Are one or more of your toenails thick, flaky and yellow? Congratulations, you're one of the millions of Americans who suffer from toenail fungus. There are a number of different fungi that can take up residence in the toenails, and while anyone can get this condition, it's most common in those who have diabetes, circulation problems, or have suffered toenail injuries.

The problem with toenail fungus is not that it's tremendously painful or dangerous, but rather that it is incredibly difficult to treat. Some patients learn to live with the fungus and simply hide their yellowed, cracking nails for the rest of their lives. For others, however, the prospect of forever fighting toenail fungus is terribly off-putting. For folk who fall into this second camp, there is one highly effective treatment option – removing the nail entirely.

The Difficulties of Non-Surgical Treatments

Topical medications are typically used as the first line of treatment for toenail fungus. However, they tend only to be effective against certain strains of fungus. When these medications don't work, some patients turn to oral anti-fungal medications. However, these medicines frequently have unwanted side effects such as liver damage.

Surgically Removing Toenails

If you have tried topical anti-fungal creams and are still struggling with nail fungus, your best option is likely to have your toenail surgically removed by a podiatrist or podiatric surgeon. This way, you don't have to worry about serious side effects like liver failure – removing the nail is a rather safe and straightforward procedure. If your infected nail is painful, having it removed will likely alleviate the pain quite promptly.

Your podiatrist will likely remove your toenail under local anesthesia, meaning that the area will be numbed, but you'll be awake for the procedure. He or she will use a special tool to separate the nail from the skin before cutting it away at the cuticle. Treating the cuticle and nail bed with a special anti-fungal preparation helps keep the infection from returning.

What to Expect After Surgery

Your nail will begin growing back immediately after surgery, though it may take up to a year for it to fully cover the nail bed again. Your podiatrist may prescribe an antibiotic ointment, anti-fungal cream, or both to apply to the nail bed while it heals. You're likely to experience mild pain for a few days after surgery, but can return to normal activities as soon as you're comfortable.

In severe cases, your podiatrist may remove not only your nail, but also the nail matrix from which the nail grows. This procedure keeps the nail from ever growing back. Not having a toenail may sound strange, but if your infection persists even after an ordinary toenail removal surgery, this may be your best option.

You don't have to live with toenail fungus for the rest of your life. If your infected nails are unsightly or painful, visit your podiatrist and ask about toenail removal surgery. It's a rather low-risk procedure that is likely to restore your toe's appearance and your peace of mind. To learn more, contact a company like Foundation Chiropody Mississauga with any questions you have.