Onychomycosis: Do I Have Fungus In My Toenails?

Mild case of Onychomycosis. Image provided by AAFP.

           Have you ever wondered why a particular toenail is changing color?  Maybe it has become thick, brittle, crumbly, or just plain ugly.  If this has happened to you, don’t worry.  You’re not alone.  Toenail fungus affects more than 3% of the American population, and is one of the most common problems we treat in our office.  The treatment options vary according to the severity and type of infection involved.  At Cascade Foot and Ankle, we offer the latest in treatment options for toenail fungus that can be individualized for your particular needs.  When you arrive for your appointment with us to discuss your toenail fungus, there are a few things you can expect.

Is There Actually A Fungus Among Us?

            First, don’t be embarrassed.  It really is more common than you think.  And, there is hope that you will be able to wear those sandals and flip-flops without feeling self-conscious about your toenails.  It is also important to know that your toenails may not actually have a fungal infection despite their appearance.  For that reason, we usually begin by taking a sample of the affected nail to be microscopically analyzed for fungal elements.  This takes a few days to process, but it is worth knowing with surety that there is an actual fungal problem before beginning treatment.

Oral Therapy

            This is probably the most common treatment prescribed by us.  Oral antifungal medication is very effective.  It usually involves taking one pill daily for up to three months.  As with any medication, there are potential risks and side effects.  One of these being possible elevation of liver enzymes.  For this reason, we may require some blood work to ensure your liver is in good health before beginning treatment.   Despite these potential risks and side effects, the medication has proven to be safe and produce favorable results.

 

Laser Therapy

            Laser therapy for fungal toenails is the latest in antifungal treatment advancement and has also shown good outcomes.  It is a non-painful option for people that may not be a good candidate for oral therapy, or others who may have tried other treatments with poor results.  Sometimes people just don’t want to deal with medication and their potential side effects, so this option is preferred.  It is safe, effective, and becoming a more popular option for our patients.  This treatment is not currently covered by insurance plans.  If interested, please inquire our office staff for more information on treatment costs.

Topical Therapy

            Topical therapy can be a good option for certain types of fungal infections.  It involves daily application of a liquid medication in the form of a clear lacquer.  At Cascade Foot and Ankle, we strive to provide the most effective treatment options available.  This includes a topical that combines three different and powerful antifungal medications that encompass a very broad spectrum of fungal species.  This can be especially effective when combined with one of the other previously mentioned treatments.  We even offer nail polish in a wide variety of colors that can help treat and prevent fungal infections.

Don’t Give Up Hope!

            With any of these treatment options, patience is required.  It can take three to six months before any results are seen.  Onychomycosis can be a difficult problem to treat but we make sure to provide the most effective treatments available to give our patients their best opportunity to heal.  Please schedule a visit if you are concerned about your toenails, and we will help provide a treatment that best suits your needs.

Shawn Summers, DPM