What can I do about my toenail fungus?

Dr. Joel Foster Shares Tips to Help Kansas City Metro Residents Stop Toenail Fungus in Its Tracks 

The warm, humid climate of Kansas City can be a breeding ground for toenail fungus—leaving you with discolored, thickened nails that make you want to hide your feet. You've tried over-the-counter treatments, but the stubborn infection persists—chipping away at your confidence whenever you think about wearing your favorite pair of sandals. Located in Lee’s Summit, podiatrist Dr. Joel Foster helps residents of the Kansas City metro area find effective solutions for fungal toenails and other embarrassing foot issues. 

What Causes Toenail Fungus? 

Toenail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis, typically manifests as a noticeable discoloration of the nail—often turning it yellow, brown, or white. The affected nail usually becomes thicker than normal and may appear distorted or warped, sometimes lifting away from the nail bed. As the condition progresses, the nail can become brittle, crumbly, or ragged, particularly around the edges. In some cases, there may be a slightly foul odor. 

Toenail fungus occurs when fungi invade the nail bed, often through tiny cuts or separations between your nail and nail bed. The warm, moist environment inside your shoes creates the perfect conditions for these fungi to thrive. Factors that increase your risk include excessive sweating, walking barefoot in public areas, and wearing tight toes. Having a weakened immune system or being diagnosed with diabetes can also play a role in the development of this condition.

Why Should I Seek Professional Treatment? 

While it's tempting to rely on over-the-counter remedies to treat your fungal toenails, toenail fungus is notoriously difficult to address without professional help. At our Lee's Summit foot care clinic, Dr. Foster offers a range of advanced treatments for toenail fungus. 

• Oral antifungal medications. These powerful drugs, such as terbinafine (Lamisil) or itraconazole (Sporanox), work from the inside out. They help your body fight off the infection by promoting the growth of new, uninfected nail tissue. Treatment typically lasts 6 to 12 months, but you won't see full results until the nail grows out completely, which can take up to a year. 
• Topical treatments. Prescription-strength creams and ointments, like ciclopirox (Penlac) or efinaconazole (Jublia), can be applied directly to the affected nails. These solutions work by penetrating the nail to kill the fungus. 
• Laser therapy. This cutting-edge treatment uses focused light to eliminate fungus without damaging surrounding tissue. The FSA-approved Cutera laser penetrates the nail to target the fungus directly. It's painless, has no side effects, and typically requires three to four sessions for optimal results. While not covered by insurance, our direct-pay model makes this innovative treatment more accessible. 
• Nail removal. In severe cases where the infection is resistant to other treatments, temporary removal of the infected nail may be necessary. This allows for direct treatment of the underlying nail bed. The nail is removed either non-surgically using a chemical compound, or surgically under local anesthesia.
• Combination therapy. The most effective approach often involves combining multiple treatments. For example, Dr. Foster might recommend a course of oral antifungals along with topical treatment and laser therapy. 

Dr. Foster will work with you to determine the most effective treatment plan based on the severity of your infection, your overall health, and your preferences. Our direct-pay model allows for flexibility in trying different treatment options without the constraints of insurance approvals. 

Remember, treating toenail fungus requires patience. Even after the fungus is eliminated, you'll need to wait for the damaged nail to grow out completely. This can take several months, but with persistence and the right treatment, you can look forward to showing off healthy, attractive nails once again. Our goal is to restore your nails to their natural, healthy state, giving you the confidence to show them off.