Onchomycosis sounds like a life-threatening medical problem, but it's really just a technical term for toenail fungus. This common issue affects as many as 10 percent of the population, with older men at the highest risk. To prevent further growth of toenail fungus and stop the discomfort that can come with it, your podiatrist in Sterling, VA, offers several treatment options. This post will give you more information about how Dr. Richard Lee and Dr. Steven Lin help their patients at Alexandria Family Podiatry manage this condition.

Topical ointment

Your Sterling podiatrist may start your treatment with a topical antifungal medication. People who have mild to moderate fungal infection usually respond well to this treatment because the fungus hasn't reached the nail bed or thickened the nail yet. Topical treatments can come in the form of a cream, lotion, powder, or spray and are typically applied twice a day for about 4 weeks.

Oral medication

Dr. Lee and Dr. Lin typically prescribe these medications for their patients who have more advanced nail fungus, sometimes in conjunction with topical treatments. Oral medications work more slowly than topical medication because they're designed to assist the body in replacing the infected area with a new, healthy skin and nail structure. It's important to discuss your medical history with your Sterling, VA, podiatrist, including which medications you're currently taking, to make sure that oral treatment of your nail fungus is appropriate for you.

Other treatment options

Trimming away the portions of the nail that are affected by fungus can be an option for those who seek treatment from their Sterling podiatrist at the first sign of toenail fungus. Another way to treat toenail fungus is with the use of a laser, which removes damaged nail and skin cells while keeping healthy tissue intact. Laser treatment is painless and no downtime is required afterward, although it can take several sessions for complete eradication of the fungal infection.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Lin or Dr. Lee, contact Alexandria Family Podiatry today. We have convenient office locations in both Sterling and Alexandria, VA.