The Walking Clinic, PC  
719-635-7700 
 

 

ONYCHOMYCOSIS (nail fungus)
  Fungal nail infections are very common. We are exposed to fungi every day. This is an opportunistic infection which means that you were exposed to just the right organism in just the right way at just the right time when you were susceptible to the infection.  
   
 
  The problem is there are just so many varieties of organisms that cause this infection. There are many different fungal and candida infections of the nails. Because we wear shoes and socks, all the toes live together in the same dark and warm environment. This infection slowly gets worse....  
   
 
  .....and worse until....  
   
 
  .....the skin gets infected too. Then the nails become the source of chronic recurring reinfection of the skin  
   
 
       
       
       

 
   
 
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Fungal Factoids
Treatment Options
  1. This infection lives under the nail plate but on top of the nail bed. It is difficult to kill because it is outside of your physiology
  2. When growth is arrested, the mycosis persists. This is a very large organism.
  3. Cure must include outgrowth of the nail. This can take several months and requires persistence and dedication.
  4. This infection is not indicative of poor hygiene
  5. This infection is not indicative of poor health
  6. This infection is contageous....you caught it.
  7. Others can catch it from you
  1. No treatment - this infection is very unlikely to be fatal. It is, however, progressive and will get worse
  2. Toenail removal - this can be either a temporary or permanent removal. Some providers have tried nail removal followed by having the patient use a topical antifungal as the new nail plate regrows. In 25 year of practice I have never seen this strategy succeed. If you choose to remove your toenail, I recommend that it be a permanent avulsion
  3. Topical antifungal - In my experience, only 1 topical antifungal has proven effective (Formula-3®). Plan on 6 months of twice daily use.
  4. Oral antifungal - If you choose to use an oral antifungal, I recommend Lamisil.
   
   

 

Dr. Sol is Board Certified in Foot & Ankle Surgery by The American Board of Podiatric Surgery.

He advises, "In my experience, topical medications do not work because the fungus is well protected under the nail and the medication doesn't get thru." He recommends treating this infection sooner rather than later because no matter how bad your infection is now, it will get worse.

Call us at (719)635-7700 with your questions about
onychomycosis (nail fungus).