Summer means longer days, beach trips, lounging by the pool — and wearing sandals, which is bad news if you’re in the middle of a battle with toenail fungus.
But you don’t have to hide your toes for much longer if you team up with Kelly L. Geoghan, DPM, and our team. We have everything you need to tackle stubborn toenail fungus and get your feet ready for summer fun.
Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is an infection that affects the nail and the skin underneath it. You pick up the fungus in warm, moist places where it thrives — such as locker rooms, swimming pools, and sweaty shoes.
Infections usually start small as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your nail, but they can quickly spread and disrupt your entire nail. Over time, the nail becomes thick, brittle, crumbly, and discolored. Some patients also notice a foul odor or separation of the nail from the nailbed.
While onychomycosis isn’t usually painful at first, advanced cases can become uncomfortable and make nails difficult to trim.
Toenail fungus is stubborn, but it’s treatable — the key is starting early. If you wait until summer is in full swing, treatment may take longer than you’d like. It’s also important to know that toenail fungus doesn’t clear up on its own. In fact, it often gets worse.
Seeking treatment at the first sign of infection helps:
Because toenail fungus can live on surfaces and fabrics, prompt treatment also reduces the risk of transmitting the infection to others.
There isn't a one-size-fits-all solution for toenail fungus. The right treatment depends on how advanced your infection is, how many nails are involved, and even your overall health.
For very mild cases caught early, we can usually recommend a topical antifungal medication. Otherwise, we turn to our advanced toenail laser treatment: PinPointe™ FootLaser®. This innovative option delivers laser light safely through your nail directly to the source of the infection.
One treatment is usually all it takes to kill the infection, and over several months, the infected toenail grows out, leaving behind a clear, healthy nail.
Once we’ve treated tonefail fungus, your next priority is prevention. Keeping your feet clean and dry, changing your socks regularly, wearing breathable footwear, and avoiding walking barefoot in communal areas can all help reduce the risk of reinfection.
You can have your summer fun and not dread the open-toed shoe season if you act quickly. Treating toenail fungus now gives you the best chance at showing off clear, healthy nails.
When you’re ready to tackle toenail fungus, contact Kelly L. Geoghan, DPM, in Lutherville, Maryland, to schedule an appointment.
