Nail and Toenail Fungus Treatment
In Benicia, Napa, Petaluma and Sonoma
Treatment for Nail and Toenail Fungus in Napa, Solano and Sonoma Counties
If you are concerned that you might have fingernail or toenail fungus, we’re here to diagnose your infection and provide the best treatment. Toenail fungus is very common but, unfortunately, difficult to eliminate with over-the-counter topical gels, sprays and lotions. That is because the infection is located on the nailbed below your nail and not on the surface. However, there are effective oral medications that can eliminate your infection and clear up the unsightly infection to return your nails back to their healthy color.
If you live or work near our clinics in Napa, Benicia, and Sonoma or are visiting the California Wine Country, our providers can provide the treatment you need. The Urgent Care + TeleHealth healthcare team is managed by an emergency room physician with over 25 years of experience. Our goal is to make healthcare easy and affordable so that we can help our patients feel better fast.
We accept most insurance plans including Kaiser and Medicare. We also provide discounts to patients who choose to pay without insurance at the time of service using a debit card or an HSA/FSA card. We have an easy online system for scheduling clinic appointments or for a telehealth video visit. You can also visit our clinics without any prior appointment.
How We Help
- Come on in without an appointment – even on the weekend!
- If your schedule doesn’t allow you to visit a clinic, get advice from home with an easy video visit.
- We take most insurance plans including Kaiser and Medicare.
- No insurance? We offer cash-pay discounts if you pay at the time of service.
- Use your HSA (Health Savings Account) or FSA (Flexible Spending Account).
- We offer an easy online appointment system.
Urgent Care + TeleHealth is managed by Dr. Ian Ahwah, an emergency medicine physician with 25 years of clinical experience treating patients at urgent care and in area emergency rooms. Our doctors, nurses, medical providers and support staff treat you with dignity and protect your privacy.
Brittany Bellows, PA, Clinical Manager
Toenail Fungus FAQ
What are the types of toenail fungus?
Toenail fungus can appear in different forms, each caused by various types of fungi:
Distal Subungual Onychomycosis:
Subungual means “beneath the nail.” Subungual nail fungus usually starts at the tip of the nail and moves toward the cuticle. It is caused by dermatophytes which also cause athlete’s foot. These fungi like to live in the nail’s keratin which is a tough protein. Keratin is the primary structural component of nails and is also found in hair and skin.
White Superficial Onychomycosis:
Superficial onychomycosis is a surface infection that appears as white spots on the nail surface. It is caused by non-dermatophyte fungi which stay on the surface and don’t dig deeper.
Proximal Subungual Onychomycosis:
Proximal subungual onychomycosis starts at the base of the nail and then spreads outwards. It’s more common in people with weaker immune systems such as the elderly, people with HIV, cancer patients, organ transplant recipients and people with chronic diseases like diabetes.
Candida Onychomycosis:
Candida onychomycosis is a yeast Infection caused by candida yeast, not fungi. It is less common and often affects nails that are already damaged. Keeping nails clean and dry can help prevent these types of infections.
How common is toenail fungus?
According to the CDC, toenail fungus is very common. It is estimated to affect around 14% of the general population and is especially common in older adults. People with diabetes are at increased risk for fungal nail infections.
What are the causes of toenail fungus?
Toenail fungus is caused by fungi that get into the nail through tiny cuts or cracks. It often happens when feet are in warm, damp places like sweaty shoes or public showers. It’s more common in older people, those with weak immune systems, or anyone with diabetes. Injuries to the nail, poor foot hygiene, and wearing tight shoes can also cause it. To prevent it, keep your feet clean and dry, wear breathable shoes and socks, avoid walking barefoot in public places, and don’t share personal items like nail clippers or shoes. Treat it early if you see signs of infection.
What are the common symptoms of toenail fungus?
Common symptoms of toenail fungus include:
- Discoloration: The nail may turn white, yellow, brown, or even black.
- Thickened Nails: Infected nails often become thicker than normal.
- Brittle or Crumbly Nails: The nail may become brittle, crumbly, or ragged.
- Distorted Shape: The nail can become misshapen or warped.
- Separation from the Nail Bed: The nail may lift away from the nail bed, creating a gap.
- Odor: There may be a slight foul smell.
- Pain or Discomfort: In some cases, the infected nail can cause pain or discomfort, especially when pressure is applied.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare provider at Urgent Care + TeleHealth for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Why is it important to treat toenail fungus?
Toenail fungus is harmful because it can spread, cause pain, and lead to infections. It makes nails thick, brittle, and discolored, which looks unsightly. The infection can cause discomfort, especially when walking or wearing shoes. For people with diabetes or weakened immune systems, it can lead to serious complications. Treating it early can help avoid these problems and keep your nails healthy.
What kills toenail fungus?
A provider will examine your feet and may take a nail sample for testing. This test can confirm if you have an infection and identify the type of fungus. Based on the results, the provider will develop a treatment plan to help eliminate your toenail fungus.
Toenail fungus can be treated effectively using oral medications. Pills like Terbinafine (Lamisil) are taken once a day for about 12 weeks. These medicines work from the inside out to kill the fungus. In severe cases, the infected nail might be removed by a doctor so a new, healthy nail can grow back.
Lamisil (Terbinafine) is effective for curing toenail fungus. It works by inhibiting fungal growth, targeting the fungal cell membrane, and leading to the death of the fungal cells. The usual dosage is taken once daily for about 12 weeks. Lamisil has a high success rate, but it takes time before you’ll see results because it takes several months for a healthy nail to grow back completely. While it is effective, possible side effects include gastrointestinal issues, headaches, and rare liver problems. Regular monitoring by a doctor is recommended. Overall, Lamisil is a strong option, especially for severe toenail fungus cases.
How Can I Avoid Toenail Fungus?
- Keep Nails Clean and Dry: Fungi thrive in moist environments.
- Avoid Sharing Personal Items: Such as nail clippers or towels.
References
- Ringworm and Fungal Nail Infections, Center for Disease Control:
https://www.cdc.gov/ringworm/signs-symptoms/index.html - Nail Fungus Symptoms and Causes, Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nail-fungus/symptoms-causes/syc-20353294 - American Academy of Dermatology Association, Nail Fungus: Who Gets and Causes
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/nail-fungus-causes
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