Toenail Fungus Treatment in Brigham City, Utah
What is nail fungus?
Nail fungus is an infection beneath the toenail. Fungi thrive in dark, damp, warm conditions, which makes the inside of a shoe an ideal environment for them to grow. Nail fungus usually announces itself with yellow or white marks under the nail. At first these marks may seem harmless, but over time they can discolor the entire nail, turning it from its natural shade to yellow, brown, black, or green.
Infected nails become brittle and crumbly. In some cases the nail loosens, lifts, or grows in an unusual direction, and the fungus thickens the nail, making it difficult to trim. The longer the infection goes untreated, the more painful and stubborn it becomes.
What causes toenail fungus?
Fungal spores are all around us, and most never cause harm. A nail fungus typically develops for one of two reasons: the amount of fungus in your environment overwhelms your body's defenses, or your immune system is weakened and less able to resist infection. You're also at higher risk if you:
- Smoke
- Spend a lot of time in water
- Walk barefoot in hot, humid public places
- Wear closed-toe shoes for long hours
- Wear non-breathable gloves or footwear for extended periods
Nail fungus can also spread from person to person, so good personal hygiene matters, especially in shared spaces like gyms and pools.
How do you treat toenail fungus?
The foot specialist team at Corbridge Podiatry can recommend a series of treatments to clear the infection and restore the natural appearance of your nail. Depending on severity, treatment may include topical antifungal creams or oral antifungal medication. If the infection has advanced and become painful, a procedure to remove the infected nail tissue may be needed to allow a new, healthy nail to grow. Because toenail fungus is persistent and easy to spread, prompt treatment gives you the best chance of a full recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is toenail fungus so hard to get rid of?
The infection lives under and inside the nail, where topical treatments struggle to reach. That's why professional treatment and patience are often needed. A new clear nail can take months to grow in.
Will over-the-counter products cure my nail fungus?
Mild cases sometimes respond, but moderate to severe infections usually need prescription topical or oral antifungals. Dr. Corbridge and Dr. Funk can determine what's appropriate.
Can toenail fungus spread to other nails or people?
Yes. It can spread to other nails, to the skin as athlete's foot, and to other people through shared floors, towels, and footwear.
How can I prevent toenail fungus from coming back?
Keep feet dry, wear breathable shoes and moisture-wicking socks, disinfect or replace old footwear, and wear sandals in public showers and pool areas.
Related Services at Corbridge Podiatry
Athlete's Foot • Ingrown Toenail • Diabetic Foot Care
Schedule Your Appointment.
Call Corbridge Podiatry at 435-222-0635 or request an appointment online. 903 S Main St Suite B, Brigham City, UT 84302.