Summer is here, and you have been dying to wear those new sandals! But what is that? An ugly toenail!

Maybe you have noticed your nails thickening, or losing their color and/or shape, and becoming more unsightly. Often affecting the toenails, this condition can also affect the fingernails. The cause is nail fungus, and it is not only embarrassing, but can become painful if left untreated. Splitting nails, cracking nails, loose nails or nails growing in the wrong direction can all be a result of nail fungus. But help is available!

Fungus is present in most people in varying degrees on their skin and in their bodies. When an overgrowth occurs is when the trouble starts. Warm, humid environments encourage fungal growth, so it is not surprising to find it frequently on toenails that are wrapped up in socks and shoes much of the time. Other possible causes include heredity, injury, or a disease state that is slowing the immune system. Some people are just naturally more prone to fungal infections than others.

Fungal nail infections begin with a fungal infection on the skin, which then migrates under the nail. These infections can be inadvertently spread from toenails to fingernails by scratching. The fungus can infect the skin and the cuticle around the fingernail, and then migrate underneath the fingernail. If you have recently lost or damaged a nail, this increases the chance of a fungal infection in that area.

Most people think fungal nail infections are not that serious, and head out to the drugstore for an over-the-counter remedy. Unfortunately, many times these solutions do not work, and the problem continues or worsens. Often prescription-strength anti-fungal medications are needed to help clear up these stubborn infections. If left untreated for long periods, the condition can spread and result in extreme discomfort. And of course it is harder to eradicate, if it is firmly established in the body.

Seek a consultation with a Board Certified specialist such as Dr. Rehman. She will conduct a thorough medical evaluation to rule out underlying disease as the root cause of the problem. She can also provide the right medications to clear up the problem so you can show off your healthy nails all summer long!

“Now where did I put those sandals?”

 

Have your fingernails thickened and become unsightly? The bad news is that you may have a fungal infection; the good news is that it’s treatable!

Even though nail fungus is a relatively common problem, it doesn’t make the condition any less embarrassing – sometimes these conditions are painful too! Nail fungus can cause your fingernails to split, crack, loosen, or grow in the wrong direction.

The causes of nail fungus vary from trauma to disease and hereditary conditions. Fungus is normally present in the human body, but can be adversely triggered by other elements, such as sweat or too much exposure to water or humidity. The unfortunate reality is that some of us are just more susceptible to this condition than others.

Nail fungus starts with a fungal skin infection and then quickly spreads underneath the nail. For example, a fingernail infection may occur if you have a toenail infection and continually scratch your itchy toes. The fungus may then infect the skin around the cuticle and quickly spread underneath the nail. If you have recently lost or damaged a nail, your fingernail and the skin beneath it become even more susceptible to various types of fungal infections.

So, what steps need to be taken to return to beautiful and healthy fingernails? First, see a qualified and experienced doctor. Failing to treat nail fungus can result in the fungus spreading from one nail to the next, and can also result in the condition going from remotely mild to serious, in which case you may experience extreme discomfort. Nail fungus could also be a sign that there is a larger fungal skin infection present in your body, or, you are having issues with your immune system. Only your doctor can properly diagnose your condition.

Another reason to see your doctor is because over-the-counter treatments generally do not help clear up fingernail infections. Nail fungus often requires prescription-strength anti-fungal medication.

Depending on the severity of the infection, a physician may remove the nail. Once the fungus is cleared up the nail will regrow and replace your damaged nail. Because nails grow slowly, a new and healthy nail may take up to a year to grow back.

If you are suffering from nail fungus, please contact our office for an appointment. Dr. Rehman will provide a comprehensive evaluation and consultation to make sure that your fingernails become healthy again.