Toenail Fungus

What is toenail fungus?

Toenail fungus, also referred to as onychomycosis, is an infection underneath the surface of the nail, which may also break through the nail. Toenail fungus is one of the most common fungal problems with feet. A fungus is a common mold that thrives in dark, warm moist areas. On the feet, it can grow on and between toes, as well as on soles and toenails. Fungal problems can be a result of the environment (socks, shoes, heat, and humidity) weakened immunity from such disorders as diabetes.

What causes toenail fungus?

The most common cause of toenail fungus is not taking the proper precautions when walking barefoot in public places, leaving yourself susceptible to fungal pathogens that find their way underneath your toenail. Toenail fungus is also caused by the toenail being excessively warm and moist for long periods of time.

Common symptoms:

• Thickened nail
• Brittle or crumbly nail
• Nail is distorted in shape
• Nail is dull, with no shine
• A dark color, caused by debris building up under your nail

How do we treat you?

We will perform a physical examination and ask you about your symptoms. We’ll evaluate your health history and if conservative treatment fails, we may recommend further solutions.

Usually, toenail fungus can be treated conservatively by:

• Taking topical or oral antifungal medication
• Thoroughly washing and drying your feet each night
• Applying a non-prescription anti-fungal cream to the entire foot from the ankle down
• Keeping your feet dry
• Applying powder to your dry feet after you take a shower or bath
• Wearing shower shoes at a public pool or shower
• Avoiding sharing nail clippers, shoes, or sock with others

Tolcylen Treatment for Toenail Fungus

Anyone who suffers from toenail fungus is a candidate for Tolcylen, an easy topical treatment that is applied to the affected toenails twice a day.

Patients who use Tolcylen can expect to see a 92% improvement in the appearance of the nail after 8 weeks. The nail should appear thinner with less discoloration.

Tolcylen is different from other products on the market because it combines 7 different ingredients to penetrate the nail plate and kill the fungus: two antifungals, 3 ingredients to thin, soften and make the nail plate more permeable, Jojoba oil to hydrate and help nail plate penetration, and Vitamin E to improve nail growth and appearance.

In addition to applying the medication twice a day, patients will also have a follow-up visit to Nagy Footcare every 3 months.

When to visit Nagy Footcare

If you have persistent toenail fungus, it’s important to contact Nagy Footcare, your New Hampshire podiatrist, because you may have an infection that requires medication and additional treatment.