Nail Fungus Specialist
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South Sound Foot & Ankle
Podiatric Medicine and Surgery & Diabetic Wound Care Specialist located in Olympia, WA
Conscientious podiatrist Mark Hopkins, DPM, offers proven-successful solutions for nail fungus. At South Sound Foot & Ankle in Olympia, Washington, Dr. Hopkins provides innovative treatments, including various topical antifungal solutions, healthy lifestyle changes, and oral medications. Nail fungus can affect people of varying ages and walks of life and Dr. Hopkins is here to help. Don’t hide your nails or just hope for it to get better. Call South Sound Foot & Ankle or schedule through the online system today.
Nail Fungus Q&A
What is nail fungus?
Nail fungus is a fungal infection that begins as a white or yellow spot at the end of the nail plate. The fungus can cause your nail to crumble at the edges, discolor, and thicken, as the infection progresses.
Several nails might be affected at the same time. Fungus nails aren’t contagious between people but the infection can spread between your toes.
Most fungus nails don’t present symptoms, but they might become painful or be a cosmetic problem for some people. The fungus can also infect the skin of your feet and spaces between your toes (athlete’s foot).
What are the symptoms of nail fungus?
You might have nail fungus if one or more of your nails are:
- Brittle and crumbling
- Distorted
- Discolored — white, yellow, or brown
- Thickened
Your infected nail might also give off a foul odor.
What causes nail fungus?
Not all thickened, discolored, or deformed nails are caused by fungus infections; some can be due to circulatory problems, trauma, birth defects, the use of certain drugs, and other conditions involving high fever.
Fungal nail infections are caused by various fungal organisms or fungi. Certain factors that can lead to or worsen a fungal infection include:
- Aging
- History of athlete’s foot
- Yeast and mold
- Decreased blood circulation to the feet
- Weakened immune system
- Heavy sweating
- Walking barefoot in communal areas like swimming pools
- Psoriasis and other skin conditions
- A minor skin or nail injury
- Diabetes
A fungus is more prone to thrive in areas that can become damp, such as in your shoes.
How is nail fungus treated?
Dr. Hopkins examines your nail and typically obtains a fungal culture test to ensure it’s a fungus. He has exceptional diagnostic abilities from years of experience and can determine if you’re dealing with a fungus or if it’s a different disease.
Dr. Hopkins might suggest certain treatments, such as:
- Surgical removal of the nail plate and fungus
- Trimming and thinning the nails
- Medicated nail polish
- Oral medications
- Prescription or over-the-counter antifungal topical medications
- Self-care instructions
If a fungal infection isn’t treated properly, it can lead to a potentially dangerous blood infection called cellulitis.
Dr. Hopkins provides the innovative Tolcylen antifungal nail renewal solution that works wonders for treating fungal nail infections. Tolcylen is a medication you can apply directly to your fungal nail. Tolcylen contains FDA-approved antifungal agents.
If you’d like to wear open-toed shoes and get rid of your fungal nails, explore your available treatment options at South Sound Foot & Ankle or call or click today.
