Fungal nail infections aren’t glamorous or fun. Yet, they are still very common. Anyone can get a fungal nail infection, and can be caused by a wide variety of different types of fungi that live in the environment. Some people are more likely to get fungal nails, including older adults, or people with diabetes, a nail injury, weak immune systems, athletes foot, and blood circulation problems. At Ozark Foot & Ankle, our 72762 foot doctor is the solution to your foot fungal nail problems.
If your nails just don’t seem right, you may have a fungus. Nails that are infected are often discolored (brown, white, or yellow), unusually thick, or cracked and fragile. Don’t just brush symptoms like this under the rug! How is a fungal nail diagnosed? Our 72762 foot doctor closely inspects the affected nail (or nails) and learns about your symptoms. We may also take a nail clipping to examine more closely under a microscope, or send to a lab for a fungal culture. Fungal nail infections can be a pain in the neck (or the foot) to cure. They typically won’t go away on their own, and most need antifungal treatment. The best treatment is usually prescription antifungal medication in the form of pills administered by our foot doctor. In severe cases, the nail may need to be removed completely. Unfortunately, it can even take several months for an infection to go away.
VIsiting our 72762 foot doctor at the earliest signs of a fungal nail infection is your best choice for great treatment. Knowing prevention of these infections is even better, and your first line of defense! Keep your hands and feet clean and dry, especially after exercising, walking around for hours, and post-shower or swim, Clip your nails short and keep them clean and tidy. Avoid walking barefoot in shared areas like showers or locker rooms. Don’t share nail clippers with others, and if you get pedicures, ensure that all tools used are thoroughly sterilized. Let’s work together to make fungal nail infections a thing of your past. Call us today!
By Ozark Foot & Ankle PLC
November 30, 2016