A nail fungus causes thickened, brittle or crumbly nails. The fungus is not normally painful but can be quite unsightly. There are several effective treatments available. This is not a problem that will resolve on its own, medical intervention is normally required.
Thick, Discolored, or Crumbling Nails? We Can Help.
Nail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common and persistent condition that affects the fingernails or toenails — most often the toes. It’s not usually painful, but it can cause discoloration, thickening, crumbling, and even nail detachment. At Meira Dermatology, we provide effective medical treatments to restore nail health and stop the spread of infection.
Nail fungus is a fungal infection of the nail bed, nail plate, or surrounding tissue, typically caused by:
- Dermatophytes (the most common culprits)
- Yeasts (like Candida)
- Molds (especially in warm, humid environments)
The infection may start as a small white or yellow spot under the nail and can gradually lead to:
- Thickened nails
- Brittle or crumbly texture
- Discoloration (yellow, brown, white, or black)
- Distorted shape
- Foul odor
- Nail separating from the nail bed (onycholysis)
Fungal nail infections are highly contagious and often spread through:
Walking barefoot in public showers, gyms, and locker rooms
Wearing tight, non-breathable footwear
Sharing nail tools, towels, or socks
Having sweaty feet or moist skin
Pre-existing conditions like athlete’s foot, diabetes, or weakened immune system
Nail fungus typically does not go away on its own and becomes harder to treat over time. We offer a variety of FDA-approved and evidence-based solutions, including:
Oral antifungal medications – Most effective for deep or stubborn infections
Topical antifungal treatments – Applied daily to infected nails and cuticles
Laser therapy – Targets fungal cells with no downtime or systemic side effects
Nail debridement – Trimming and thinning thickened nails for better treatment penetration
Surgical nail removal – For severe or painful infections unresponsive to other methods
Hygiene counseling and prevention – To stop recurrence and spread
Consult us if you notice:
- A yellow or white spot spreading on the nail
- Nails becoming thick, discolored, or brittle
- Multiple nails showing signs of infection
- Nail pain or separation from the nail bed
Early intervention helps prevent complications and speeds up healing.
To reduce your risk:
- Keep feet and hands clean and dry
- Change socks daily and wear breathable shoes
- Avoid walking barefoot in shared spaces
- Disinfect nail clippers and tools regularly
- Choose reputable nail salons that sterilize equipment
- Apply antifungal powders or sprays if prone to infection
At Meira Dermatology, we’re committed to helping you reclaim clear, healthy nails with safe and effective medical treatments.
Located in Largo, FL, we proudly serve patients in Clearwater, Seminole, Belleair, St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs, Pinellas Park, and across the Tampa Bay area.
Call (727) 777-6098
Or schedule your nail evaluation online
Don’t ignore nail changes — the earlier we treat nail fungus, the better the results.
