Nail Fungus

Fungus infection of toenails afflicts approximately 30 million Americans. It is most prevalent after age 40, but may also infect younger individuals and children. Often, people are not aware of the fungal infection, because the condition is generally painless, and it takes many years for the nails to become deformed.

Some fungal toenails begin after trauma causes bleeding under the nail. Another cause is chronic athlete’s foot, which is a fungal infection of skin. The skin fungus eventually spreads to the nails. Once the nails are infected, they become a reservoir of the fungus, leading to persistent athlete’s foot. Factors that increase susceptibility to fungal toenails are hot humid weather, sweaty feet, poor circulation, diabetes and immunocompromised states.

Signs of onychomycosis

• Separation of the end of the nail from the nail bed

• Malodorous, soft, yellow material beneath the nail

• Thickened, yellow nails

• Chronic athlete’s foot

Onychomycosis is contagious and should be treated. It will not resolve by itself. Although fungal nails were difficult to treat in the past, current medications and treatment protocols can successfully cure the condition.

At Advanced Foot & Ankle Clinic, Dr. Williams and Dr. Silvers, like prefer to begin patients on a topical fungicidal nail lacquer called Formula 3.
Formula 3 is an oil-based nail lacquer that contains an active anti-fungal ingredient called Tolnaftate. Tolnaftate has been FDA-approved for over 50 years. Formula 3 has patented technology to make Tolnaftate oil soluble and can now penetrate the nail.

Our ½ oz. bottle will treat the nails for at least 3-4 months.

Formula 3 is an oil and requires no drying time. It is odorless and does not stain. It is absorbed by the nail in seconds. It is recommended to apply to the product and massage into the nail.

Oral anti-fungal drugs have revolutionized the way we treat fungus infections of the nails. Based on extensive experience with available oral fungicides, our doctors have chosen to prescribe Lamisil® tablets, because Lamisil® offers our patients a very high success rate.

Good foot hygiene can help you avoid fungus infection of the toenails.

• Do not walk barefoot in public areas such as pools, showers or locker rooms.

• Keep the toenails trimmed short so the fungus cannot latch on to unattached portions of nail.

• Keep the feet dry. Dry carefully between the toes after bathing and use a foot powder if your feet sweat a lot.

• Wash the feet daily, especially between the toes.

If you have questions or would like to discuss the treatment of toenail fungus, please contact Advanced Foot and Ankle Clinic in McKinney and Prosper, TX.