You may know of someone close to you that has been diagnosed with a toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis. There are dozens of treatments for toenail fungus, and it can be difficult to treat unless you understand it on a deeper level.
Onychomycosis affects about 10% of the global population and is more common among older adults. In fact, in people over age 60, about 20% will deal with toenail fungus. This, of course, could be higher due to many people never receiving treatment or confirming a diagnosis.
It can be contagious, but not in in the conventional sense — that if you are around someone with it, you’ll get it. It could be from contaminated nail trimmers or spa equipment, or prolonged periods of time in direct contact in the right environment. What environments are those, you might ask?
There are many species of fungus, but one of the most common that affects toenails is called trichophyton rubrum. Factors such as climate or region can make a difference with the type of fungus seen.
In general, fungi are opportunistic organisms, meaning they will grow in advantageous environments. They prefer warm, moist and dark environments to grow. Well, your shoe happens to be that type of place. You could have been exposed to a fungus in areas like public pools, showers at a gym or even a nail spa. The risk of being infected increases exponentially if you spend time in these types of environments.
How can you know for certain that your toenails have a fungus? A clipping of nail, which can be painlessly obtained by your doctor, can be sent to a lab for fungal testing. This nail sample will also give clues as to how to best treat it and other factors that could have caused changes in shape and color if not from fungus. One commonly seen change is trauma to the nail, which can cause thickening and deformity to the nail if damaged, like the changes caused by fungal invasion.
Of the many treatments for toenail fungus, you may have heard of treatments such as lasers, microwave, topical creams and solutions, and oral medications. Statistically speaking, none of these guarantee the fungus will be resolved. However, there are some that can work better than others.
Perhaps the most effective method is the use of an antifungal pill called terbinafine, brand name Lamisil. Some studies suggest that its effectiveness lies between 70 and 90%.
Topical medications tend to have lower success with some studies suggesting effectiveness lower than 30%. Of course, this is dependent on the species of fungus, type of medication and the frequency of use. The key to successful treatment is a proper diagnosis, consistency and compliance with treatment.
If you suspect that you have toenail fungus, come see one of our physicians at Maricopa Foot and Ankle and speak to us about testing your nail for fungus and starting the appropriate treatment that meets your health needs.
520-494-1090
MFAAC.com
21300 N. John Wayne Parkway, Suite 126
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