Nail Fungus Treatment Near Chicago, IL

Nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a fungal infection that occurs on a fingernail or a toenail. It often causes discoloration and thickening of the nail. If you are dealing with nail fungus, there are several treatments available.

What Causes Nail Fungus?

Nail fungus develops when fungus invades the nail through small cracks or breaks. The fungi, which can include dermatophytes, yeasts, or molds, can be contracted several different ways.

This can include fungi from athlete’s foot or ringworm, a yeast-like fungus called Candida, and mold. Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments. Certain risk factors and habits can also contribute to nail fungus, including wearing tight shoes or walking barefoot in public places (especially pools, public showers, and other moist areas). Those with weakened immune systems or poor circulation can also be at higher risk of developing nail fungus.

Other causes of thickening of the nails or discoloration include psoriasis and sometimes allergic reactions.

How Do I Know If I Have Nail Fungus?

In order to diagnose nail fungus, a doctor will usually need to examine the nail. This includes looking for a change in color and buildup below the nail. It is also likely a provider will take a culture or sample to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment for Nail Fungus

There are several different ways to treat nail fungus. The most common treatment options include different medications which you can either take orally or apply to the nail.

Medication Treatment for Nail Fungus

Oral antifungal medication is the most effective treatment option for nail fungus. These medications work by targeting the infection from within the body. Typically, it will take several months of using these medications before seeing an improvement.

Prescription topical nail polish is another medication that can be used to treat nail fungus. With this treatment option, you paint it on your infected nails. These work by penetrating the nail, but can take several months to see improvements.

Laser Treatments for Nail Fungus

Laser treatment is another non-invasive treatment option for nail fungus. This works by using light energy to target and destroy the fungal infection. This type of treatment is usually quick and has minimal side effects. Several sessions may be needed to achieve the best results.

It’s important to discuss treatment options with your provider to determine the best options for you given the severity of the fungus and your medical history.

Schedule Your Consultation in Glencoe or Lincolnshire

If you have discolored and thickened toenails, schedule a consultation with Advanced Dermatology today to explore the best treatment options for you. Contact us to book your appointment at one of our North Shore offices located in Lincolnshire or Glencoe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Prevent Nail Fungus?

There are several steps you can take to help prevent nail fungus. It’s important to practice good hygiene by keeping the nails clean, dry, and trimmed. It’s also important to avoid walking barefoot in public areas and sharing personal hygiene items like nail clippers or files. Make sure to always wear appropriate footwear that fit well and allow for airflow.

When will I see the results of nail fungus treatment?

The timing of results from nail fungus treatment can depend on what type of treatment you had, but will likely take months for improvement.

Oral antifungal medicine can take several months before your nail returns to normal. Prescription nail polish also takes several months and in some cases up to a year to see results. With laser treatment, you’ll usually see improvement in several months, after the nail has had a chance to grow.

What are the risks and side effects of nail fungus treatment?

Side events of antifungal medications can vary. For oral medication, some side effects include upset stomach or itchy skin. In rare cases, side effects can include allergic reactions and liver damage.

Am I a good candidate for nail fungus treatment?

If your nail has hardened and is painful due to fungus, you may be a good candidate for nail treatment. It’s important to talk with your provider about your specific case to determine the best treatment option.

Treatment

Other things can cause thickening of the nails or discoloration, including psoriasis and sometimes allergic reactions. Treatment of nail fungus includes either a prescription topical nail polish or an oral anti-fungal medication. The oral anti-fungal medication is far more effective than any other treatments. Laser treatments for nail fungus can be effective but are expensive and have lower percentage effectiveness than the oral route.

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