Toenail fungus is one of those problems that can start small and become increasingly difficult to ignore. A tiny white or yellow spot can eventually turn into a thick, yellow, or brittle toenail. For some people, toenail fungus is mainly a cosmetic concern. For others, it can cause discomfort, make shoes difficult to wear, or become a persistent problem that keeps coming back.

The good news is that toenail fungus is treatable, and there are several options available. Treatments can include topical medications, oral antifungal medications, professional nail care, and laser treatment. At Laser Nail Therapy, the PinPointe FootLaser is offered as a treatment option for people dealing with fungal toenails.

Understanding how toenail fungus develops, who is most likely to get it, and what can be done to treat and prevent it can help you take action before the problem becomes more difficult to manage.

Toenail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis, is a fungal infection that affects the toenail and the nail bed underneath it. Dermatophytes are the most common organisms responsible, although yeasts and molds can also cause nail infections.

The infection often begins underneath the edge or tip of a toenail. As it progresses, the nail may become discolored, thicker, brittle, crumbly, or distorted. In some cases, the nail can begin separating from the nail bed. Toenail fungus is especially common because feet spend much of their time inside shoes. Shoes create a warm environment, and sweating can add moisture. These conditions allow fungi to thrive. A fungal infection can affect one toenail or several. The big toe and second toe are commonly affected, but any toenail can become infected.

Toenail fungus does not always look exactly the same from person to person. Common symptoms include:

• Yellow, white, brown, or sometimes darker discoloration
• Thickened toenails
• Brittle or crumbly nails
• Nails that become distorted
• Nails that separate from the nail bed
• A cheesy, unpleasant odor
• Discomfort when wearing shoes

A fungal infection can develop slowly. Because the changes may initially seem minor, many people ignore them. However, toenails grow slowly, so an infection can take plenty of time to establish before someone seeks treatment.

Toenail fungus is contagious. It can spread through direct contact with infected skin or nails and through contaminated items or surfaces. One of the most common ways people encounter the fungi that cause toenail infections is through warm, damp environments.

Swimming pools, gyms, locker rooms, spas, and public showers can provide an environment where fungi thrive. Walking barefoot in these areas increases your exposure. This is one reason athletes and people who frequently use gyms, pools, and fitness facilities can be more susceptible to fungal foot infections.

Wearing shoes for long periods can create warmth and moisture around the toes. If shoes do not dry completely between uses, they can continue providing an environment where fungi can survive.

Athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis, is another fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet. It can spread from the skin to the toenails. Conversely, fungus affecting the nail can spread to the skin. For this reason, treating athlete’s foot is an important part of protecting your toenails. 

Fungal infections can spread through shared items such as:

• Towels
• Shoes
• Socks
• Nail clippers
• Nail files
• Other nail tools

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends not sharing any nail tools or other personal items that may carry fungus.

A small injury to a toenail can create an opportunity for fungus to enter. Repeated pressure from tight shoes, sports activities, or trauma to the nail can also make the nail more vulnerable.

Anyone can develop toenail fungus, but certain factors can increase the risk. It is important to know if you are at risk of getting a toenail fungus infection. This way, you are aware of what symptoms to look out for.

The risk of toenail fungus tends to increase with age. Nails generally grow more slowly as people get older, which can make fungal infections more persistent.

Athletes may have several risk factors at the same time. They may spend considerable time wearing athletic shoes, sweat heavily, use shared locker rooms, shower in communal facilities, and participate in activities where feet experience repeated pressure or trauma. Running, basketball, soccer, swimming, tennis, and other sports can expose people to environments where fungi can spread.

Excessive moisture around the feet creates favorable conditions for fungal growth. People whose feet sweat heavily may therefore be more vulnerable.

Regularly walking barefoot around pools, gyms, locker rooms, and shared showers can increase exposure to fungi. Wearing sandals or shower shoes can help reduce that exposure.

A previous or current fungal skin infection can increase the chance of developing a fungal nail infection. Treating athlete’s foot promptly is important because the infection can spread to the toenails.

Diabetes, circulation problems, a weakened immune system, psoriasis affecting the nails, and certain other conditions can increase the risk of nail fungus or make complications more concerning. If you have diabetes and notice changes in a toenail, it is especially important to discuss the problem with your healthcare provider.

Some people have mild toenail fungus that causes little or no discomfort. However, fungal infections can become more extensive over time.

The nail may become progressively:

• Thicker
• More discolored
• More brittle
• More difficult to trim
• More uncomfortable inside shoes
• Separated from the nail bed

Severe infections can cause pain and permanent nail damage. In people with diabetes, circulation problems, or weakened immune systems, a fungal nail infection can be more concerning because there is a greater risk of complications and other infections.

Another problem is that toenail fungus can spread. An infected toenail can contribute to fungal infections of the surrounding skin, while athlete’s foot can spread to additional nails. There is also the possibility of reinfection. Even after successful treatment, toenail fungus can return if the feet continue to be exposed to the fungi that caused the original infection. This is why treating the existing infection and changing habits that encourage fungal growth are both important.

There is no single treatment that is appropriate for every person. Treatment depends on the severity of the infection, the number of nails involved, your health history, medications you take, and other factors. Common options include topical medication, oral medication, and laser treatment.

Topical antifungal medications are applied directly to the affected nail. Prescription options include medications such as efinaconazole, tavaborole, and ciclopirox. These treatments are generally applied consistently over an extended period. For example, efinaconazole and tavaborole are commonly prescribed for daily use for approximately 48 weeks.

One challenge with topical treatment is that the medication has to reach the infected areas of the nail. Toenails are hard structures, and fungal organisms may be located beneath or within the nail. For some patients with mild or moderate infections, topical medication may be an appropriate option. The key is consistency. Stopping treatment as soon as the nail begins looking better can allow the infection to remain.

Oral antifungal medications work throughout the body rather than being applied directly to the nail. One commonly prescribed medication is terbinafine. Another option for some patients is itraconazole.

Oral medications can be effective, but they are not appropriate for everyone. Depending on the medication and the patient’s health history, medical evaluation and monitoring may be necessary. For example, the American Academy of Dermatology notes that liver testing is needed with terbinafine and itraconazole because liver injury, although uncommon, is a potential concern. Drug interactions also need to be considered.

This is one reason it is important to speak with a healthcare professional before beginning oral antifungal treatment. It is also important to understand that even when treatment successfully eliminates the fungus, the damaged portion of the toenail does not instantly disappear. The nail must grow out. A big toenail can take a year or longer to completely grow out, meaning the appearance of the nail can continue changing for months after the infection has been treated.

At Laser Nail Therapy, PinPointe FootLaser treats toenail fungus. The laser delivers controlled light energy through the nail as part of the treatment process. Laser Nail Therapy describes the procedure as a quick, in-office treatment that does not require a recovery period. Because laser treatment is different from oral medication and topical treatment, it may appeal to people who want to avoid taking antifungal pills or who have struggled with topical treatment.

During treatment, the laser is directed over the affected toenail. The goal is to deliver laser energy to the affected area without damaging the surrounding tissue. A typical appointment begins with an examination of the toenails. Because not every thick or discolored toenail is caused by fungus, evaluation is an important first step. Once the provider determines that the treatment is appropriate, the affected nail is prepared and the PinPointe laser is applied. The treatment generally takes about an hour, depending on the situation. Patients may experience a warming sensation during treatment. The procedure does not require anesthesia, and there is no downtime afterward.

Laser treatment may offer several advantages for appropriate patients.

1. No oral medication

One of the biggest differences between laser treatment and oral antifungal medication is that laser treatment is performed directly on the affected nail rather than requiring a systemic medication. This may be appealing to people who do not want to take oral antifungal medication or who are not good candidates for it.

2. No downtime

Laser Nail Therapy states that patients can return to their normal activities right after the treatment.

3. Targets the affected nail

The treatment is directed at the affected toenail rather than exposing the entire body to an oral medication.

4. Convenient for people with busy schedules

For people who find it difficult to remember daily topical medications for many months, an in-office treatment may be a more convenient approach.

5. Can be part of an overall treatment plan

Laser treatment does not have to be viewed in isolation. Depending on the patient’s situation, a provider may recommend other measures, such as nail care and antifungal treatment for athlete’s foot or surrounding skin.

One of the most important things to understand about toenail fungus treatment is that healthy toenails take time to grow. The laser treatment can be performed during an office visit, but the existing damaged nail does not immediately become a new, healthy nail.

Instead, healthy nail growth gradually replaces the damaged nail. This means you should not expect your toenail to look completely normal the day after treatment. Visible improvement occurs gradually as the nail grows. Depending on the individual, the nail may take between six and nine months to completely grow out. Patience is an important part of the process.

Treatment is only one part of managing toenail fungus. After treatment, it is important to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare professional. Good foot hygiene and prevention habits can help reduce the possibility of reinfection.

Common recommendations include:

• Keep feet clean and dry.
• Dry carefully between the toes.
• Change socks regularly.
• Wear breathable shoes.
• Allow shoes to dry between uses.
• Wear sandals or shower shoes in public wet areas.
• Keep toenails trimmed.
• Do not share nail clippers or files.
• Treat athlete’s foot promptly.
• Follow any topical treatment recommendations provided by your healthcare professional.

The AAD specifically recommends keeping feet dry, changing sweaty socks, allowing shoes to dry, using breathable footwear, and wearing footwear in locker rooms, pools, gyms, and shared showers.

Toenail fungus has inspired countless home remedies. Some of the most common include:

• Tea tree oil
• Vinegar
• Vicks VapoRub
• Mouthwash
• Bleach
• Essential oils
• Baking soda
• Hydrogen peroxide

The problem is that popularity does not necessarily mean effectiveness. Some substances may demonstrate antifungal activity in laboratory settings, but that does not automatically mean they can eliminate an established fungal infection inside a human toenail. 

Some home remedies can also irritate or damage the surrounding skin. For example, using harsh chemicals such as bleach on the skin is not a substitute for professional diagnosis and appropriate antifungal treatment. If you suspect toenail fungus, it is better to determine exactly what is causing the nail changes before experimenting with potentially irritating substances.

Toenail fungus can be stubborn for several reasons.

• First, the infection may be located beneath or within the nail, making it difficult for topical products to reach.
• Second, toenails grow slowly.
• Third, people may stop treatment too early because the nail looks better before the infection has been fully addressed.
• Finally, even successful treatment does not make someone immune to future exposure.

This is why prevention is so important.

Once you have dealt with toenail fungus, you want to avoid dealing with it again. Fortunately, several simple habits can help.

Fungi thrive in warm, damp environments. After showering, dry your feet carefully, especially between your toes. If your feet sweat heavily, consider changing socks during the day.

Moisture-wicking socks can help move sweat away from the skin. Change socks whenever they become damp or sweaty.

Shoes made from breathable materials can help improve airflow. Avoid wearing tight shoes that squeeze the toes together and create excessive warmth and moisture.

Try not to wear the same pair of shoes every day. Allowing shoes time to dry between uses can help reduce moisture.

Use flip-flops or shower shoes in:

• Gym locker rooms
• Public showers
• Swimming pool areas
• Spas
• Hotel showers

This simple habit can reduce direct contact with contaminated surfaces.

Keep toenails reasonably short and trim them straight across. Clean nail clippers after use and never share them with someone else.

If you get professional pedicures, choose a salon that properly cleans and sterilizes its instruments. Tools that are not properly disinfected can contribute to the spread of fungal infections.

Do not ignore itchy, peeling, cracked, or irritated skin between your toes. Athlete’s foot can spread to the toenails, so treating it promptly can be an important part of preventing fungal toenails.

Consider using an appropriate antifungal shoe spray or powder when recommended. The AAD notes that antifungal powders and sprays can help prevent fungal growth in shoes, although they are not treatments for an established nail infection.

You should consider having a toenail evaluated if you notice:

• Persistent yellow or white discoloration
• Increasing nail thickness
• Crumbling or brittleness
• A nail separating from the nail bed
• Persistent odor
• Pain or pressure inside shoes
• Difficulty trimming the nail
• A nail that continues to change despite home care

You should be especially proactive if you have diabetes, circulation problems, or a weakened immune system. It is also important to remember that not every abnormal toenail is fungal. Trauma, psoriasis, and other nail conditions can create similar changes.

There are several ways to approach toenail fungus. Topical medications may be appropriate for some mild infections but generally require consistent application for many months. Oral antifungal medications can be effective for appropriate patients, but they require consideration of health history, potential medication interactions, and possible side effects. Home remedies are popular, but evidence for many of them is limited, and some may irritate the skin. PinPointe laser treatment provides an in-office option for people interested in a medication-free approach. At Laser Nail Therapy, the PinPointe FootLaser is used to treat affected toenails to improve the appearance of clear nail as the nail grows. The right approach depends on the individual. A professional evaluation can help determine whether the nail is actually infected and which treatment options make sense.

As you can see, tips for healthy feet without nail fungus can be easy to find. If you have caught nail fungus, it can be easily treated using the FDA-approved PinPointe laser. It typically only takes one treatment. Other treatments, like topical solutions and oral medication, are not as effective. Topical solutions have a very low cure rate. This is because the solution does not penetrate all the way through the nail bed. Oral medication is not recommended by our nail doctors. This is because it can lead to liver toxicity. You would need to have consistent blood tests throughout the course of taking the medication.

Our nail doctor in Marietta, GA, recommends this treatment for toenail fungus. The PinPointe Laser treatment has the highest cure rate on the market. It has no side effects and no recovery period. As a result, you can go about your daily activities right after the treatment. Also, there’s no pain.

If you have any signs of nail fungus, call us at (800) 672-0625 at our Marietta, GA location. Visit our website for more information on our doctors at one of our over 150 locations.

Located just northwest of Atlanta, Marietta is a charming city filled with history, outdoor activities, shopping, dining, and entertainment. Whether you are planning a weekend visit or looking for something fun to do close to home, Marietta offers plenty of ways to enjoy your time.

One of the best places to begin is Marietta Square, the heart of downtown Marietta. The historic area features shops, restaurants, art galleries, museums, and Glover Park. Visitors can spend an afternoon walking around the Square, enjoying a meal, shopping for unique gifts, or attending one of the many festivals and community events held throughout the year.

Outdoor enthusiasts can head to Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, which covers nearly 3,000 acres and offers more than 22 miles of trails. Visitors can hike, enjoy a picnic, explore the area’s Civil War history, or simply take in the scenery.

Marietta has several museums that make learning about the area entertaining. The Marietta History Center features exhibits about the history of Marietta and Cobb County, while the William Root House Museum & Garden provides a glimpse into life in 19th-century Marietta. For movie and history enthusiasts, the Gone With the Wind Museum at Brumby Hall features memorabilia connected to the famous book and film.

For an evening out, check the schedule at the historic Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre. The restored theater hosts movies, concerts, comedy, and other live performances throughout the year. Art lovers can also visit the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art, located near the Square, for rotating exhibitions and educational programs.

Marietta has numerous parks for walking, picnicking, playgrounds, and recreation. East Cobb Park is a popular choice for enjoying green space and spending time outdoors. For something different, visit the Sope Creek area and explore the historic paper mill ruins surrounded by wooded trails.

After sightseeing, explore Marietta’s diverse dining scene. The Square offers everything from casual restaurants and cafés to breweries and more upscale dining. Saturday is also a great time to visit the Marietta Square Farmers Market, where visitors can browse local produce, baked goods, crafts, and other products. With its combination of history, outdoor recreation, entertainment, shopping, and food, Marietta is an enjoyable destination for families, couples, and anyone looking for a fun Georgia getaway.