Toenail Fungus- Overview and Treatment in Norridge, IL
Struggling with toenail fungus? If you live near Norridge, IL, it’s time to work with Dr. Jennifer Busser and the rest of our team at the Norridge Foot and Ankle Clinic. Since fungi can spread and treatment can take several weeks, it’s wise to get the infection under control as quickly as possible. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out.
Toenail Fungus- A Tough Problem to Solve
Fungi are hardy organisms and can be very difficult to control or kill off. This is true whether we’re talking about fungus on the toenails or fungus in your HVAC system. If fungi have infected your toenails, the road to eradicating the fungi may be rather long.
Unfortunately, fungal infections will rarely clear up on their own and treatment is often required. Without treatment, fungal infections could spread not just across the feet, but to other parts of the body as well. If you need help with toenail fungus in Norridge, IL, stop by the Norridge Foot Clinic and speak with Dr. Busser.
Unfortunately, the feet are a perfect place for fungi to take root. That’s because many species of fungi prefer dark, damp places, which, for better or worse, describes the inside of one's socks and shoes quite well. Fungal foot issues can be especially common for people who are physically active and/or who spend time in gym locker rooms and other dark, humid areas.
Treatment options for toenail fungal infections include:
- Oral antifungal medications- Available in prescription strength. Take on a regular basis as prescribed. This is typically the most effective option and can clear the infection in a few months.
- Topical antifungal medications- Similar to oral medications but applied directly to the toenails and skin. These often have less side effects than oral medications. Available in prescription strength in our office.
- Over-the-counter remedies- There are some over-the-counter products that have antifungal properties and may be an appropriate alternative or addition to prescription medication for some patients.
- Nail biopsy- A sample of the nail can be obtained by Dr. Busser and sent out for testing. This identifies the specific type of fungus and the best treatment option.
In need of effective fungal toenail infection treatment in Norridge, IL? Come see Dr. Busser. She can provide prescription antifungal medicine and other treatments to clear up your condition.
Fungal Toenail Symptoms
Symptoms include pain, itchiness, or tingling in the feet. You may also notice a strong odor, including in socks and shoes. It’s also wise to regularly inspect your feet and especially toenails to see if you can spot fungal growths.