Toenail Fungus

What is toenail fungus?

Toenail fungus begins as a small white or yellow spot underneath your nail. Also called onychomycosis, toenail fungus develops from certain bacteria, yeasts, and molds. Once the fungus penetrates your nail, typically through small cracks and breaks, it can spread and infect your surrounding nails.

How do I know if I have toenail fungus?

You may have toenail fungus if any of your nails are:

If you have chronic venous insufficiency, diabetes, or another chronic health problem that negatively affects your circulation, wound care services can prevent infection, gangrene, and further complications. At Diabetic Foot and Wound Center in Bakersfield, California and the wound care team offer appointments seven-days-a-week. To schedule an appointment, call the office, book online, or walk-in today. Telehealth is also an option.

• Crumbling
• Thickened
• Yellow or brownish
• Distorted 
• Filled with debris
• Breaking easily

When toenail fungus begins to fester, it can start to smell foul. If your toenail is oozing blood or pus, you may have an infection that requires treatment at Diabetic Foot and Wound Center.

Who gets toenail fungus?

Anybody can get toenail fungus, but it’s most common in people with sweaty feet and older adults who have thickened toenails. Other factors that put you at risk of toenail fungus include:

• Walking through damp locker rooms barefoot
• Wearing unclean socks
• Having a history of athlete’s foot
• Skin conditions like psoriasis
• Having a weakened immune system
• Diabetes

You’re also likely to get toenail fungus at some point if you regularly use public swimming pools.

What are the treatments for toenail fungus?

In many cases, topical solutions may be enough to eliminate your toenail fungus. Once the fungus spreads, however, you may need oral medication to treat it. 

Toenail fungus is especially difficult to treat if it doesn’t respond to topical treatments, such as medicated nail polish. Surgical intervention is sometimes necessary to completely eliminate the fungus.

The team at Diabetic Foot and Wound Center offers debridement to separate the infected nail from the tissue underneath. In some instances, they may recommend completely removing the nail to apply antifungal medication directly underneath.

How can I prevent toenail fungus?

If you’re prone to fungal infections, keeping your feet clean and dry whenever possible can significantly reduce your chances of toenail fungus. Trimming your toenails can also prevent bacteria and debris from becoming trapped underneath your nails.

With early intervention, you can treat toenail fungus before it begins impacting your daily life. To schedule an appointment with the team, call Diabetic Foot and Wound Center, or book online today.