Surgery for Toenail Fungus

Though it seems a radical response to what many would consider a cosmetic problem, surgery for toenail fungus is actually quite common. This is because, even in the days of modern medicine, we simply don’t have an easy, safe, and reliable way to get rid of persistent nail fungus infection (onychomycosis). Many people opt for surgery only after trying a variety of home remedies, alternative medicine treatments, and even prescription drugs without success.

The option of a surgical cure for onychomycosis appeals to people who have been struggling with the infection over the long term. Though there are numerous traditional remedies, the difficulty is that most topical treatments don’t penetrate the nail to reach the nail bed where the fungus thrives. Even after long treatment, fungus persists or returns discouragingly. Prescription drugs, meanwhile, are expensive and come with the possibility of unpleasant side effects. Faced with these choices, surgery for toenail fungus seems like the best option for people who just want to be free of the problem.

A surgical cure for onychomycosis involves not just removing the part of the nail that’s infected, but also destroying the nail matrix where the nail is produced. Destruction of the nail matrix is achieved with chemical treatment, with a laser, or by conventional surgical removal. Once the nail is gone, the fungus has nowhere to grow, and the infection clears up permanently. After surgery for finger- or toenail fungus, the nail never grows back, and this is why the procedure should be used only as a last resort. Once done, the operation can’t be reversed.

You may think that if you have surgery for toenail fungus, your problems will be over; however, think carefully before opting for this treatment. We have tough nails on the tips of our fingers and toes for a reason – to protect the sensitive tips of these digits. Without nails to provide a shield, stubbing your toes, knocking toes or fingers, and other minor injury becomes more painful. In addition, the healed toe or finger looks peculiar – but probably not as bad as a digit affected by onychomycosis. It’s best to carefully weigh all the options before choosing surgical cure for onychomycosis.