Are you embarrassed by cracked, yellowish nails? Are your nails thick and difficult to trim? If you answered yes, you may have a fungal nail infection. You may be surprised to know that fungus is the cause of up to 50 percent of all nail infections. Dr. Charlotte A. Reisinger and Dr. Dusky R. Farmer are board-certified podiatrists located in Evansville, IN. They are experts at treating nail fungus.
What You Should Know about Nail Fungus
Nail fungus is most common on toenails, but it is possible to get it on your fingernails as well. While it seldom affects young people, nail fungus is common in people who are over the age of 60. If you suffer from type 2 diabetes and you begin to see signs of nail fungus, you should talk to a podiatrist immediately as it could lead to more serious complications. If left untreated, in combination with diabetes, nail fungus could lead to amputation.
Nail Fungus Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of nail fungus include:
- White spots on the nail’s surface
- Nails that turn yellow or brown
- Nails that grow thicker than normal
- Brittle nails
- Nails that curl up or down
- Nails that lift from the nail bed
- A bad smell from your nails
- Pain from the nailbed
You should see a podiatrist if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. The sooner you receive treatment, the easier the issue will be to alleviate.
Preventing Nail Fungus
To reduce your risk of contracting nail fungus, you can:
- Make sure your hands and feet are dry after you have bathed
- Trim your nails regularly
- Avoid walking barefoot on pool decks or in locker rooms
- Change your socks regularly
- If your feet sweat, use foot powder
- Keep a spare pair of sneakers so sweaty ones can dry out.
If you have nail fungus, your podiatrist can treat often the issue with cream or with oral medication.
Living in or around Evansville, IN and have fungal nails? Don’t suffer in silence—contact Dr. Reisinger or Dr. Farmer at (812) 421 8555 and take the first step on the road to healthy nails.