Say Goodbye to Toenail Fungus in Time for Sandal Season

Toenail fungus isn’t just a cosmetic problem — it’s a stubborn infection that can be frustrating, embarrassing, and surprisingly difficult to treat. As the weather warms up and sandal season approaches, many people become more aware of unsightly, discolored toenails. The good news? You don’t have to hide your feet this summer. With today’s advanced treatment options at Medical Dermatology Specialists in Atlanta, GA, you can finally get rid of toenail fungus and feel confident slipping into your favorite sandals.

What Causes Toenail Fungus?

Toenail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis, is a common condition caused by fungal organisms called dermatophytes. These fungi thrive in warm, moist environments like public showers, locker rooms, swimming pools, and even sweaty socks or shoes. Once the fungus enters the nail bed — often through small cracks or cuts in the skin around the nail — it can grow and spread, causing infection.

Several factors can increase your risk of developing toenail fungus, including:

• Walking barefoot in communal areas
• Wearing tight, non-breathable footwear
• Having a history of athlete’s foot
• Poor foot hygiene
• Excessive sweating
• Reduced blood circulation (common in older adults)
• Diabetes or a weakened immune system

Age is also a major risk factor — studies show that up to 50% of people over age 70 have toenail fungus, though it can affect people of all ages. Being susceptible to nail fungus is also hereditary.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Toenail fungus often starts subtly but can become more noticeable over time. Common signs include:

• Yellow, white, or brown discoloration of the nail
• Thickened or brittle nails
• Nails that crumble or split easily
• Distorted nail shape
• A foul odor coming from the nail
• Nails lifting or separating from the nail bed

Without treatment, toenail fungus can spread to other nails or skin, leading to more serious infections, especially in people with diabetes or compromised immune systems.

How We Treat Toenail Fungus

At Medical Dermatology Specialists in Atlanta, we understand how frustrating nail fungus can be. It’s not just about how your nails look — it’s about your health, confidence, and comfort. That’s why we offer a range of safe, effective treatment options tailored to your specific needs.

1. Topical Antifungal Medications

For mild to moderate cases, we may recommend prescription-strength topical treatments. These creams or lacquers are applied directly to the affected nail and surrounding skin. While topical medications can be effective, they often require daily use for several months and work best when combined with nail debridement (trimming or thinning the nail).

2. Oral Antifungal Medications

For more stubborn infections, oral antifungal medications like terbinafine or itraconazole may be prescribed. These medications treat the fungus from the inside out and are typically taken for 6 to 12 weeks. Oral treatments have a higher success rate than topical options but may require periodic liver function monitoring.

3. Laser Treatment

One of the most innovative options available is laser therapy. FDA-cleared laser devices target the fungus beneath the nail without harming surrounding tissue. Treatment sessions are quick and painless and require no downtime. Many patients see improvement after a few sessions, though multiple treatments may be necessary, depending on the severity of the infection.

4. Nail Removal (in severe cases)

In cases where the nail is severely damaged or unresponsive to other treatments, partial or complete nail removal may be considered. This allows the area to heal and reduces the risk of further infection.

Prevention Matters

Even after successful treatment, toenail fungus can return if preventive steps aren’t taken. Here’s how to reduce your risk of reinfection:

• Keep your feet clean and dry
• Change socks daily
• Wear moisture-wicking socks and breathable shoes
• Use antifungal sprays or powders in shoes
• Avoid walking barefoot in public areas
• Trim nails straight across and disinfect clippers regularly

Don’t Wait — Start Treatment Now

Toenail fungus won’t go away on its own. In fact, it often worsens over time, making it more difficult to treat and increasing the risk of nail damage and discomfort. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, toenail fungus accounts for 50% of all nail disorders, affecting millions of people in the U.S. every year.

Now is the perfect time to take action. Starting treatment today gives your nails time to heal and grow out healthy by the time summer arrives. At Medical Dermatology Specialists in Atlanta, we’re here to help you kick toenail fungus to the curb with advanced, proven solutions.

Say goodbye to fungus and hello to clear, healthy nails this sandal season. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.