellow or white), debris beneath the nail, and sometimes odor. More than one nail may be involved. Because other conditions (e.g. psoriasis or trauma) can mimic fungus, confirmatory diagnosis may be needed.
What factors increase risk?
Risk factors include diabetes, immunosuppression, preceding athlete’s foot, repeated exposure to moist environments (locker rooms, showers), and tight shoes. Individual susceptibility varies.
How is nail fungus treated?
Mild cases sometimes respond to topical antifungals, but more severe or persistent infections often require oral antifungal therapy under medical supervision. In painful or deformed nails, removal (partial or complete) may permit healthier regrowth. Because regrowth is slow and recurrence is possible, expectations depend on individual healing and response.