Nail Fungus

Nail fungus is not something to take lightly. This common cause of foot pain can create significant discomfort and disrupt your mobility. Your Dallas podiatrist at Advanced Foot & Ankle Care Specialists offers a range of options that work for you.

Fungal Nails Treatment

Proper treatment for a fungal nail infection can include antifungal medications or foot surgery to remove part or all of the infected nail. Over-the-counter antifungal nail creams and external applications tend to be ineffective against an infection because topical creams cannot penetrate the nail. Probably the easiest and most highly recommended option is avoiding or limiting nail fungus altogether by keeping the nails clean and well groomed. If it’s too late for prevention, make an appointment with our Dallas podiatry office to find a solution.

Antifungal Medications

Our podiatrists, Dr. Kennedy Legel or Dr. Genise Kennedy, may prescribe an oral antifungal medication to clear up a pesky nail fungus. A prescription antifungal medicine is designed to help the body grow a healthy, infection-free nail that will eventually supplant the affected nail altogether. This approach is usually recommended for those who:

• Have a history of cellulitis
• Experience pain or discomfort from the nail infection
• Have diabetes or other risk factors for cellulitis

One thing to keep in mind, however, is that nail fungus treatment has no set timetable for complete recovery, even with a prescription. The entire healing process will differ patient to patient. It’s important to practice proper nail care at all times, even if the nails still look irregular in shape and appearance. Even if you’ve received treatment already, just know that nail fungus may come back. Recurrent infections happen frequently, especially when the nail is constantly exposed to warm, moist environments.

Foot Surgery for Nail Fungus

Surgery is a last resort option to treat nail fungus and is normally only advised if the infection is to a point of extreme pain. If that’s the case, Dr. Legel or Dr. Kennedy will suggest the nail be removed either in part (debridement) or in its entirety (avulsion), and a new nail will then gradually develop in its place.

Schedule an Appointment

If you are suffering from an infection and need nail fungus treatment, call (214) 366-4600 or contact us online to schedule an appointment with Dallas, TX podiatrists and wound specialists, Dr. Kennedy Legel and Dr. Genise Kennedy.