Nail Fungus

Nail fungus doesn’t look like you might imagine fungus to look: it simply changes your nails to make them more brittle, discolored, and sometimes painful. At Integrated Dermatology of Montrose in Montrose, Colorado, dermatology experts Spencer Hamner, PA-C, Christine D. Brown, MD, and their team provide fungal nail treatments to eliminate the infection, which is more common on toenails than fingernails. Call Integrated Dermatology of Montrose or schedule an appointment online for fungal nail treatment today.

What is nail fungus?

Nail fungus is a fungal infection that affects your fingernails and toenails that doesn’t always require treatment. It tends to start as a small spot before it spreads to affect the entire nail. 

The fungus that affects your nails is called onychomycosis. This is not the same as athlete’s foot, which is another fungal infection that can affect your feet. Athlete’s foot commonly appears between the toes and not in the nail bed. 

If you attempt to care for your fungal nails at home without success, schedule an appointment at Integrated Dermatology of Montrose. The team also encourages you to book a visit if you have diabetes and get nail fungus or if you see swelling or bleeding around fungal nails. 

What are the symptoms of nail fungus?

Nail fungus changes the textures and appearance of your finger- or toenails. It’s more common in toenails than fingernails and can cause the nails to become:

• Brittle
• White or yellow
• Misshapen
• Thick
• Brittle or crumbly
• Odorous
• Lifted from their beds
• Painful

It’s common to pick up nail fungus in moist, shared environments. To minimize your chances of experiencing these nail fungus symptoms, you should always keep your socks clean and dry. You should also avoid going barefoot in areas like gym locker rooms or showers. 

How is nail fungus treated?

The team at Integrated Dermatology of Montrose treats fungal nails with antifungal medications and products when treatment is necessary. If your nail fungus symptoms don’t go away on their own, consider coming in for a treatment consultation. 

Antifungal nail creams and polishes can kill the fungus if you use them consistently and according to your dermatologist’s instructions. Oral antifungal drugs can also help your nails get rid of the fungus and continue healthy growth. Oral medications are usually the first recommended course of treatment for nail fungus, and you take them for 6-12 weeks. 

Sometimes, surgery is necessary to remove a fungal nail. This is not always the case. 

Call Integrated Dermatology of Montrose or schedule an appointment online for a nail fungus treatment consultation today.