What is nail fungus?
Toenail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is a fungal infection affecting the nail. It can involve one or several toenails and often develops gradually.
Common changes include:
- White, yellow, or brown discoloration.
- Thickened nails that are difficult to trim.
- Brittle, crumbly, or uneven nail edges.
- A nail lifting away from the skin underneath.
Some infections cause little discomfort. Others make shoes uncomfortable or cause pressure around the nail. Nail changes can also result from injury or other conditions, so appearance alone does not confirm fungus.
Foot & Ankle Specialists of Utah evaluates nail changes and helps patients choose appropriate care.
What increases the risk of toenail fungus?
Fungi can spread through shared damp surfaces or contaminated nail tools. Risk may be higher with:
- Athlete’s foot.
- Sweaty feet or shoes that stay damp.
- Walking barefoot in shared showers or locker rooms.
- Repeated nail injuries.
- Older age, diabetes, poor circulation, or a weakened immune system.
Toenail fungus can affect people with good hygiene. It is not simply a sign that someone is failing to keep their feet clean.
How is toenail fungus diagnosed?
Your podiatrist examines your nails and surrounding skin. A nail clipping or scraping may be sent for testing to confirm fungus and help guide treatment.
Testing is especially useful before oral medication because conditions such as psoriasis and nail injuries can resemble a fungal infection.
What treatments are available?
Treatment depends on the extent of the infection, your health, and your preferences. Options may include:
- Prescription nail medication: Applied directly to the nail, often for milder infections.
- Oral antifungal medication: May be recommended for some infections after reviewing your medical history and other medicines. Blood tests may be needed.
- Professional nail thinning or trimming: Can reduce pressure and may help medication reach affected areas.
- Nail removal: Considered in selected severe or persistent cases.
Over-the-counter creams for athlete’s foot generally do not penetrate the nail well enough to treat a nail infection.
Do laser treatment and KeryFlex cure toenail fungus?
Evidence that laser treatment reliably clears a fungal nail infection is limited. Improvement in nail appearance does not necessarily mean the infection is gone.
KeryFlex™ is a cosmetic nail restoration system. It covers a damaged nail to improve its appearance; it does not cure fungus. It is not suitable for everyone, so ask your podiatrist whether cosmetic restoration is appropriate.
How long does recovery take?
Toenails grow slowly. Even after successful treatment, visible improvement takes months, and a toenail may take a year or longer to grow out fully. Infection can return.
Keep feet dry, change damp socks, avoid sharing nail tools, and wear sandals in shared showers. Treating athlete’s foot may also help reduce reinfection.
Seek prompt care for redness, swelling, drainage, or increasing pain. If you have diabetes, poor circulation, or reduced feeling in your feet, ask for professional advice before treating or trimming a thickened nail yourself.
For toenail fungus care in Utah, schedule a visit in Bountiful, Brigham City, Lehi, Ogden, Sandy, Tooele, or West Valley.