Nail & Skin Care
Thick, discoloured toenails can be a sign of fungus.
Fungus can infect the nails and cause damage to the nail. It often appears discoloured and thickened.
This may help if…
- One or more of your toenails has become thick or discoloured
- A nail is crumbling or lifting away from the skin underneath it
- You've noticed an odour coming from the nail
- You have a hard time cutting your nails
- You want to find out whether it's fungus
What to expect
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Intake form
At your first appointment, you'll fill in an intake form outlining your health problems, family history and any medication you're taking.
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Assessment
Your feet will then be assessed and you can address any problems you are experiencing, including changes in your nails.
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Nail sample and treatment
If the nail may be fungal, a sample can be cut and sent to a lab for testing. Treatment will be provided to you accordingly with your consent.
Nail changes to look out for
Some nail changes that can occur are:
- Thickening of the nail
- Discolouration
- Crumbling of the nail
- Odour
- Detachment of the nail from the nail bed
Testing a nail sample
For proper diagnosis and treatment, it is advised to cut a sample of the possible fungal nail and send it to a lab for testing. The result will tell you if it is fungus or not and what type of fungus it is.
Treating fungal toenails
Treatment is needed to get rid of the fungus and to restore nail health. Your chiropodist will talk you through the treatment best suited to your needs.
Common questions
No. A doctor's referral is not required to book an appointment. You can book a time and day that works best for you, and we'll do our best to accommodate you.
Wash your feet daily with soap and make sure it's nice and dry between your toes. This can help prevent fungal infections.
Chiropody is not covered by OHIP, but it may be covered by your extended health insurance plan.
This page is general information. Your chiropodist will recommend care based on an assessment of your own feet.
Related care
Let's take care of your feet.
Call us at (905) 232-3338 or email info@solestepfootclinic.ca to book. No doctor's referral needed.