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Nail Fungus Specialist

Podiatry & Foot & Ankle Surgery located in Live Oak, TX

Nail Fungus services offered in Live Oak, TX

Onychomycosis (nail fungus) is a common problem that affects about 1 in 10 adults. If your toenails are brittle, yellow, or crumbly, seek treatment. At Greater San Antonio Podiatry, experienced podiatrist Rolando Santellana, DPM, provides complete care for nail fungus. Using noninvasive treatments, he can eliminate the infection and provide lasting relief. To make an appointment, call the office in Live Oak, Texas, or book online today.

Nail Fungus Q & A

What is nail fungus?

Nail fungus is a fungal infection of your toenails. Typically, a fungal infection starts as a small white or yellow dot. As the fungi multiply and spread, they affect the color and appearance of your nails, increasing the risk of more serious problems.

Mild nail fungus usually responds to over-the-counter treatment, like topical ointment. If you have diabetes or another health problem that affects circulation to your feet, contact Dr. Santellana. Early intervention can reduce the risk of infection and gangrene.

What are the symptoms of nail fungus?

Nail fungus causes your toenails to become:

  • Thick
  • Yellow or brown
  • Brittle, crumbly, and ragged
  • Distorted in shape

As the infection worsens, you might also notice a foul odor emanating from your socks and shoes.

When should I see a podiatrist about nail fungus?

Make an appointment at Greater San Antonio Podiatry if your toenails change color and at-home treatments don’t make a noticeable difference. That’s especially true if you have diabetes or another health problem that increases your risk of foot-related complications.

Who is at risk of experiencing nail fungus?

Anyone can experience nail fungus, but several factors may increase your risk, including:

  • Being older
  • Having reduced blood flow to your feet
  • Sweating heavily
  • A history of athlete’s foot
  • Experiencing a minor skin injury, like a cut or a blister

You’re also more likely to develop toenail fungus if you walk barefoot in public facilities, like locker rooms, swimming pools, or saunas.

How is toenail fungus diagnosed?

At Greater San Antonio Podiatry, Dr. Santellana diagnoses toenail fungus during an in-office visit.

First, he reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when they started and if they’ve worsened over time. Next, Dr. Santellana examines your toes and toenails. He also takes clippings and sends them to a lab to identify the type of fungus causing your infection.

After Dr. Santellana receives the results of the tests, he makes treatment recommendations that align with your health history and needs.

How is toenail fungus treated?

Toenail fungus can be challenging to treat, but if you follow Dr. Santellana’s instructions, it’s possible to stop the infection and prevent it from coming back. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, Dr. Santellana might recommend:

  • Oral antifungal drugs
  • Medicated nail polish
  • Medicated nail cream
  • Laser nail therapy

If these treatments don’t provide lasting relief, Dr. Santellana might recommend removing your nail completely. After removing your nail, Dr. Santellana applies a prescription antifungal solution to your skin to prevent it from recurring.

To learn more about the treatment options for toenail fungus, make an appointment at Greater San Antonio Podiatry by calling the office or booking online today.