Patients who use public showers or pools often experience a foot condition called toenail fungus. It is an infection caused by fungi living in and around the nail. Cases of toenail fungus can be successfully treated by a foot doctor at Prestige Podiatry in Carmel and Indianapolis, IN.

Toenail Fungus Effects
If you notice that your toenails have taken on a yellow or brownish color and are thick, chipped, and flaky, this is one of the clearest signs of toenail fungus. Toenail fungus can also make your toes emit an unpleasant smell. If you notice a strange odor on your socks or inside of your shoes, this may be the presence of a fungus infection. In extreme cases, the nail can detach from the nail bed, presenting a new risk to your foot health, so this is not a problem you should ignore.

Traditional Treatments
The traditional way of curing toenail fungus is to apply an antifungal medicine, such as a cream or special nail polish. This method sometimes works, but sometimes it takes a long while to see the positive effects. It can also be messy and difficult for patients to remember to apply the medicine regularly. Oral antifungal medication can also help but may come with undesirable side effects.

Benefits of Laser Treatment
Today the preferred method of curing toenail fungus cases is to use lasers. During a laser treatment, your Carmel and Indianapolis foot doctor applies laser heat through a special wand that eliminates the fungus and stops the infection. Healthy nail tissue begins to grow over the next few weeks. Lasers are pain-free and provide fast results and relief. The fungus could be neutralized after just one short appointment.

Take Care of Your Toes
Your toenails provide your feet with much-needed protection, so it is important that you take good care of them. Contact a Carmel and Indianapolis, IN foot doctor to get treatment for toenail fungus using a laser procedure. Call (317) 846-4111 for the Carmel, IN, office or (317) 881-0070 for the Indianapolis, IN, office today to schedule a visit with Dr. Jeffrey Agricola at Prestige Podiatry.

• Always keep your feet dry – fungi loves warm, moist areas
• Wear shower shoes whenever you visit a public shower
• Disinfect your shower if you share one with someone who has a fungal infection
• Don’t share footwear with others
• Take care of your feet when you get a cut or damage a nail—fungi can enter through these injured areas

• There are different ways to treat a fungal infection. Some of these treatments include:
• Antifungal cream
• Antifungal pills
• Toenail fungus laser treatment