Las Vegas Podiatrist Dr. Pardis Kelly Helps You Get Rid of Stubborn Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus changes the color and texture of your nails, causing them to be ugly and sometimes painful. At Las Vegas Footcare, Pardis Kelly, DPM, treats this stubborn condition. She uses effective therapies to help you get feet you can’t wait to show off in sandals or on the pool deck. Contact our Las Vegas, Nevada, office today to schedule your appointment.
Causes of Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus is common and quite stubborn once it’s taken hold. It occurs when the fungus enters your skin through a small crack or cut. It can also enter under the nail.
You can pick up a fungal infection in a public shower, locker room, or pool deck. The fungus thrives in dark, moist environments provided by feet shoved into poorly ventilated shoes and sweaty, damp socks. Fungal nails are contagious, especially for people you live with.
Are you a runner or wear work boots for your job? These also make you susceptible to nail fungus infections.
Symptoms of Toenail Fungus
The first signs of a toenail fungus may be quite mild — just slight discoloration or brittleness of the nail. Over time, the infection goes deeper and spreads to other toenails.
When the fungus has set in, you’ll notice:
- Scaly Skin Under the Nail: The skin beneath the toenail becomes rough, flaky, and peeling, similar to dandruff.
- Thickening of the Nail: Fungal infections can cause the toenail to become abnormally thick, making it difficult to trim and possibly uncomfortable when wearing shoes.
- Foul Odor From Nail: A noticeable bad smell emanating from the toenail is a common sign of fungal infection.
- Powdery, Crumbly, or Brittle Texture: This change in texture results from the fungus disrupting the integrity of the nail.
- White, Yellow, or Brown Spots on the Nail: Discoloration results from the byproducts of the fungal growth and damage to the nail bed.
- Dark Debris Under the Nail: As the fungus progresses, it can cause the accumulation of dark-colored debris under the nail, composed of fungus and keratin debris from the underside of the nail.
- Detached Nails: In more severe cases, toenail fungus can lead to the nail detaching from the nail bed. This detachment occurs because the fungus weakens the structures binding the nail to the skin underneath.
Some or all of the nail may be affected. Call Las Vegas Footcare if you notice any symptoms of toenail fungus. When Dr. Kelly provides early treatment, it prevents fungal spread and worsening symptoms.
Treating Toenail Fungus
Without treatment, you risk losing your toenail to the fungal infection.
Dr. Kelly offers topical medications to kill the fungus present at the nail’s surface. Sometimes, the fungus goes beneath your nail, and you need both oral medication and a topical cream to get rid of it.
Dr. Kelly provides laser treatment for toenail fungus that doesn’t respond to topical or oral treatments. The laser destroys the fungus so you can have clear nails.
Preventing Toenail Fungus
Even after you’re clear of fungus, you need to take steps to prevent its return. Good foot hygiene includes regularly changing your socks and shoes, wearing flip-flops or water shoes in public places, and washing and thoroughly drying your feet every day. Dr. Kelly also recommends wearing breathable shoes.