Fall and winter are great seasons to bury your scratchy, dry feet in warm boots and closed-toe shoes. Up to one in 10 people suffer from toenail fungus, and if you’re among them, you’re probably grateful to hide your ugly, embarrassing toenails. The good news is that even the most stubborn cases of toenail fungus can be effectively treated.
The even better news, says Dr. Jarna Rathod-Bhatt, Dr. Rahul Bhatt, and the podiatry team at Apple Podiatry Group, is that if you seek treatment now, you can banish ugly toenail fungus just in time for sandal season. Whether you’re a fan of slides, platform sandals, or even outdoorsy hiking sandals, you don’t have to sacrifice your choice in footwear due to your unattractive toenails.
You may be wondering what this condition is and why it happens in the first place. As its name suggests, toenail fungus (its medical name is onychomycosis) is a fungal infection that occurs just below the surface of the toenail. Causes include having athlete’s foot and walking barefoot in damp public areas like saunas, pools, and locker rooms, as well as having poor circulation due to chronic medical conditions like diabetes.
The condition can linger for months and even years, and the symptoms tend to be progressive in nature. Depending on the severity, symptoms can range from dark or discolored nails to brittle or thickened nails. In latter stages the nails can become distorted in shape, painful, and even smelly. Regardless of your specific symptoms, it’s definitely not something you want sticking out of those trendy sandals you saw in the latest fashion magazine.
Since toenail fungus can be stubborn and pesky to treat, a good first step is to seek treatment early on before the condition worsens. Our experienced podiatrists at Apple Podiatry Group design toenail fungus treatment plans with two major objectives: get rid of the fungal infection and promote healthy nail growth.
Typically, a treatment plan includes things like using topical antifungal creams or medical nail polishes to get the infection under control. Professional nail trimming can also get you on the path of growing healthy nails. In severe cases, your podiatrist completely removes damaged, infected nails.
We have an additional handy tool in our toolbox – The PinPointe™ FootLaser®. This in-office treatment uses laser technology to penetrate the nail to reach the infection just beneath it. It’s particularly useful if your toenail fungus has been resistant to other treatments. Each PinPointe™ FootLaser® treatment session is about 30 minutes, and your clearer nail can be just a few short treatment sessions away.
We’re sensitive to the fact that while you’re on your journey to getting healthy clearer nails, right now they may be misshapen or discolored, and you’re probably feeling self-conscious about it. That’s understandable, and we have a solution.
We have a great add-on restoration option called KeryFlex® to complement your treatment plan. KeryFlex® is a flexible composite resin that’s both nonporous and durable. Think of it like makeup for your ugly nail. It effectively masks things like discoloration and even can be shaped like a healthy nail if yours is distorted. Your nails look better while the treated natural nail underneath grows out.
If you have toenail fungus or have started to notice changes in your toenails, contact one of our offices in Arlington and Irving, Texas, for a thorough examination. Clear healthy nails (and those gorgeous leather sandals) are only a click away. Book your appointment online or call us today.
