Toenail Fungus in Manhasset, Huntington, Coram, Woodbury, Mineola, Williston Park & Maspeth, Plainview NY
We guarantee the improvement of the nails with the Laser. We don't guarantee complete cure but we do guarantee the Nails will improve.
Many people don't realize they have a
fungal nail problem and, therefore, don't seek
treatment. Yet, fungal toenail infections are a common foot health
problem and can persist for years without ever causing pain. The
disease, characterized by a change in a toenail's color, is often
considered nothing more than a mere blemish. Left untreated,
however, it can present serious problems.
Also referred to as onychomycosis , fungal
nails are infections underneath the surface of the nail, which may
also penetrate the nail. Fungal nail infections are often
accompanied by a secondary bacterial and/or yeast infection in or
about the nail plate, which ultimately can lead to difficulty and
pain when walking or running. Symptoms may include discoloration,
brittleness, loosening, thickening, or crumbling of the nail.
A group of fungi, called dermophytes , easily
attack the nail and thrive on keratin , the
nail's protein substance. In some cases, when these tiny organisms
take hold, the nail may become thicker, yellowish-brown, or darker
in color, and foul-smelling. Debris may collect beneath the nail
plate, white marks may frequently appear on the nail plate, and the
infection is capable of spreading to other toenails, the skin, or
even the fingernails.
Nail bed injury may make the nail more susceptible to all types of
infection, including fungal infection. Those who suffer chronic
diseases, such as diabetes, circulatory problems, or
immune-deficiency conditions, are especially prone to fungal nails.
Other contributory factors may be a history of Athlete's Foot or
excessive perspiration.
You can prevent fungal nail infections by taking these simple precautions:
- Exercise proper hygiene and regularly inspect your feet and toes.
- Keep your feet clean and dry.
- Wear shower shoes in public facilities whenever possible.
- Clip nails straight across so that the nail does not extend beyond the tip of the toe.
- Use a quality foot powder (talcum, not cornstarch) in conjunction with shoes that fit well and are made of materials that breathe.
- Avoid wearing excessively tight hosiery, which promotes moisture. Socks made of synthetic fiber tend to "wick" away moisture faster than cotton or wool socks, especially for those with more active lifestyles.
- Disinfect home pedicure tools and don't apply polish to nails suspected of infection.
Depending on the type of infection you have, over-the-counter
liquid antifungal agents may not prevent a fungal infection from
recurring. A topical or oral medication may need to be prescribed,
and the diseased nail matter and debris removed, a process called
debridement . Note: Please
consult your physician before taking any
medications.
In severe cases, surgical treatment may be required to remove the
infected nail. Permanent removal of a chronically painful nail,
which has not responded to any other treatment, permits the fungal
infection to be cured and prevents the return of a deformed
nail.
For more information on toenail fungus and related treatments we provide, please contact our Long Island foot doctors at Advanced Podiatry today. We guarantee the improvement of the nails with the Laser. We don't guarantee complete cure but we do guarantee the Nails will improve.
