Fungus: How to Stop the Yellow, Crumbly Nails
While you might be worried about their appearance, thick, yellow, crusty, or crumbly toenails are signs of an underlying podiatric health condition. Dr. Esther Lyon, DPM at Foot & Ankle Clinics, LLC can help.
From expert diagnosis to the best-customized treatments available, Dr. Esther Lyon, DPM identifies the underlying issues causing your condition and works to improve the appearance and health of your toenails. Keep reading to learn why your nails are yellow and crumbly and how we can help.
Why are my toenails thick, yellow, or crumbly?
Most of the time, onychomycosis, or toenail fungus, is at the bottom of toenails that don’t look quite right. Onychomycosis is usually triggered by dermatophytes, fungi that thrive on the keratin naturally present in your nails and skin.
Dermatophytes consume keratin and multiply quickly, making onychomycosis highly contagious—especially if your feet frequently feel warm in most environments, like sweaty socks, gym locker rooms, public showers, and saunas. About 20% of Americans suffer from the condition.
As these fungi consume the keratin, they break it down. The result is debris of keratin that forms a crumbly residue in your nails. This can cause your nails to change in appearance and become:
- Brittle
- Yellow or brown
- Crumbly
- Thickened
- Darker
- Distorted in shape
- Malodorous
Nail fungus may stay contained to one nail, but it usually spreads to the other toes on your foot. It may even move to your fingernails.
Certain factors increase your risk of getting onychomycosis, including having a weakened immune system, diabetes, circulatory issues, sweaty feet, going barefoot in places where dermatophytes thrive, and wearing tight or synthetic shoes.
Can anything get rid of toenail fungus?
Absolutely! However, onychomycosis is a stubborn, difficult-to-treat infection. Addressing it with at-home treatments often leaves patients feeling frustrated. That’s why it’s best to see a podiatrist for professional treatment.
If you suspect you have toenail fungus, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Esther Lyon, DPM sooner rather than later. The longer you wait to start treatment, the more time the dermatophytes have to spread to other nails.
Dr. Esther Lyon, DPM carefully examines your nails and reviews your podiatric and medical history to design a personalized plan for your specific needs. She generally begins with more conservative treatments, like topical medications, but may recommend oral antifungal medicines or procedures to clear the fungus to achieve healthy nails.
If you have an aggressive fungus that had eaten up your nail in a short time period and/or have severe toenail fungus, Dr. Esther Lyon, DPM may suggest toenail surgery. During this therapy, the infected nail is removed to allow Dr.Esther Lyon, DPM to treat the nail bed and remove all signs of infection. Your nails grow back without infection, restoring their appearance and function.
If you’re ready to eradicate unsightly toenail fungus, set up an evaluation with and schedule an appointment online or over the phone 224-448-7060 with Dr. Esther Lyon, DPM at Foot & Ankle Clinics, LLC in Elgin, Illinois.
We see patients from all around the Chicagoland area: Elgin, Streamwood, Schaumburg, Bartlett, St. Charles, West Chicago, Wayne, South Elgin, Carpentersville, Pingree Grove, Gilberts, Spaulding, Hanover Park, Algonquin, Huntley, Hampshire, Burlington, Lakewood, Hoffman Estates, Rolling Meadows, Arlington Heights, Crystal Lake, Huntley, Woodstock.