Treatment of Fungus Diseases

Fungal disease can affect the appearance and the structure of toenails. Typically, the nail begins to turn yellow, then darken in color and become thick. The edges of the nail can start to crumble, and the nail becomes distorted and dull. In more severe cases, an odor can develop as well as pain in the tips of the toes. The pain develops when the nail thickens sufficiently enough to cause pressure and rubbing when wearing shoes. Lastly, the nail can begin to separate from the nail bed.

When a condition leads to nail separation, it is called onycholysis and is usually painless. Although onycholysis can be caused by a yeast infection, sunburn, or allergies, fungal infection is the usual cause.

Fungal infections of the toenail can occur when a patient has a compromised immune system that allows the infection to enter the nail bed from the cuticle area (called a proximal infection). More commonly, the fungus enters the nail through an area that has lifted up from the nail bed (subungual onychomycosis). Tight shoes are frequently the cause of subungual onychomycosis.

Determining the cause of the fungal infection is the key to treating it properly. The three types of fungus are yeast, mold, or dermatophyte. Once pinpointed, Dr. Shari L. Kaminsky will prescribe the most effective treatment to clear up the nails.

If you are dealing with a fungal infection in the toenails, call 314-355-0074 for an evaluation today.