A toenail fungal infection, medically known as onychomycosis, causes the nails to become thick and yellow. The infection is unsightly and it can make the area around the nail feel itchy and even a bit painful. The nails become weak and either brittle or soft. They may break easily and come loose from the skin. The infection may even cause an unpleasant odor. These infections are stubborn and difficult to treat at home, but a doctor of podiatric medicine in Racine WI can help.
If the infection is recent, a prescription topical medication may resolve it. If this does not work, laser treatment of the nails by foot doctors has been shown to be effective in some 80 percent of patients. Most patients need at least two sessions from a doctor of Podiatric Medicine in Racine WI lasting up to 45 minutes. If the infection is long-standing and extensive through the entire nail, four or five sessions may be necessary. The laser heat destroys all or most of the existing fungus and stops any surviving pathogens from growing further. The body then is able to heal the infection with its own immune system.
Some individuals suffer from such stubborn nail fungal infections that laser treatment does not work. Oral medication is available that is very effective at killing the fungus, but many people do not want to take this particular medicine because it can have a negative impact on the liver. Individuals who drink alcohol or take acetaminophen for pain relief should not take drugs that kill toenail fungus since both of those substances are somewhat hard on this organ as well.
There is an additional option. A podiatrist at a clinic such as such as Great Lakes Foot & Ankle Centers can perform minor surgery to remove the nail completely and permanently. Not everyone feels that this is an acceptable solution, but it eliminates the fungus and any associated discomfort. It may be more acceptable for the little toe’s nail, which would not be so obvious if it were missing. Anyone dealing with this problem may schedule an appointment to get started on treating and eliminating the infection.
