High-Quality Care from Award-Winning Podiatrists
Toenail Fungus – What Is It?
An organism that grows in warm moist areas is called a fungus. Toenail fungus is a common problem that, while it affects people of all ages, most typically strikes individuals who are older. If you think you may be suffering from toenail fungus in Tinley Park, IL, our expert podiatrists can help.
Toenail fungus often begins as an infection in the skin called tinea pedis (also known as athlete’s foot). Frequently, fungus starts under the nail fold at the end of the nail. Over time, the fungus grows beneath the nail and causes changes to its appearance, such as a yellow or brownish discoloration. It can also lead to thickening and deformity of the toenail.
Many people have trouble with their toenails and need help caring for them. If you or a loved one is having difficulty with your toenail, our 5-star-rated podiatrists can diagnose the cause of your toenail issues and recommend treatments.
Toenail Fungus Treatment
If over-the-counter (nonprescription) products and self-care strategies haven’t solved your fungus, our podiatrist may recommend a combination of prescription drugs and other approaches. Even if you find relief from your symptoms, recurring infections are common.
Treating Toenail Fungus with Medications
- Oral antifungal drugs. Our doctor may prescribe an oral antifungal drug. Studies show the most effective oral antifungals are terbinafine (Lamisil) and itraconazole (Sporanox), which help a new nail grow free of infection by slowly replacing the infected part. Typically, you take this type of drug for 6 to 12 weeks, but won’t see the end result until the nail grows back completely. Sometimes, it may take four months or longer to eliminate an infection. Treatment success rates with these drugs appear to be lower in adults over age 65, and the success of treatment seems to improve when oral and topical antifungal therapies are combined.
- Medicated nail cream. Our podiatrist may prescribe an antifungal cream, which you rub into your infected nails after soaking. These creams may work better if your nails are thinned before application, helping the medication get through the hard nail surface to the underlying fungus. To thin nails, you apply an over-the-counter (nonprescription) lotion containing urea. As an option, our doctor may thin the surface of the nail (debride) with a file or other tool.
- Medicated nail polish. Our foot specialist may prescribe an antifungal nail polish called ciclopirox (Penlac). You paint it on your infected nails and surrounding skin once daily, and after seven days, you wipe the piled-on layers off with alcohol and begin fresh applications. You may need to use this type of nail polish every day for a year.
Call Us Today to Find Out More About Toenail Fungus in Tinley Park, IL!
Over 200,000 patients have found relief at Weil Foot & Ankle, and we’re confident we can help you, too. Your feet will thank you! For additional information on toenail fungus treatment or to schedule an appointment, call Weil Foot & Ankle at (847) 390-7666. With 16 podiatry offices in and around the Chicago area, including Oak Park, Arlington Heights, Bannockburn, Chicago, Des Plaines, Glenview, Lemont, Libertyville, Lincoln Park, Roselle, & Tinley Park, Illinois (IL), there is sure to be a podiatry office near you!
5-Star Toenail Fungus Treatment in Oak Park, Arlington Heights, Bannockburn, Chicago, Des Plaines, Glenview, Lemont, Libertyville, Lincoln Park, Roselle, & Tinley Park, Illinois (IL).