Toenail or foot fungus is a common fungal infection that causes your toenail to become discolored, and the edge to become thick and crumble. It can affect more than one toenail. The fungus that infects the skin on your feet and between your toes is called athlete’s foot. If you have skin and/or toenail itching and irritation, contact us for athlete’s foot treatment Los Angeles.

Symptoms

You may have a fungal infection on your feet or toes if you are experiencing the following symptoms:

  • Toenails thicken
  • If your toes become yellow-brown or whitish in color
  • Distorted shaped nails
  • Nails are brittle, ragged, or crumble
  • Foul Smell
  • Itching or pain

Nail fungus can affect your fingernails but is more common for toenails.

Causes

Fungal infections are caused by fungal organisms and the most common of these is called dermatophyte. It is possible for mold and yeasts to cause foot and nail infections. People of any age can be affected, but it is far more common in those that are older. As you get older, your nails tend to become more dry and brittle and fungi enter these cracks.

Athlete’s foot is usually how a toenail fungal infection begins as it spreads from nail to nail. You are unlikely to contract a fungal infection from another individual.

Treatment

A fungal nail infection can be difficult to treat; it is best to discuss strategies and nonprescription medications with your doctor. As with most infections, treatment tends to depend on how severe your condition is and which type of fungus is involved. Despite this, it can still take months for results to show and infections can often reoccur.

  • There are antifungal drugs that you can orally ingest or apply directly to the nail.  Oral antifungal drugs can take up to 6-12 weeks to work. A medicated nail polish that is painted on your infected nails and the surrounding skin may be applied every day for a year. There are also medicated nail creams that you rub onto the infected area. It may be beneficial to use both oral and topical treatments.
  • Surgery may be necessary to temporarily remove the infected nail(s) so the antifungal drugs can be applied directly to the infection. A permanent removal of the nail may be necessary if the infection is severe and painful.

Please contact us at (213) 386-2511 or schedule an appointment online for athlete’s foot treatment Los Angeles.