Unsightly toenails aren’t just an embarrassing condition that causes you to feel self-conscious about anyone else seeing your feet; they’re usually a sign of a fungal infection. If your toenails are crusty, thick, or crumbly, and yellow or brown in color, the problem is beyond cosmetic. Nail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common condition that can spread from your toenails to your feet as athlete’s foot.
At New Canaan Podiatry , our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Jennifer Tauber , offers effective treatment for toenail fungus , right here in our state-of-the-art office in New Canaan, Connecticut.
If you’re one of the many Americans with a toenail condition, you may be wondering if it’s a fungal infection and what you can do to get rid of it. Dr. Tauber can identify the underlying cause of your toenail fungus and provide expert treatment to get rid of it, so you don’t have to feel embarrassed about your feet anymore.
Skin And Toenail Conditions
Onychomycosis is difficult to resolve at home, so if you suspect you have a case of it, be sure to get it professionally diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.
Your toenails are composed of 80% hard keratin and 20% soft keratin. Keratin is also in your skin and hair. Dermatophytes, the fungi that usually cause onychomycosis, feed on keratin to grow and multiply.
Onychomycosis is highly contagious, so it’s easy to catch. When dermatophytes find their way to your feet as a result of exposure to sweat, public showers, or steam rooms, the dermatophytes consume the keratin in your nails by breaking it down into smaller particles. The crumbly residue on your infected toenails is actually keratin debris.
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You can also get toenail fungus as a result of being more susceptible to foot problems, especially if you’re diabetic , have circulation problems, or you have a weakened immune system. These other conditions, including chronic skin problems like psoriasis, often lead to toenail fungus if your feet are exposed to it, or you don’t keep your feet cool and dry after swimming or going to the gym.
When you’re in public places, keeping your feet off of a wet floor can reduce your risk of coming in contact with foot fungus that leads to athlete’s foot and toenail fungus.
Wash your feet daily and towel them dry thoroughly, and dry your feet — including between your toes — when you get out of the pool, ocean, or shower, or anytime your feet get sweaty.
Fungal Foot Infections
Foot powder on the tops of your toes, in between them, and on the soles of your feet absorbs excess moisture. Always wear clean socks and change them daily, or more often if your feet are prone to sweating.
Keeping your toenails neatly trimmed short and straight across can prevent sharp edges that could injure your nail bed or become ingrown, making your toes more susceptible to fungal infections. Always disinfect your nail clippers after each use, since fungus spreads easily, and only receive pedicures from reputable nail salons that disinfect their tools between customers.
Breathable, natural footwear and socks may also help reduce your risk of onychomycosis. Be sure your shoes aren’t too tight. Give your toes plenty of space to move around and stay dry.
How To Treat Toenail Fungus: Effective Remedies & Prevention
If you suspect you have toenail fungus, don’t wait to seek professional treatment. Dr. Tauber takes a whole-person approach to treating your toenails, so you may need oral antifungal medications as well as medicated nail polish or prescription creams to clear up the infection.
Additionally, she may recommend laser nail treatments with the Fotona ClearSteps™ system, or a combination of treatments that are best for your particular type of onychomycosis.
If your nails are crusted with keratin debris, Dr. Tauber can remove it so your toenails look better. If your infection is severe, she may recommend toenail surgery to temporarily remove the infected nail and treat the nail bed topically.
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Take the first step toward putting your best, fungus-free foot forward by calling our office at 203-548-7688, or booking an appointment online today.
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If your toenails are thick, yellow, or crumbly, chances are you have two questions: Why do my nails look like this, and is there anything that can fix them? Keep reading to learn the answers and how we can help.Toenail fungus is a common condition that can easily be hidden with shoes and socks during cooler months, but you’re bound to head outdoors to spend a day at your favorite lake or pool during the summer. Instead of feeling excited about summertime leisure activities, you might feel self-conscious or embarrassed by the unsightly effects of toenail fungus.
Premier Foot & Ankle has multiple locations throughout the metroplex including Dallas, Plano, Allen, Mesquite, Frisco, and McKinney, Texas. Our experienced team of podiatrists offers advanced treatments so you can get rid of toenail fungus and feel more confident wearing sandals or going barefoot.
A fungal nail infection is a condition caused by a living fungus. The most common type of fungus is a dermatophyte, but yeast and molds may also cause toenail infections. While you can get a toenail fungus at any age, it’s more common in older men and women.
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As you get older, your toenails may become dry and brittle. If they crack, they allow fungus to enter and wreak havoc on your toenails. Toenail fungus can also be the result of athlete’s foot. Athlete’s foot is a skin fungus infection and it can spread to your toenails.
Toenail fungus is contagious and can spread nail to nail on your own feet, as well as to other people. You can come in contact with it at nail salons, swimming pools, gyms, or other public places where people are barefoot. Tight shoes, a weak immune system, and circulatory problems may also contribute to the onset of toenail fungus.
If you have diabetes, circulatory issues or nerve damage in your feet, you may be more susceptible to toenail fungus. Aside from feeling self-conscious about the appearance of your yellowish, thick, brittle nails, untreated toenail fungus can become quite painful and lead to permanent nail damage.
What Are The Best Toenail Fungus Treatments?
Depending on the severity of your condition, your doctor may recommend a combination of at-home remedies, medications, and laser treatments. These include:
Your podiatrist at Premier Foot & Ankle may prescribe oral medications or surgically remove a severely infected nail to prevent the infection from recurring. The team also offers the advanced technology of Hyperion HyperBlue 1530® laser therapy . This painless laser treatment uses light energy to penetrate your toenail and destroy the fungus in your nail bed.
Laser treatments for toenail fungus take just about 10 minutes per session and typically restore your toenail in 3-4 treatments, which means you’ll be fungus-free by summer.
Fungal Nail Problems
Are you ready to get started with the most effective toenail fungus treatment solutions for your individual condition? We invite you to call the Premier Foot & Ankle office closest to you or request an appointment at your preferred location using our online booking system.
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