Austin Podiatrists Offer Tips to Prevent the Spread of Fungal Toenail Infections
Imagine the horror of removing your socks after a long day, only to discover the unsightly sight of a fungal nail infection that has taken hold of your once-healthy nails. You try to conceal the evidence, but the damage is done. Now, every step is accompanied by the painful rubbing of your nails against your shoes.
At Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists, we've seen firsthand the physical discomfort and emotional distress that toenail fungus can inflict. As Austin's premier podiatry practice, we're committed to educating our patients on effective prevention strategies and providing cutting-edge treatments to restore nail health. Our award-winning podiatrists combine decades of experience with a compassionate, personalized approach to help you fix fungal nails and enjoy pain-free movement.
Understanding the Causes of Fungal Nail Infections
Fungal nail infections, medically known as onychomycosis, occur when fungi invade the nail bed. The most common culprits are dermatophytes, a type of fungus that thrives in warm, moist environments and sneaks in through cracks of skin or separations between your nail and nail bed.
Certain factors can increase your risk of developing a fungal nail infection:
- Frequenting public spaces: Walking barefoot in locker rooms, pools, or gym showers exposes your feet to fungal spores.
- Sweating heavily: Excess moisture creates an ideal breeding ground for fungi.
- Experiencing nail trauma: Injuries to the nail can create an opening for fungal invaders.
- Having diabetes: Circulatory issues and a weakened immune system make diabetics more susceptible.
- Wearing ill-fitting shoes: Tight shoes can damage nails and restrict airflow, encouraging fungal growth.
Proven Strategies to Keep Fungal Infections at Bay
Fortunately, you can take proactive steps to defend your nails against fungal assaults. Practice these regular steps for fungal nail prevention:
- Keep feet clean and dry. Wash your feet daily with soap and water and thoroughly dry the spaces between your toes.
- Trim nails properly. Cut nails straight across and file down thickened areas. Disinfect nail clippers after each use.
- Wear moisture-wicking socks. Choose socks made from materials like merino wool or bamboo that pull sweat away from your skin.
- Rotate your footwear. Avoid wearing the same shoes two days in a row so each pair can dry out fully between uses.
- Use antifungal sprays or powders. Apply these products to your feet and inside your shoes to create an inhospitable environment for fungi.
- Don't go barefoot in public. Wear flip-flops or sandals in locker rooms, showers, and around pools.
Fungal Toenail Infection Treatment Options
When it comes to treating fungal nail infections, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. The severity of your infection, your overall health, and your personal preferences all play a role in determining the best course of action. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available, ranging from self-care measures to advanced medical interventions.
Over-the-Counter Topical Antifungal Products
Over-the-counter antifungal creams, ointments, and polishes may be effective for mild infections that are caught early. These products typically contain active ingredients like clotrimazole, terbinafine, or undecylenic acid, which work to kill the fungus and prevent its spread.
It can take several weeks or even months to see noticeable improvement. Patience and consistency are key, as skipping applications can allow the fungus to regain a foothold. If these treatments don’t work, you should see a podiatrist to determine another course of action.
Prescription Oral Antifungal Medications
If your fungal nail infection is more severe or resistant to over-the-counter treatments, your Austin podiatrist may prescribe oral antifungal medications. These powerful drugs work systemically, meaning they travel through your bloodstream to reach the fungus deep within your nail bed.
Oral antifungals are typically taken for several months to ensure complete eradication of the fungus. Regular monitoring by your podiatrist is essential to watch for potential side effects and ensure the medication works as intended.
Innovative Laser Nail Treatments
For stubborn fungal nail infections that don't respond to traditional therapies, laser treatments offer a cutting-edge solution. At Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists, we're proud to offer state-of-the-art fungal nail laser technology to help our patients achieve clear, healthy nails.
During a laser nail treatment, precisely targeted light energy penetrates the nail plate to reach the fungus lurking beneath. The laser selectively heats and destroys the fungal organisms without harming the surrounding healthy tissue.
The procedure is painless and takes minutes to complete, and many patients see improvement after just one or two laser sessions. Laser therapy is also a safe option for patients who take prescription medications that may have harmful drug interactions with oral antifungals.
Trust Austin's Premier Podiatry Practice for Skilled Fungal Nail Care
Don't let unsightly fungal toenails keep you from enjoying life to the fullest. Our team of experienced foot doctors will create a personalized treatment plan to eliminate your fungal infection and prevent future flare-ups. We'll be with you every step of the way, providing the education, support, and cutting-edge care you need to achieve healthy, clear nails.
As a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence, Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists has been honored with several accolades, including the Austin Award Program's Austin Business Hall of Fame after earning our tenth consecutive annual award for Best Overall Foot and Ankle Surgeons. We've also received a Small Business Excellence Award for our service in West Lake Hills, and Dr. Thomajan was voted a best podiatrist in the Senior Resource Guide's annual Reader's Choice Awards.