Avon Podiatry Forms

A fungal infected toenail (onychomycosis or onychomycotic toenail) can be a stubborn cosmetic and functional problem. Early in the course of the disease process, the nail may become yellowed or may have superficial white spots. This may progress under the toenail until the entire nail is discolored, crumbly, and eventually becomes thickened. At first the discoloration is more of a cosmetic problem, but as the disease progresses, the nail becomes thickened and difficult to trim. Later yet, the nail may become difficult to fit into a shoe and actually cause pain due to the extreme thickness.

The fungal organism, or fungi, is called a hyphae (hi phee) or hyphal element. People who frequent public places such as swimming pools, gyms, public showers and those who perspire a lot are more often infected as the fungi grows best in a warm, moist environment.

Until 5 years ago, treatment of a fungal toenail was limited to Fulvicin™. It required over a year of daily pills and frequent blood tests to monitor the liver. The success rate was less than 25%. After stopping the Fulvicin, the fungus often returned.

Lamisil ™, Sporanox™, and Penlac™ are now available. Lamisil and Sporanox are both oral medications. Penlac is a topical medication. All three have a place in the treatment of fungus toenails (onychomycosis). Choosing the correct medication depends on several factors including; severity of the disease, the number of nails infected, and the needs and general health of the patient. Today, the success of the various treatments for a fungus infected toenail approaches 70% and the recurrence rate is lower than before.

Avon Podiatry
Avon Station Medical Center
8244 E. US Highway 36, suite 120
Avon, Indiana 46123

317-272-0556

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