Toenail Fungus
Toenail Fungus Treatment in Portsmouth & Nashua, NH
Get help for thick, discolored, brittle, or damaged toenails. Northeast Foot & Ankle can determine whether your nail changes are caused by fungus and recommend a personalized treatment plan.
When Should You See a Podiatrist for Toenail Fungus?
Toenail fungus can be difficult to treat without professional care. It may gradually spread, worsen, or cause the affected nail to become increasingly thick and damaged.
Schedule an evaluation if:
- Your toenail has become yellow, white, brown, or otherwise discolored
- The nail is thick, brittle, cracked, or crumbling
- The nail is lifting away from the nail bed
- You have discomfort when wearing shoes or walking
- More than one toenail is affected
- You also have scaling, itching, or peeling skin on your feet
- You have tried an over-the-counter product without improvement
- The problem keeps returning after treatment
- You are unsure whether the nail changes are caused by fungus
- You have diabetes, poor circulation, neuropathy, or a condition that may affect healing
Not every thick or discolored toenail is caused by fungus. Nail injuries, psoriasis, aging, and other conditions can produce similar changes. A podiatrist can evaluate the nail and recommend the right treatment.
Featured Toenail Fungus Treatments
Lunula Laser Treatment
Lunula Laser is a nonthermal, low-level laser treatment designed to promote an increase in clear nail growth in patients with toenail fungus. Treatment is painless, requires zero downtime, and can treat multiple toenails during the same session.
Oral Antifungal Medication
Prescription oral antifungal medication may be recommended for certain fungal nail infections. Your podiatrist will consider the severity of the infection, your medical history and any potential medication interactions before determining whether it is appropriate for you.
Toenail Removal
In severe or persistent cases, part or all of the infected toenail may be removed to relieve discomfort and allow the nail bed to be treated directly. Your podiatrist will determine whether temporary or permanent nail removal is appropriate.
What Is Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is an infection that develops beneath or within the nail. It can cause the toenail to become discolored, thick, brittle, misshapen, or separated from the nail bed.
The infection often develops gradually and may affect one or several toenails. Because other conditions can cause similar nail changes, an evaluation can help confirm the cause before treatment begins.
What Causes Toenail Fungus?
Fungi thrive in warm, damp environments and may enter through small cracks in the nail or surrounding skin. Common risk factors include:
- Athlete’s foot
- Damp or sweaty footwear
- Public showers and locker rooms
- Nail injuries
- Shared nail tools
- Poor circulation
- Diabetes
- Increasing age
The infection may also return if fungus remains in shoes, socks, nail tools, or the skin surrounding the nail.
Can You Treat Toenail Fungus at Home?
Over-the-counter products may help fungal infections on the skin, but they often do not reach fungus located beneath a thick toenail.
While waiting for an evaluation, keep your feet dry, change damp socks, wear breathable shoes, disinfect nail tools, and avoid sharing footwear or clippers. Schedule an appointment if the nail is painful, worsening, spreading, or not improving.
What Can I Expect During Treatment?
Your podiatrist will examine the affected nail, review your symptoms, and determine whether the changes are likely caused by a fungal infection.
Treatment may include Lunula Laser, oral antifungal medication, or nail removal in more severe cases. Because toenails grow slowly, it can take several months for clearer, healthier nail growth to become visible.
FAQs: Toenail Fungus
How do I know whether I have toenail fungus?
Toenail fungus can cause discoloration, thickening, cracking, crumbling, or separation from the nail bed. However, injuries, psoriasis, and other nail conditions may look similar. A professional evaluation can help determine the cause.
Will toenail fungus go away on its own?
Toenail fungus usually does not clear without treatment. The infection may gradually worsen or spread to other nails. Earlier treatment may be easier than waiting until much of the nail is affected.
Is toenail fungus contagious?
Yes. The fungi that cause nail infections can spread through shared surfaces, nail tools, shoes, socks, or direct contact. Not everyone who is exposed will develop an infection.
Can toenail fungus spread to the skin?
Toenail fungus and athlete’s foot are often caused by related fungi. An infection may affect both the nails and the skin, particularly between the toes or along the bottom of the foot.
How long does toenail fungus treatment take?
Treatment time depends on the severity of the infection and the method used. Toenails grow slowly, so it may take many months for the damaged nail to grow out even after treatment has begun working.
Can toenail fungus come back after treatment?
Yes. Reinfection is possible, particularly if fungus remains on the surrounding skin, inside footwear, or on nail-care tools. Keeping feet dry, treating athlete’s foot, disinfecting tools, and following your podiatrist’s home-care instructions can help reduce the risk.
Download Our Toenail Fungus Guide
Learn what causes toenail fungus, how to recognize the signs, and which treatment options may help. Download our free guide for practical information on managing fungal nails and knowing when to see a podiatrist.
Get Help for Thick or Discolored Toenails
You don’t have to keep hiding or struggling with thick, damaged toenails. Our podiatrists can evaluate the affected nails, determine whether fungus may be present, and recommend a treatment plan based on your condition.
Schedule an appointment at our Portsmouth or Nashua office for professional toenail fungus treatment.
Pay Your Bill
Make a payment online through our payment portal or Care Credit!
Portsmouth Office
14 Manchester Square, Suite 250
Portsmouth, NH 03801
Nashua Office
17 Riverside Street, Suite 205
Nashua, NH 03062
Website Hosted by SC Digital