At the Foot & Ankle Center of the Central Coast in Santa Maria, CA, Dr. Peter Fillerup and Dr. Casey Fillerup can quickly diagnose and treat toenail fungus with modern techniques, such as lasers and topical creams.
Have you had to hide your toes in closed-in footwear due to toenail discoloration and distortion? Maybe there is a nasty smell coming from it.
If you have these symptoms, you may have toenail fungus. You will need to practice good daily hygiene to prevent this issue from recurring.
Signs of Fungal Toenail Infection
The first sign of toenail fungus in Santa Maria, CA, is discoloration, which may be white, brown, yellow, or black. The discoloration may begin as a white or yellow spot. The nail itself will thicken and become brittle. You may notice a distortion, such as an unusual shape that makes it harder to clip. As the infection worsens, the nail may lift off of the nail bed. In many cases, a foul odor may come from the nail.
Causes of Toenail Fungus
People usually get this infection from direct skin contact with another infected person or walking on a surface the infection is on. You should be careful in public areas like gyms and pools. Maintaining good hygiene and daily practices can prevent this infection from invading your toenails.
Hygiene Tips for Fungus Prevention
This infection can spread from others, and you can also spread it to someone else. Therefore, hygiene is vital for prevention and guarding against reinfection after treatment. If you utilize public spaces, do not walk barefoot. Use sandals or shower shoes in gyms and around public pools.
Regardless of footwear, always keep your feet clean and dry. After all, bacteria and fungi thrive in a wet environment. Properly dry them off after being outside in inclement weather like rain or snow. Take the same care with your socks and anything you wear on your feet. Avoid sharing footwear with other people.
Make thorough washing and drying of your feet, even between the toes, part of daily care. You can exfoliate dry skin and use antifungal foot powder to prevent bacteria growth.
Choose Healthy Feet Now
Dr. Fillerup and Dr. Fillerup can treat your toenail fungus in Santa Maria, CA. However, infection can happen again if you don’t take precautions. If you have the above symptoms, don’t hesitate to call the Foot & Ankle Center of the Central Coast at (805) 934-0570 to seek care.