Toenail Fungus Treatment
Toenail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis, is a common fungal infection that affects the toenails, causing discoloration, thickening, and crumbling of the nail. At Axis Foot & Ankle, your NJ podiatrist, we provide a comprehensive approach to treating toenail fungus to eradicate the infection, restore nail health, and prevent recurrence.
Here’s a detailed guide to the treatments we offer:
1. Diagnosis and Evaluation:
- Purpose: Confirm the presence of toenail fungus and assess its severity.
- Description: Your podiatrist will conduct a physical examination of the affected toenail, evaluate symptoms such as discoloration, thickening, or nail separation, and may collect nail clippings for laboratory testing to identify the specific type of fungus causing the infection.
2. Conservative Treatments:
a. Topical Antifungal Medications:
- Purpose: Treat mild to moderate cases of toenail fungus.
- Description: Over-the-counter or prescription-strength antifungal creams, ointments, or nail lacquers can be applied directly to the affected nail to eliminate fungal growth. Consistent application as directed by your podiatrist is essential for effectiveness.
b. Oral Antifungal Medications:
- Purpose: Treat moderate to severe cases of toenail fungus.
- Description: Prescription oral antifungal medications such as terbinafine or itraconazole may be prescribed for several weeks to months to eradicate fungal infection from within the nail bed. Blood tests may be required to monitor liver function during oral antifungal therapy.
c. Nail Debridement:
- Purpose: Reduce nail thickness and improve topical antifungal medication penetration.
- Description: Your foot doctor may trim and thin the affected toenail to remove debris and reduce nail thickness, allowing topical medications to penetrate deeper into the nail bed for more effective treatment.
3. Laser Therapy:
- Purpose: Target fungal infection with minimal side effects.
- Description: Laser treatment for toenail fungus involves using a focused beam of light to penetrate the nail and destroy fungal cells without harming surrounding tissue. Multiple sessions may be required for optimal results, and the procedure is typically painless with no downtime.
4. Surgical Treatments:
a. Nail Removal (Matrixectomy):
- Purpose: Treat severe or recurrent cases of toenail fungus.
- Description: In cases where conservative treatments fail, surgical removal of the affected toenail (partial or total) may be recommended to eliminate the fungal infection and allow for the growth of a healthy nail.
5. Patient Education and Prevention:
- Purpose: Educate on preventive measures and promote nail health.
- Description: Provide guidance on maintaining good foot hygiene, including keeping feet clean and dry, wearing breathable socks and shoes, avoiding shared footwear or nail grooming tools, and promptly treating any signs of fungal infection to prevent spreading to other nails or family members.
6. Follow-Up Care:
- Purpose: Monitor treatment progress and prevent recurrence.
- Description: Schedule regular follow-up visits with your podiatrist to monitor nail growth, assess the effectiveness of treatments, and adjust therapies as needed. Your podiatrist may recommend ongoing maintenance treatments or preventive measures to reduce the risk of toenail fungus recurrence.
If you are experiencing symptoms of toenail fungus in Monmouth county towns such as Shrewsbury, Lincroft or Little Silver, New Jersey or nearby areas, contact Axis Foot & Ankle for expert evaluation and personalized treatment. Schedule an appointment today to start your journey toward clear, healthy nails.