Summer is sandal season. But if you have thick, yellow toenails, you may be spending these warmer months trying to find new ways to cover up your nails. Want to get rid of those unsightly toenails? Let's understand what's causing changes to the color and appearance of your nail. That way, you can seek proper yellow toenail treatment with Marietta podiatrist Dr. Alvin Cowans. 

Why Do I Have Thick Yellow Toenails? a thick yellow toenail due to fungal infecton

Aging can change the color, texture and appearance of your nail. Individuals with diabetes may also develop yellow toenails due to the effect sugar breakdown in the body has on collagen production. And nail polish addicts may notice their nails take on a yellow tinge once the polish comes off for a bit. However, toenail fungus (onychomicosis) is the most common cause of thick yellow toenails seen in our office. In addition to these changes, a fungal toenail infection may also:

  • Cause your nail to appear brown, cloudy or chalky
  • Create deformities in the nail. The nail may also crumble or become mishapen
  • Cause cracks to devleop in the nail
  • Lead to a seperation between your nail and the skin beneath it (your nail bed)
  • Cause your nail to give off an unpleasant odor

What Causes Fungal Infections in the Nail?

Anyone can develop toenail fungus if particles that are a natural part of our worls make their way into your bloodstream. Your risk for the thick yellow toenails of a fungal toenail increase if you regularly go barefoot. But a compromised immune system, along with chronic conditions such as diabetes, also increases your risk. 

What Kills Thick Nail Fungus? 

Fungal toenail infections can be difficult to treat. And that's because the infection must be targeted beneath that thick yellow toenail in order to completely resolve your infection. For that reason, Dr. Alvin Cowans provides a variety of yellow toenail treatment options. For some patients, topical or oral medications such as Lamisil, Sporanox or Diflucan may clear the infection and restore the appearance of a healthy nail. Topical medications are usually used in combination with oral medications, since applying a product to the surface of your nail cannot target the infection beneath its surface. 

However, for faster treatment and better outcomes, we recommend laser treatment for toenail fungus. It has a high efficacy rate, according to research. It also has a reduced risk for complications when compared to oral medications. (These medicatications can affect your liver health.) Laser therapy also won't interact with other medications you may be taking, so it's an ideal option for patients who are inelligable for oral fungal toenail medications. 

Can Thickened Toenails be Reversed?

When a fungal infection is the cause of your thick yellow toenails, time and effective treatment should restore the healthy appearance and texture of your nail. Just remember, the recovery period from this infection can be lengthy. And, if your nail matrix becomes permanently damaged, reversing thickening may be more difficult. For that reason, you should seek treatment as soon as you notice changes to the color or texture of your nail, as that could be a sign of a brewing infection. 

What Does Vicks Vaporub Do for Thickened Toenails?

As surprising as it may sound, research shows that the topical application of this over-the-counter product can resolve a fungal infection in your nail. Still, that resolution could take two years. And, during that time, you'd have to live with thick yellow toenails. For that reason, we recommend seeking faster treatment options for toenail fungus. 

What Can a Podiatrist Do For Thick Yellow Toenails?

Initially, your podiatrist can assess your feet and nails, determining the exact cause of changes to the appearance of your nail. After your diagnosis, you will be given yellow toenail treatment options, with your podiatrist highlighting the relative advantages and risks of each potential option. Most importantly, your podiatrist can provide prescription strength solutions to fungal infections. This will help you regain healthy nails that you're proud to show off in your favorite slides and sandals, and it will also prevent the spread of infection to additional nails on your feet or even to friends or loved ones. Your podiatrist can also monitor your progress during treatment to ensure that your infection is responding appropriately, and to take corrective measures if necessary. 

Yellow Toenail Treatment in Marietta, Georgia

Dr. Alvin Cowans can help resolve toenail fungus. He can also help reduce your risk for infections by providing proper diabetic foot care, or by sharing appropriate hygiene recommendations. If you have noticed changes to the color, texture, shape or even odor of your toenail, now is the time to contact our office, by calling 770-727-0614  or by following this link to make an appointment. Clearing up a fungal toenail infection can be a lengthy process. So start today, and we'll try to get you back in your favorite sandals before Labor Day! 

 

Get Rid of Stubborn Toenail Fungus With Laser Therapy at Optimum Podiatry in Powder Springs, GA

Visit Dr. Alvin Cowans at Optimum Podiatry located in the community of Lost Mountain in Powder Springs, GA.  Dr. Alvin Cowans is a foot and ankle expert and board certified foot surgeon. Dr. Cowans offers laser therapy for toenail fungus, a speedier and more efficient option than traditional medications. Optimum Podiatry serves patients throughout Cobb County and Paulding County, including Marietta, Smyrna, Mableton, Kennesaw, Austell, Dallas, Hiram, Acworth, and Lithia Springs.

Call 770-727-0614 to schedule your appointment or click here to get started.