Fungal Nails in Viera, FL
If your toenails appear yellow, extra thick, or brittle and flake easily, you might have a fungal infection. Fungal nails often develop due to walking around barefoot in damp areas, such as swimming pools and gym locker rooms. Dr. Sienna Day, the board-certified podiatrist at Viera Podiatry in Viera, FL, treats fungal nails and can help you prevent future infections.
Symptoms of Fungal Nails
There are several symptoms associated with fungal nails. It is important to see a podiatrist for treatment if you develop any symptoms. Left untreated, the infection could spread to other nails and the skin. Additionally, the nail bed of the affected toenails could become permanently damaged. Contact a podiatrist if you develop any of the following symptoms:
- Yellowing of the toenails
- Thickening of the toenails
- Darkening of the skin beneath the toenails
- Toenails have become loose or separated from the nail bed
- Toenails are brittle and flake easily
- White patches on the toenails
- Toenails are misshapen
Causes of Fungal Nails
A fungi infection causes fungal nails. Several factors can increase the risk of developing a fungal infection on the toenails. Risk factors include:
- Being barefoot in damp places, like locker rooms or pools
- Coming into direct contact with someone with a fungal infection
- Not removing socks and shoes immediately if they get wet
- Certain health conditions, like psoriasis and diabetes
- Not keeping the toenails and feet clean and dry
- Sharing nail clippers or other pedicure tools
- A weakened immune system
- Damaged toenails
Treatment for Fungal Nails
It is difficult to treat fungal nails at home. Some over-the-counter options are available for treating fungal nails. Still, professional podiatry treatment is the quickest and most effective way to eliminate the infection and prevent it from spreading. Dr. Day utilizes several professional methods for treating fungal nails at our podiatry office in Viera, FL. She will develop a custom treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Treatment methods include:
- Oral anti-fungal medications
- Topical anti-fungal creams or nail lacquers
- Surgical removal of the infected toenails
- Photodynamic UV therapy
- Laser therapy
- Debridement
Preventing Fungal Nails
You don't want it to come back once you’ve successfully treated a fungal nail infection. Several steps can be taken to prevent additional infections in the future. Prevention tips include:
- Keep the feet clean and dry
- Wear properly fitting shoes that are not too tight
- Remove shoes and socks immediately if they get wet
- Wear sandals or other protective footwear around pools and in locker rooms
- Disinfect nail clippers and other pedicure instruments after each use
- Avoid sharing pedicure tools and instruments with others
- Avoid sharing socks or shoes with anyone
Contact Us For More Information
If you have developed fungal nails, we can help. Call Viera Podiatry in Viera, FL, at (321) 253-4973 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Day for the treatment of fungal nails.
