What Causes Nail Fungus?
posted: Jan. 10, 2023.
Dr. Staci Bogin at Elite Foot & Ankle Clinic in Thornton, CO has more than 10 years of foot, leg, and ankle, expertise. She prides herself on a transparent and communicative approach to providing comprehensive care, and ensuring her patients are comfortable with the services received every step of the way. While preventing, diagnosing, and treating injuries or health conditions related to these lower extremities, Dr. Bogin also does the same for skin and and nail conditions like nail fungus. Nail fungus causes nails (most often the toes) to become cracked, discolored, fragile, or thick. But what causes nail fungus? We're here to explain.
What Causes Nail Fungus?
Though most cases of nail fungus observed at our practice aren't concerning, symptoms still require attention. To treat the symptoms, Dr. Bogin must first identify the cause. Nail fungus often results from germs contracted by nail trauma or a deformity, peripheral arterial disease (poor circulation), a weak immune system, diabetes, or fungal infections that develop in other body parts. For example, it's not uncommon for you to have a fungal skin infection (athlete's foot) at the same time you develop nail fungus. Fortunately, for every cause, there's treatment. Non-invasive methods include prescription antifungal pills since the condition doesn't typically heal itself. In severe cases, Dr. Bogin may suggest surgery to remove the nail.
Brittle or thickened nails, scaling under the nails, white or yellow streaks on the nail's surface, or signs of nail distortion are all symptoms of nail fungus. You shouldn't intend to ignore them, as leaving them untreated can lead to complications for your nail bed, such as infection or worse. Please explore our website to learn more about the conditions we treat and the services provided. If you have questions or concerns about the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of nail fungus in Thornton, CO, or would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Staci Bogin at Elite Foot & Ankle Clinic, call (720) 328-2022.