Toenail fungus (onychomycosis) is a very common, yet stubborn condition. It often begins as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your toenail. As the fungal infection goes deeper, it causes the nail to discolor, thicken, and crumble at the edge. Beyond being unsightly, left untreated, it can become painful.
What Causes Toenail Fungus?
Fungi thrive in warm, dark, and moist environments. You can easily contract a fungal infection by:
- Walking barefoot in public locker rooms, swimming pools, or communal showers.
- Wearing sweaty socks and unbreathable shoes all day.
- Having a minor cut or micro-trauma near your nail bed that allows the fungus to enter.
- Sharing nail clippers or getting a pedicure at a salon with poor sanitation practices.
How to Prevent Fungal Infections
Prevention is much easier than a cure. Protect your feet by:
- Always wearing flip-flops or water shoes in public locker rooms and showers.
- Changing your socks immediately after a workout or if your feet sweat heavily.
- Applying antifungal powder inside your daily shoes.
- Keeping your toenails trimmed straight across and disinfected.
Advanced Treatments for Toenail Fungus
Over-the-counter anti-fungal creams rarely penetrate the hard nail completely, leading to frustration. At Hoyal Podiatry, we offer clinical treatments to eradicate the fungus at its source:
- Prescription Topical Medications: Stronger, medically formulated lacquers designed to penetrate the nail bed.
- Oral Antifungal Medications: Pills that help a new nail grow free of infection, slowly replacing the infected part.
- Debridement: Safely trimming and filing down the thickened nail to relieve pain and allow topical treatments to work effectively.
Stop hiding your feet. If you are dealing with stubborn toenail fungus, contact Hoyal Podiatry in Orem to explore the best treatment options for clear, healthy nails.
