Q: Sometimes I see white spots that get worse and spread all over the nail and to other nails. They cause peeling and in severe cases the nail crumbles away. What is this and how do you cure it?

A: There is a form of fungus that causes white spots on the toenails called “white superficial onychomycosis.” As its name implies, it is characterized by white dots on the toenails. These white areas may crumble and peel as the fungus attacks the deeper layers of the surface of the nail plate. This condition is common on the toenails of elderly clients. Because it is a surface fungus, it can often be treated with a potent topical antifungal cream, such as Nizoral, Spectazole, Loprox, Naftin, or Mentax. 

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