Robert A. Raley DPM SC
Comprehensive Foot Care

Foot & Nail Fungus

Podiatrist, Foot & Ankle Surgeon in Meadowview, Kankakee, IL

Foot & Nail Fungus services offered in Meadowview, Kankakee, IL

Foot and nail fungus is annoying and itchy. If you have diabetes or another condition that affects blood flow to your feet, it can also increase your risk of infection. Dr. Robert A. Raley and his team provide same-day treatment for foot and nail fungus, including topical ointments, oral antifungal medication, and Genesis Plus® laser therapy. To make an appointment, call the office in Kankakee, Illinois, or book online today.

Foot & Nail Fungus Q&A

What is foot and nail fungus?

Foot and nail fungus is a fungal infection of your feet or toenails. The conditions are often mentioned together, but there are differences, including:

Foot fungus

Foot fungus, or Athlete’s foot, is a fungal infection that occurs between the toes. It causes your skin to become red and itchy and peel away.

Toenail fungus

Toenail fungus is a fungal infection of your nail tissue. Nail fungus looks like a small white or yellow dot at first. As the fungus spreads, your nail begins to thicken, crumble, and break away.

Do foot and nail fungus present symptoms?

The symptoms of foot and nail fungus include:

  • Thick or distorted toenails
  • Dark toenails
  • Brittle or ragged toenails
  • Burning or stinging
  • Redness between the toes
  • Dry, scaly skin

If you have foot or nail fungus, you might also notice a foul odor when you take your shoes or socks off.

When should I see my doctor about foot and nail fungus?

Make an appointment with Dr. Raley if you experience any symptoms of foot and nail fungus and they don’t improve with at-home treatments, like over-the-counter lotions or ointments. That’s especially true if you have an underlying medical condition, like diabetes, that affects circulation to your feet. 

How is foot and nail fungus diagnosed?

To diagnose foot and nail fungus, Dr. Raley reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when they started, if they’re worse at certain times of the day, and if you’ve tried over-the-counter antifungal treatments.

Next, Dr. Raley examines your feet and toenails, looking for signs of a fungal infection, like peeling and inflamed skin or thick and brittle nails. Most fungal infections are visible to the eye, but Dr. Raley might also take a small sample of skin or nail tissue and send it to a lab for analysis.

How is foot and nail fungus treated?

Treatment of foot and nail fungus depends on various factors, including your age, the severity of the infection, and the intensity of your symptoms. Dr. Raley and the team might recommend:

  • Wearing different shoes that allow your feet to breathe
  • Applying a topical antifungal medication
  • Taking a prescription oral antifungal
  • Undergoing Genesis Plus laser therapy

If you have a severe fungal infection, Dr. Raley might recommend a combination of treatments to ensure the fungus doesn’t come back.

To explore the treatment options for foot and nail fungus, make an appointment at the practice of Dr. Robert A. Raley by calling the office or booking online today.