Fungal Nail Treatment in Lauderdale Lakes, FL

Are your toenails discolored, thickened, or brittle? You may be dealing with onychomycosis, a common fungal nail infection that won’t go away on its own. At Sunshine Foot & Ankle LLC in Lauderdale Lakes, FL, we provide advanced fungal nail treatment options to help you regain clear, healthy nails—safely and effectively.

​

What Are Fungal Nails?

Fungal nail infections occur when fungus enters the nail bed, usually through small cracks or cuts in the surrounding skin. They can affect one or more toenails and often worsen over time if not treated.

Common Symptoms Include:

• Yellow, brown, or white discoloration

• Thickened or brittle nails

• Crumbling edges

• Foul odor

• Nail lifting or separation from the nail bed

Fungal nail infections are not just cosmetic—they can spread to other toes or skin and may be painful when walking or wearing shoes.

What Causes Toenail Fungus?

You may be at higher risk if you:

• Walk barefoot in public areas like pools or locker rooms

• Have sweaty feet or wear shoes for extended periods

• Have a history of athlete’s foot

• Have diabetes or a compromised immune system

• Have nail trauma or poor foot hygiene

At Sunshine Foot & Ankle LLC, we offer comprehensive treatment plans based on the severity of your infection, nail involvement, and medical history.

1. Topical Antifungal Medications

Prescription-strength creams or lacquers can be applied to the nail surface. Best for mild infections or combined with other treatments.

2. Oral Antifungal Medications

Effective for moderate to severe infections, these pills treat the fungus systemically. We monitor your liver function to ensure safety.

3. Laser Therapy for Fungal Nails

Our Class IV laser therapy targets the fungus beneath the nail without harming healthy tissue. This in-office treatment is:

• Non-invasive

• Painless

• Free of side effects

• Proven to reduce fungal activity and improve nail appearance over time

4. Debridement & Nail Trimming

We reduce the thickness of infected nails to relieve discomfort and enhance treatment penetration.

Preventing Reinfection

We also educate patients on preventing future fungal infections:

• Use antifungal sprays or powders

• Keep feet clean and dry

• Avoid walking barefoot in public spaces

• Disinfect shoes regularly

Why Choose Sunshine Foot & Ankle LLC?

✅ Laser therapy available in-office
✅ Personalized treatment based on your condition
✅ Board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Jonathan Mollineda
✅ Convenient Lauderdale Lakes location
✅ Same-week appointments available

Book a Fungal Nail Evaluation Today

If you're struggling with toenail fungus, don't wait for it to worsen. We offer modern, effective solutions to help you regain confidence in your feet.

📞 Call us now at 754-296-5900

FAQ: Fungal Nail Infections

Q: Can toenail fungus go away without treatment?

A: No. Toenail fungus is a progressive infection that will not resolve on its own. Without treatment, the fungus spreads deeper into the nail bed, causing the nail to become thicker, more discolored, and increasingly brittle. The infection can also spread to other toenails, fingernails, and surrounding skin. Over time, untreated fungal nails can become painful when wearing shoes and may lead to secondary bacterial infections, which is especially dangerous for patients with diabetes or compromised immune systems. Dr. Mollineda at Sunshine Foot and Ankle LLC recommends early treatment for the best outcomes. Call (754) 296-5900 to schedule a fungal nail evaluation at our Lauderdale Lakes office.

 

Q: How long does fungal nail treatment take to work?

A: Fungal nail treatment requires patience because toenails grow slowly. Most patients begin to see visible improvement within 3 to 6 months, but it can take 9 to 12 months for a completely clear, healthy nail to grow in. The timeline depends on the severity of the infection, the treatment method used, and how quickly your nails grow. Dr. Mollineda creates a personalized treatment plan that may include topical antifungal medications, oral antifungal therapy, laser treatment, or a combination approach for the most effective results. Sunshine Foot and Ankle LLC serves patients throughout Lauderdale Lakes, Tamarac, Plantation, Lauderhill, North Lauderdale, Margate, and Broward County.

 

Q: Is laser therapy for toenail fungus safe?

A: Yes. Class IV laser therapy for toenail fungus is FDA-cleared, safe, and effective. The laser targets the fungal organisms beneath the nail without damaging the surrounding healthy tissue or skin. The treatment is painless, requires no anesthesia, and has no known side effects. Each session takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes depending on the number of nails being treated. There is no downtime, and you can return to normal activities immediately. Dr. Mollineda offers laser therapy for fungal nails at our Lauderdale Lakes office as part of a comprehensive treatment approach. Call (754) 296-5900 to learn if laser therapy is right for you.

 

Q: Does insurance cover fungal nail treatment?

A: Coverage for fungal nail treatment depends on your insurance plan and the treatment method recommended. Many insurance plans cover oral antifungal medications and medically necessary nail debridement. Laser therapy may or may not be covered depending on your specific plan. Sunshine Foot and Ankle LLC accepts Medicare, Medicaid, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, and United Healthcare (Medicaid only). Our staff can help verify your insurance benefits before treatment begins. Se habla Espanol. Call (754) 296-5900 to schedule your fungal nail consultation in Lauderdale Lakes.