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Fungal Nails

ABOUT FUNGAL NAILS

If one or more of your toenails is ragged, discolored, brittle, or smelly, you could have fungal nails. Fungal nail infections happen when fungi invade your skin through a small cut or other opening and then start multiplying rapidly below your nail. The infection can be stubborn, so you need help from a board-certified podiatrist to eliminate nail fungus for good. Dr. Navrit Randhawa and the Carteret Foot & Ankle Center are here to help you bid farewell to the fungus, so click to schedule an appointment online or call the office for an appointment now.

FUNGAL NAILS FAQ

What are fungal nails?

Fungal nails are toenails affected by fungi. When these damaging organisms get into your body through a small cut, scrape, or other entry point on your toe, they collect below the toenail plate and multiply. This causes a variety of symptoms.

What are the symptoms of nail fungus?

Nail fungus doesn’t generally cause pain, but it does create a variety of unpleasant and embarrassing symptoms, including:

  • White or yellowish blotches or streaks on the toenail
  • Ragged nail edges
  • Crumbly nails
  • Thick nails
  • Discolored nail, usually growing darker
  • Odor coming from the nail

As the infection grows severe, your nail may start to separate from the skin, as well.

How do you get fungal nails?

You can get nail fungus in several ways, most often by going barefoot in a public area like a pool deck or locker room. You can also get nail fungus from an infected person, either through skin-to-skin contact or by sharing nail clippers or something else they’ve used.

Nail fungus doesn’t always come from others, however. You can also develop nail fungus if you perspire frequently or if your feet are often moist. If you regularly wear sweaty footwear, your odds of developing fungal nails can increase substantially.

How can I treat nail fungus?

It’s important to get an expert’s help with nail fungus treatment because nail fungi can be very persistent. Over-the-counter remedies may help a little or provide temporary relief, but you need a permanent solution.

To truly get rid of the fungus and ensure it doesn’t keep coming back, your podiatrist treats your current symptoms while helping you put preventive measures in place.

Your podiatrist may prescribe topical medications as well as oral antifungal drugs. In some cases, your podiatrist may remove part or all your nail to ensure you don’t have any remaining diseased nail.

The Carteret Foot & Ankle Center team also helps patients prevent recurring nail fungus with personalized recommendations. A few small changes, like using antifungal foot powder and always wearing clean, dry shoes, may help you completely avoid fungal nails in the future.

For help with nail fungus, trust the experienced Carteret Foot & Ankle Center podiatry team. Book online or by phone now.

Schedule your evaluation at Carteret Foot & Ankle Center today. Request an appointment, or call our office to speak with a team member.

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