RGV Foot & Ankle Institute
Fungal Nail
Treatments
Evidence-based treatment for thick, discoloured, or crumbling nails — accurate diagnosis and personalised plans for patients across McAllen, Edinburg, Mission, and the Rio Grande Valley.
Onychomycosis Care
Clear stubborn fungal nail infections — for good
Fungal nail infections are one of the most common conditions we treat at RGV Foot & Ankle Institute — and one of the most under-treated. Thick, yellow, crumbling, or distorted nails are not just cosmetic; left untreated they can spread, cause pain in footwear, and create complications for diabetic and immunocompromised patients.
We start with accurate, on-site diagnosis — because not every discoloured nail is fungal, and treating the wrong thing wastes months of effort. From there we build a targeted treatment plan combining topical, oral, or laser-based therapies matched to the type and severity of your infection.
Our goal is simple: clear the infection, restore healthy nail growth, and put habits in place to keep it from coming back.
Why Our Approach Works
A complete plan, not just a bottle of polish
Accurate Diagnosis
We confirm the infection with on-site nail sampling — many discoloured nails aren't actually fungal, and treating the wrong thing wastes time and money.
Targeted Therapy
Topical, oral, and laser-based options matched to the type and severity of your infection — not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Cosmetic Restoration
Pair treatment with nail restoration so your toes look healthy again while the new nail grows in clear.
Long-Term Prevention
Personalised footwear, hygiene, and lifestyle guidance to stop the infection from coming back once cleared.
Signs & Symptoms
Do you have a fungal nail infection?
If you notice any of the following, book an assessment — early treatment is dramatically more effective than waiting until the infection has spread to multiple nails.
- Thickened, brittle, or crumbling nails
- Yellow, white, brown, or green discolouration
- Lifting of the nail from the nail bed
- Distorted nail shape or surface ridges
- Debris or buildup beneath the nail
- A foul odour from the affected nail
- Pain or pressure inside footwear
- Nails that worsen despite over-the-counter treatments
How It Works
Your Treatment Journey
Diagnostic Sampling
We take a quick, painless nail clipping and confirm whether fungus, bacteria, or another condition is the real cause.
Personalised Plan
Based on the infection type, severity, your medical history and lifestyle, we build a treatment plan you can actually stick to.
Active Treatment
Topical antifungals, oral medication, laser therapy, or a combination — applied consistently over weeks to months.
Review & Prevention
Regular reviews track new clear nail growth and we put habits in place to keep your nails healthy long term.
FAQ
Common Questions About Fungal Nail Treatments
What causes fungal nail infections?+
Fungal nail infections (onychomycosis) are caused by microscopic fungi — usually dermatophytes — that thrive in warm, moist environments like inside shoes. Risk factors include sweaty feet, communal showers and pools, tight footwear, athlete's foot, nail trauma, diabetes, and a weakened immune system.
Are fungal nails contagious?+
Yes. The fungi spread on shared floors, towels, footwear, and nail tools, and can pass between toenails, fingernails, and skin (athlete's foot). Early treatment helps prevent spread to other nails and family members.
Can I just use an over-the-counter treatment?+
Over-the-counter products rarely penetrate deep enough to clear an established infection. Without an accurate diagnosis and the right concentration of antifungal, most patients see no lasting improvement. A podiatry-led plan dramatically improves your chances of clearing it.
How long does treatment take?+
Toenails grow slowly — even a successful treatment usually takes 6 to 12 months for a healthy new nail to fully grow out. You'll see clear nail emerging from the base long before the discoloured portion grows off.
Does laser treatment for fungal nails work?+
Laser therapy heats the nail plate to weaken and destroy the fungus without damaging surrounding tissue. It's a great option for patients who can't take oral antifungal medication or who haven't responded to topical treatments. We'll let you know if you're a good candidate at your assessment.
Will the infection come back?+
Re-infection is common if the underlying cause isn't addressed. As part of your plan we cover footwear hygiene, sock choice, treating any athlete's foot, and disinfecting nail tools — all proven to dramatically reduce recurrence.
Is the treatment covered by insurance?+
Coverage depends on your plan and the treatment chosen. Our McAllen front desk team will verify your benefits and discuss out-of-pocket costs before treatment begins. HSA and FSA accounts can typically be used.
Ready for clear, healthy nails?
Book a fungal nail assessment with Dr. Galvan and his team. Same-day appointments are often available across the Rio Grande Valley.
Other Services
Minimally Invasive Bunion & Hammertoe Surgery
Micro-incision bunion and hammertoe correction — minimal scarring, walk the same day, no general anesthesia.
Laser Nail Therapy
Advanced laser treatment for fungal toenails and psoriatic nails — safe, painless, and clinically proven.
Regenerative Therapies
PRP, prolotherapy, and biologic injections that accelerate your body's natural healing of chronic foot and ankle pain.