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Toenail Fungus services offered in Elgin, Elk Grove Village, Huntley and Montclare, Chicago, IL
Toenail fungus is more than just an aesthetic issue. It can also be painful and increase your risk of infection. Help is available from the expert podiatry team at Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists, with offices in Elgin, Schaumburg, Huntley, and the Montclare neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. When you’re ready to deal with your toenail fungus, booking a visit takes just moments online or over the phone.
What are the symptoms of toenail fungus?
Your toenails can become infected with numerous types of fungi. This condition, called onychomycosis, is common, especially among older people. Approximately 1 in 10 people develop toenail fungus at one point or another.
The signs and symptoms of toenail fungus are easily detected and include:
- Nails that become abnormally white, yellow, or brown
- Thickened and misshapen toenails
- Nails that are cracked or broken
- Nails that appear to be crumbling or wearing away
- Cloudy or light spots on toenails
- Nails that partially or fully lift away from the nailbed
It’s important to seek treatment for toenail fungus as soon as you notice signs of infection. Once the condition worsens, more advanced treatment may be needed to control the infection.
How is toenail fungus treated?
There are several ways to treat toenail fungus. Topical medications are applied directly to the surface of the affected nails, and they work to eliminate fungus over time.
Oral medications can be an effective way to eliminate fungal infections. However, these drugs can cause problems with your liver and interfere with other medications. Drug therapy isn’t a great fit for everyone.
At Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists, the Q-Clear™ Compact Laser System is a great way to address toenail fungus.
Laser treatment works by creating heat throughout the nail. This option can clear up toenail fungus after just a few short sessions, and it’s a great approach for those who want to avoid oral medication.
It takes a few months for your body to create new, healthy toenail cells after Q-Clear treatments. You can see the results as your treated toenails begin to grow, and your podiatrist can help trim away some of the unsightly nail tissue affected by the fungus.
What can I do to prevent toenail fungus?
Toenail fungus easily spreads from one person to the next, so taking a few precautions can dramatically lower your risk of developing these infections or spreading an infection to others. Precautions include:
- Avoid walking barefoot in communal areas like gyms and showers
- Wear shower shoes, including in your home if a loved one has toenail fungus
- Thoroughly dry your feet after bathing or showering
- Clean your nail tools before using
- Be sure tools are sterilized before a professional pedicure
- Avoid breaking the skin when trimming your toenails or scrubbing your feet
When you’re ready to explore treatment options for your toenail fungus, book a visit online or over the phone at your earliest convenience.