Nail Fungus is a Thing – and it Needs Treatment

When you live in Georgia, you know plenty about bare feet and cute sandals. Pedicures are the norm year-round because it’s warm enough to show your toes. So, what about when your toenails look funky? Should you just polish over the weird stuff and go on with your day? Not so fast – you may be dealing with nail fungus, and that needs a doctor.

What is Nail Fungus?

Nail fungus is highly contagious. The bacteria that grow into nail fungus sneak in through tiny cuts or openings in your feet. Nail fungus often starts as a little white/yellow/brown spot underneath the nail. However, it soon spreads and can create problems. If you’ve got darkening or thickening toenails or white or yellow spots underneath the nail, pain or a foul odor, you need to see a dermatologist immediately. If not treated, you could lose your nail.

Nail fungus can affect more than one toe. It can move into the skin between your toes and become athlete’s foot. It’s more common on the toes than the fingers. And it can return over and over. So, if you’ve got problems with your toenails, you need to see a dermatologist who knows toes.

How Do I Catch Nail Fungus?

It’s almost easier to list how you don’t catch nail fungus than how you do, but let’s break it down into easy action steps.

1. Cover your feet when you are outside. As we age, our toenails change and become brittle and cracked. These cracks are open invitations for fungi and other bacteria to crawl right in. If your feet are protected, they can’t reach you. Also, don’t go barefoot around pools, gyms or other busy, wet places, especially in public.
2. Keep your feet moisturized and in good condition. If your feet are clean and moisturized daily, the skin will be protected and not open.
3. Keep your nails trimmed, but NOT TOO SHORT. Many people cut their toenails too short and cause tiny cuts in the skin, including hangnails.
4. Certain conditions like psoriasis and diabetes can make you more susceptible to nail fungus and make them more difficult to treat.

Can Nail Fungus be Treated in Atlanta?

If you’ve tried over-the-counter nail fungus treatments and the problem keeps coming back, it may need professional treatment. A dermatologist will treat that stubborn nail fungus with antifungal medication and laser light therapy.

At Medical Dermatology Specialists, we are a team of board-certified dermatologists with various specialties. Contact us today for an appointment and start treating your nail fungus today.

Medical Dermatology Specialists,
5730 Glenridge Dr, Suite T-100
Atlanta, GA 30328
(404) 939-9220

Monday – Thursday 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM