Do you keep your feet hidden from view because you feel embarrassed by your yellow toenails? Treating toenail fungus can be challenging. Even if you faithfully apply over-the-counter products, you may see no change in your nails despite months of treatment. Our Wesley Chapel, FL, podiatrists, Dr. George Tjamaloukas and Dr. Kathy Tjamaloukas, discuss toenail fungus and explain what can be done to treat it.

What caused my toenails to turn yellow?

Your toenail turns an unsightly shade of yellow when it's infected by dermatophytes, fungi that consume keratin, a protein found in nails. It's very easy to catch the fungus. In fact, you can pick it up if you walk barefoot in public locker rooms or pool areas or share socks, shoes, towels or sheets with someone has toenail fungus.

Several factors may increase your risk of developing an infection, including:

• Your Age: As you grow older, it's not unusual for small cracks to form in your nails. Even the smallest crack or break in your nail can provide the perfect opportunity for fungi to enter your nail.
• Sweaty Feet: Fungi thrive in the moist, dark environments. If your feet perspire heavily when you wear socks or shoes, your risk of toenail fungus may rise.
• A Nail Injury: Did your fungal infection develop after you dropped something on your foot? Injuries to your nails also raise your risk.
• Diseases and Conditions: Toenail fungus is more common in people who have immune system disorders, diabetes and circulation problems.

How can my foot doctor help?

Podiatrists offer effective treatments that can finally clear your nails. When you visit our Wesley Chapel office, we may recommend one or more of these options:

• Medicated Creams and Polishes: These topical medications are stronger than drugstore products and penetrate the deeper layers of your nail to kill fungus.
• Oral Anti-Fungal Medications: Oral medications usually resolve fungal infections in six to 12 weeks. Although the medication is very effective, it's not recommended if you have congestive heart failure or liver disease.
• Nail Removal: If the fungus doesn't respond to treatment, we may suggest removing your nail. Nail removal allows easy treatment of the fungi on your nail bed.
• Laser Treatment: Laser treatment, the newest toenail fungus treatment method, destroys fungus by heating the yellow pigment with short laser bursts.

Improve the condition of your nails with toenail fungus treatment. Call our Wesley Chapel, FL, podiatrists, Drs. George and Kathy Tjamaloukas, at (813) 909-0865 to schedule your appointment.