Ask the doctor: What's the best way to treat toenail fungus?

Q. My toenails are thick and discolored. They're so unsightly that I'm too embarrassed to wear sandals when I go on vacation. What can I do about them?

A. Toenails naturally change in consistency with age. But coupled with discoloration, the thickening, as well as other symptoms like brittleness and white or yellow streaks on the sides, could be a sign of nail fungus. Fungi like to live in the toenails, which provide a dark, moist environment for them to grow. As you get older, reduced blood circulation and the natural thickening of your toenails makes you more likely to develop an infection.