What is onychomycosis?
Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the toenails, typically caused by dermatophytes. Although often benign, it can be stubborn, unsightly, and occasionally painful if left untreated.
Typical symptoms
- Thickened, brittle, or deformed nail
- Discoloration (yellow, brownish, or white)
- Partial or complete nail detachment
- Unpleasant odor
- Pressure pain when walking (in advanced cases)
Causes and risk factors
- Moisture buildup in shoes
- Heat, sweating, lack of ventilation
- Prolonged use of closed shoes
- Nail trauma
- Untreated athlete’s foot (entry point for infection)
- Weakened immune system
- High-risk environments (locker rooms, public pools)
Why treat onychomycosis?
Besides the aesthetic aspect, onychomycosis can:
- It can spread to other nails
- It can spread to other people
- It increases infection risk in diabetics or the elderly
- It may cause permanent nail damage
Treatment at PodiSanté
Le traitement de l’onychomycose inclut les solutions suivantes :
– Clinical and lab confirmation
Visual diagnosis and lab testing via nail sampling.
– Topical antifungal treatment
Stronger than over-the-counter options, prescribed and customized to your condition.
– Oral antifungal medication
Your podiatrist can prescribe the oral treatment with certain conditions if necessary.
– Nail debridement
To thin the nail and enhance treatment penetration.
– Regular podiatric follow-up
Structured long-term treatment plan.
– Prevention advice
Foot hygiene, shoe choices, sock and footwear disinfection.
