having toenail fungus on the footToenail fungus is an unfortunate complication affecting runners of all ages. Running provides the perfect conditions inside your sneakers for fungus to thrive – dark, moist, warm environment. Toenail fungus, otherwise known as onychomycosis within the medical community, can be caused by various types of fungus called Dermatophtyes. The most common infecting organisms are: Trichophyton, Epidermophyton, Microsporum, and Candida. The first three are fungi and the last organism is actually a yeast. The most common location for toenail fungus is located at the distal end or tip of your big toenail, but fungus can grow in any part of your toenails. 

Diagnosis:

The appearance/symptoms will typically consist of at least one of these findings:

  • Thickening

  • Yellow/brown in color

  • Subungual debris (chalky, flaking substance under the nail)

  • ‘Moldy’ odor

  • Pain

  • Brittleness/dystrophy 

Tests to confirm onychomycosis will be performed by your podiatrist and include: biopsy of nail using periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) stain or KOH (potassium hydroxide) preparation.

Treatment:

As a runner, the appearance of your toenail might not be as much of a concern as the functionality of your toes/toenails while running. During long runs, the last thing you want to worry about is your toenails causing you pain or discomfort. Luckily there are a number of various treatment options you can employ with the direction of your podiatrist to help rid yourself of toenail fungus.

Laser treatment of onychomycosis: this treatment is painless, does not involve medication or anesthesia, and is free of side effects.

 Oral treatments for onychomycosis include:

  • Lamisil (Terbinafine)

  • Sporonox (Itraconazole)

  • Diflucan (Fluconazole)

  • Gris-Peg

Topical treatments for toenail fungus include:

  • Penlac (ciclopirox 8% lacquer)

  • Urea nail gel

  • Formula 3 (Tolnaftate)

Home remedy treatment options:

  • Mentax (tree oil solution)

  • Bleach dilution

  • Vinegar dilution

  • Vicks VapoRub

  • Oil of Oregano

The correct treatment for you may differ from what your best friend or significant other has used. Remember that drugs come with certain side effects or contraindications. So it recommended that you seek the professional expertise of a podiatrist to determine which fungal toenail treatment option is best suited for you.

Get the World-Class Podiatry Care You Deserve—Right in Your Own Backyard

Don’t live with uncomfortable, embarrassing, or painful podiatric skin and nail conditions—or feel the need to travel to Seattle, Salt Lake City, or Denver for advanced options. At Alpine Foot & Ankle Clinic, our experienced skin and nail podiatrist offers exceptional care and the latest, most effective treatments, right here in the Garden City. Contact us to schedule an appointment at our Missoula office.