Nail Fungus: What It Looks Like, How It Starts, and What You Can Do About It

Nail fungus usually does not appear out of nowhere. In many cases, an infection starts when the skin under the nail gets injured or broken, making it easier for fungus to get in. That injury can come from:

• a single incident

• repeated pressure over time

• shoes that are too tight

• the structure of the foot causing repeated trauma

• cleaning under the nail too aggressively

• using something sharp under the nail and accidentally damaging the skin

That last one is more common than many people realize.

If the skin under the nail keeps getting irritated or broken, the nail can become much more vulnerable to infection.

How nail fungus often starts

Nail fungus commonly begins when the skin under the nail is damaged,
creating an opening for infection to take hold.

What the progression of a fungal infection usually looks like

A fungal nail infection typically starts at the tip of the nail.

At first, you may notice:

• discoloration

• a nail that just does not look quite right

• subtle changes that are easy to ignore

As the infection spreads farther down the nail, it can start to:

• cause the nail to separate from the nail bed​

• make the nail become thick

• give the nail a crumbly texture

What we do if we suspect fungus

We do not diagnose fungal infections in our office.

A proper diagnosis requires a doctor to send nail trimmings to a laboratory.

But if we suspect an infection, we will usually recommend an extremely effective non-prescription antifungal and monitor your progress.

Here’s how that often works:

• we start with the appropriate conservative care

• we monitor the nail as it grows

• if the nail starts improving, that’s a great sign we’re on the right path

• if it doesn’t improve within 3 months, we match you with one of our partnering podiatrists

We help you understand your options before you see the doctor

Doctor visits are often rushed, and many clients go in with a lot of unanswered questions.

Before you go, we can help explain:

• the different medical options that exist

• what those options are like

• how they vary in price

• which treatments are more or less pleasant

That matters, especially because insurance often considers nail fungus a cosmetic issue, so many medical solutions are not covered.

Helping you understand the landscape ahead of time can save a lot of frustration.

Every client is different

Some of our clients improve so well with our care that they avoid a trip to the doctor altogether.

Others do best when we work in partnership with their doctor to help speed up the healing process.

Either way, the key is the same:

each client has different needs.

That’s exactly why our office is such a great first stop when you’re ready to take care of your thick nails.

Why start with us

At our office, you get more than a nail trim.

You get:

• safe, comfortable thinning and trimming

• a closer look at possible causes

• help preventing further injury

• guidance if infection may be involved

• support understanding your treatment options

• referral help when needed

If you’re tired of struggling with fungal nails, book now and let us help you figure out the best next step for your feet.