Onychomycosis, also known as nail fungus, is a common yet often frustrating condition that affects millions of Americans each year. It can cause fingernails or toenails to become thick, brittle, discolored, and sometimes painful. While many over-the-counter remedies claim to help, fungal nail infections typically require medical expertise for effective treatment. At Tran Plastic Surgery in Huntington Beach, CA, we provide comprehensive, patient-focused care to restore the health and appearance of your nails.
What Is Onychomycosis?
Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nail unit, including the nail plate, nail bed, and surrounding tissue. Most cases are caused by dermatophytes (a type of fungus), but yeast and mold can also be responsible. These microorganisms thrive in warm, moist environments, making toenails more frequently affected than fingernails.
While nail fungus is often considered cosmetic, untreated infections can worsen over time, spreading to other nails, causing discomfort, and increasing risk of secondary infections, particularly for individuals with underlying health conditions such as diabetes or circulatory issues.
Common Symptoms of Nail Fungus
The symptoms of onychomycosis can range from subtle cosmetic changes to painful and debilitating nail deformities. Patients often report:
-
Yellow, brown, or white discoloration of the nail
-
Thickened nails that are difficult to trim
-
Nails that become brittle, crumbly, or cracked
-
Separation of the nail from the nail bed (onycholysis)
-
Foul odor or debris buildup under the nail
-
Pain or pressure when wearing shoes (common with toenail fungus)
In more advanced cases, nail fungus can lead to inflammation of the surrounding skin or contribute to athlete’s foot, which is caused by the same type of fungi.
What Causes Nail Fungus?
Fungal nail infections develop when fungi enter small cracks or breaks in the nail or surrounding skin. While anyone can develop nail fungus, certain factors increase risk:
-
Age: Older adults have slower-growing, thicker nails more prone to infection
-
Nail injury or prior surgery that disrupts nail structure
-
Diabetes or poor circulation, which reduces the body’s ability to fight infection
-
Weakened immune system from illness or medication
-
Moist environments, such as wearing sweaty shoes or walking barefoot in public showers or locker rooms
-
History of athlete’s foot, which often spreads to the toenails
Prevention: Protecting Your Nails
Although nail fungus is not always preventable, adopting healthy habits reduces your risk:
-
Keep hands and feet clean and dry
-
Trim nails short and disinfect grooming tools
-
Avoid walking barefoot in public places such as pools, gyms, or locker rooms
-
Wear breathable shoes and change socks regularly
-
Avoid sharing nail clippers or visiting unlicensed nail salons
-
Bring your own tools to nail salons when possible
Preventive care is especially important for individuals with diabetes or circulation issues, who face higher risks of complications.
Diagnosis: How Onychomycosis Is Confirmed
A proper diagnosis is critical before starting treatment, as not all nail problems are caused by fungus. At Tran Plastic Surgery, diagnosis may involve:
-
Clinical examination of nail appearance and symptoms
-
Microscopic testing of nail clippings
-
Laboratory fungal culture, which identifies the exact organism causing the infection
This ensures that the treatment plan targets the true underlying cause.
Treatment Options for Nail Fungus
Onychomycosis rarely clears up on its own. Professional treatment is often necessary for lasting results. At Tran Plastic Surgery, we tailor each treatment plan to the severity of the infection, the patient’s health, and cosmetic goals. Options may include:
1. Oral Antifungal Medication
-
Considered the most effective treatment for fungal nail infections
-
Works systemically to kill fungus at the root of the nail
-
Treatment duration: typically several months
-
Requires medical monitoring to ensure safety
2. Topical Antifungal Therapy
-
Medicated nail lacquers or solutions applied directly to the nail
-
Often used for mild to moderate infections
-
Less effective alone but may be combined with oral medication
3. Surgical or Procedural Treatments
-
Nail debridement (trimming and thinning): Helps reduce pain and improve appearance
-
Partial or total nail removal: In severe cases, removing the infected nail allows for regrowth of a healthy nail
-
Adjunctive therapy: Advanced options may include laser treatment, though availability and effectiveness vary
4. Supportive Care
-
Patient education on foot and nail hygiene
-
Strategies to prevent reinfection and maintain long-term nail health
Treatment requires patience, as nails grow slowly. Toenails may take 9–12 months to fully regrow, while fingernails typically recover within 4–6 months.
Why Choose Tran Plastic Surgery?
At Tran Plastic Surgery, we approach nail fungus treatment with the same precision and care that define our surgical and reconstructive services. Patients trust us for:
-
Expertise in hand and nail conditions: Explore our broader Hand Surgery services.
-
Personalized treatment plans: Every patient receives a care plan tailored to their specific infection, health history, and lifestyle.
-
Board-certified surgeon leadership: Dr. Tuan Tran, a highly respected plastic and reconstructive surgeon, oversees all treatments with a focus on restoring both function and aesthetics.
-
Comprehensive care: From diagnosis to advanced treatment options, we provide complete management under one roof.
-
Patient comfort and safety: We prioritize compassionate care and long-term solutions, not just temporary fixes.
Related Hand & Nail Conditions We Treat
Nail fungus is just one of the many hand and nail conditions we address. You may also be interested in:
Patient Expectations and Recovery
Most patients see improvement, but success depends on early diagnosis, consistent treatment, and proper follow-up care. Key points to remember:
-
Nail fungus is persistent, treatment often requires months of commitment
-
Nails may not return to a perfectly normal appearance, but significant improvement is achievable
-
Preventive steps are essential to avoid reinfection
-
Patients with chronic conditions (such as diabetes) should monitor closely and maintain regular care
When to Seek Medical Care
You should schedule a consultation if you experience:
-
Persistent nail discoloration or thickening
-
Painful or brittle nails that interfere with daily activities
-
Repeated infections or suspected athlete’s foot spreading to nails
-
Underlying health conditions that increase risk of complications
Take the First Step Toward Healthy Nails
At Tran Plastic Surgery, we understand that nail fungus is more than a cosmetic issue, it can affect confidence, comfort, and overall quality of life. Whether you’re seeking relief from pain or simply want to restore the natural appearance of your nails, our team is here to help.
📞 Call us today at 714-839-8000 or request an appointment through our Contact Page to begin your personalized treatment plan.
*References:
✍️ Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. (2017). Fungal nail infections. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/nail-infections.html