What is nail fungus?

Nail fungus can affect your fingernails or toenails, but the feet are more prone to infection because fungi thrive in moist, dark, warm spaces.

The fungus gets in through cracks or breaks in your nails or the surrounding skin. You have a higher chance of developing nail fungus if any of the following risk factors apply:

• Athlete’s foot
• Other fungal skin infections
• Previous nail infections
• Diabetes
• Psoriasis or other skin conditions
• Poor circulation
• Cancer and chemotherapy treatment
• Nail or skin injuries
• Nail surgeries
• A family history of nail infections
• Receiving an organ transplant
• Certain autoimmune conditions

Lifestyle and environmental factors also increase your risk of developing nail fungus. Frequently washing or wetting your hands, staying in water for long periods, walking in hot, humid locations without appropriate footwear, and wearing shoes that are too tight can all make you more vulnerable to infection.

In addition, it’s possible to pick up nail fungus from walking barefoot on the same surface as someone who already has the infection or sharing their towels.

What symptoms does nail fungus cause?

The first symptom of toenail fungus is usually a white or yellow blemish at the top of your nail. As the fungus spreads, you may notice additional symptoms, such as:

• Nail thickening
• Discoloration
• Weakness
• Irregular shape
• Darkening
• Unpleasant odor

To determine if you have nail fungus, your Integrated Dermatology of NJ provider examines the affected nails. They may confirm the diagnosis by taking samples for lab analysis.

How is nail fungus treated?

Treatment options for fungal nails include:

• Oral antifungal medications
• Medicinal antifungal nail polish
• Antifungal creams
• Surgery to remove the affected nail

The Integrated Dermatology of NJ team finds laser therapy one of the most effective and efficient nail fungus treatments.

Laser treatments use light energy and, in some cases, carbon dioxide gas (CO2). Laser devices produce energy pulses that direct heat into the nail’s bed, where the fungus lives.

The infected tissue transforms into a gas and breaks down in response to the laser energy, destroying the fungus. Laser heat also has a sterilizing effect that helps prevent new fungal growth.

Call Integrated Dermatology of NJ or request an appointment online today to receive first-class fungal nail care.