Want Fungus-Free Toenails This Spring? Begin Now!

It’s wonderful to finally bare your feet in spring and summer after a chilly winter season. You can finally show off your gorgeous pedicure and latest sandal footwear. It’s no fun, though, if you have a case of toenail fungus.

Toenail fungus is a common infection that causes a yellowed or white-spotted discoloration of the nails. This discoloration is actually an infection called onychomycosis or tinea unguium that can spread to other toenails if not treated. Tiny cracks in your nail that are barely visible can let moisture invade your nail bed, letting fungi thrive. The toenails are often affected more often than fingernails because there is less blood flow to your feet than there is to your fingers.

Having toenail fungus can be embarrassing, especially during the warmer months when you feel too humiliated to take those barefoot walks on the beach or wear open-toed shoes. Brushing on nail polish may seem like a good coverup option, but that will only make matters worse, restricting oxygen to the nails.

What Does Toenail Fungus Look Like?

A fungus on your toenail may display a few different visible symptoms:

White or yellow streaks
Flaking white spots or pits in the nail
Crumbling corners or at the tip of the nail
The nail’s shape is distorted, perhaps even lifting off the nail bed
An infected nail may have an odor
The nail is thick or brittle

Toenail Fungus Treatment

If you believe you have toenail fungus, now is the time to seek out your local Atlanta foot specialist. A podiatrist from American Foot and Leg Specialists in the South Atlanta metro area can offer you options for fungus-free toenails this season.

One of the treatments offered at American Foot and Leg Specialists includes Aerolase® Toenail Fungus Laser treatments. This treatment uses a small, lightweight laser that removes the fungus from your toenail without disturbing any nearby tissue. This is a painless therapy for nail fungus that uses MicroPulse™ technology for safe, effective fungi treatment. Laser therapy for nail fungus often requires just one treatment, though the effects may not be visible for a few months afterwards.

Additional treatments for toenail fungus include creams that are applied directly onto the toenail, oral medications, or a combination of remedies. The physicians at American Foot and Leg Specialists will work up a treatment plan specific to your needs.

Your options in the Atlanta area for treating toenail fungus and other foot or leg issues are convenient at American Foot and Leg Specialists, where there are four different locations available. Call one of our offices in Fayetteville, Forest Park, Locust Grove, or Stockbridge. Someone is available to help you from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

This article is not meant to take the place of professional medical advice.