Board-certified podiatrist Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — 3,000+ surgeries, 4.9★ (1,123 reviews)
Toenail Fungus Treatment in Howell, Michigan
Toenail fungus (onychomycosis) affects approximately 10% of adults and is one of the most common conditions we treat at our Howell office. At Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, Dr. Tom Biernacki provides advanced toenail fungus treatment including laser therapy, topical and oral antifungal protocols, and nail avulsion procedures when necessary.
Our Howell location serves patients throughout Livingston County, including Brighton, Hartland, Fowlerville, and Pinckney. Toenail fungus is more than a cosmetic concern — left untreated, it can spread to other nails, cause pain and difficulty wearing shoes, and create secondary bacterial infections, particularly in patients with diabetes or compromised immune systems.
Recognizing Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus typically begins as a white or yellow spot under the tip of the toenail. As the fungal infection progresses deeper into the nail, it causes the nail to thicken, discolor (yellow, brown, or white), become brittle and crumbly at the edges, and sometimes separate from the nail bed. The big toe is most commonly affected, but the infection can spread to multiple toenails if untreated.
In our Howell practice, we frequently see toenail fungus in patients who use public pools or gym showers, have a history of athlete’s foot, wear tight or non-breathable footwear, have diabetes or circulation issues, or are over age 60 (when nails grow slower and are more susceptible to infection).
Treatment Options at Our Howell Office
Laser Therapy for Toenail Fungus: Our Howell office offers laser treatment that targets the fungal organisms beneath the nail plate without damaging surrounding tissue. The laser’s concentrated light energy penetrates the nail and eliminates the dermatophyte fungi responsible for the infection. Most patients require 3-4 treatment sessions spaced several weeks apart, with new clear nail growth becoming visible over the following 6-12 months as the nail grows out.
Topical Antifungal Protocols: For mild to moderate toenail fungus, Dr. Tom prescribes medical-grade topical antifungal solutions that penetrate the nail plate more effectively than over-the-counter products. Consistent application following a specific preparation protocol (filing the nail surface and applying after bathing) maximizes penetration and treatment effectiveness.
Oral Antifungal Medication: For moderate to severe infections or when multiple nails are affected, oral antifungal medication (typically terbinafine) may be recommended. Dr. Tom evaluates each patient’s medical history, current medications, and liver function before prescribing oral antifungals. The typical course is 12 weeks with periodic monitoring.
Nail Avulsion and Debridement: For severely thickened, painful nails that don’t respond to conservative treatment, partial or complete nail removal may be recommended. This procedure is performed in our Howell office under local anesthesia and allows direct treatment of the nail bed where the fungal infection resides.
Preventing Toenail Fungus Recurrence
Toenail fungus has a recurrence rate of approximately 20-25% even after successful treatment. Dr. Tom provides every patient with a prevention protocol: wearing moisture-wicking socks, using antifungal powder in shoes, alternating footwear daily to allow drying, wearing protective footwear in public areas, and maintaining proper nail hygiene. For patients prone to recurrence, periodic maintenance treatments help keep the fungus from returning.
Schedule Your Toenail Fungus Evaluation in Howell
Don’t let toenail fungus spread or worsen. Call our Howell office at (810) 206-1402 or book online for a comprehensive nail evaluation. Same-day appointments available.
Related: Learn more about our toenail fungus treatment, explore our full list of conditions we treat, or schedule your visit.
Howell Office
3980 E Grand River Ave, Suite 140
Howell, MI 48843
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Bloomfield Hills Office
43700 Woodward Ave, Suite 207
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
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Howell · (810) 206-1402 Bloomfield · (248) 335-0322