Dr. Brandon Macy
Podiatrist - Clark, NJ
1114 Raritan Road
Clark, NJ 07066
The summer might be coming to a close, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore your toenails! On the contrary, now that you might be wearing more closed-toed shoes with socks, you might be at more of a risk for fungal problems.
Today’s focus is on how fungal growth can mean infections on the toenails. Toenail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is caused by the same family of fungus (tinea) that causes Athlete’s Foot and Ringworm. When the fungus affects the toenails, they can become brittle, discolored, and or thick.
Where do I get fungal toenails?
Wearing closed-toed shoes, especially if you wear them every day, can also be the culprit of a fungal infection. In the fall and winter, your feet are warm inside the shoes. Those who sweat in closed-toed shoes create the perfect environment for fungus to grow. When opportunity strikes, the microorganism can infect the skin and toenails.
How do I get rid of these unsightly fungal toenails?
Depending on the severity of the fungal toenails, Dr. Macy might suggest:
Are your fungal toenails causing you embarrassment? Do you want to be free of unsightly toenails? Come to see our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brandon Macy for an assessment. Make an appointment today to be rid of those fungal toenails. We are located in Clark, NJ and serve patients in all of Union County! We keep you walking!
Foot fungus is an infection that commonly infects the feet. Toenail fungus, called onychomycosis, can start with a little bit of yellow or white discoloration or dot, but long-term effects can end with fungal build up. Eventually, the nails become discolored (between yellowish and grayish), thicker, and ragged at the tips of the toenails.
Causes: Toenails can become infected by a skin opening or crack in the nails. There are many fungi that can affect toenails as well as the skin (resulting in diseases known as Athlete’s foot and ringworm). Those with weakened immune systems and restricted blood circulation can make folks more susceptible to fungal infection. They are commonly spread in areas that are damp, such as gym locker rooms or towels and other items used by those with infection.
Typical Treatments:
Laser Therapy: The latest treatment option for fungal toenails is laser therapy. It is a low risk, painless treatment with no known side effects. It can effectively treat fungal infection through a short 10-minute session, with follow-up sessions if necessary. It can kill the fungus living in the nails so that future nail growth will occur without the infection. Since toenails can grow slowly, it can take as long as 5 to 6 months for the toenail to push out the infected area. We also offer Keryflex to cover and cosmetically restore damaged toenails. You can hide fungal infections using Keryflex and nail polish.
Got a persistent fungal infection that won’t respond to typical treatment? Come see our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brandon Macy for an assessment of the fungal toenails. Make an appointment today to have your feet treated with care. We are located in Clark, NJ and serve patients in all of Union County! We keep you walking!
Having healthy feet and toenails is very important in order to prevent nail disorders such as toenail fungus and toenail fungal infections. These nail disorders are more common than you think and should never be ignored. Bacteria and fungi are present everywhere in our daily environments but shoes are particularly a favorite spot.
Since this is such a common and frequently seen condition in people throughout the world, it is thus also an easily preventable condition. Podiatrists know a great deal about toenail fungal infections and know how, why and where it develops. Although there are treatments available, some infections are resistant to treatment and can reoccur. So prevention is the key to healthy toenails!
There are many quick and easy steps you can take to decrease your risk of developing fungal infections in your toes and toenails.
Top Tips for Healthy Toenails
If you follow the above steps, toenail fungal infections are easily preventable and you can also avoid other foot disorders and conditions. These basic tips will not only keep your feet clean, smelling fresh and far away from foot problems, but they will also ensure that your feet look great even without a pedicure.
If you suspect that you already may have developed a toenail fungal infection or have other concerning symptoms present in your toenails, look at the signs below to see whether you may need to visit a board certified podiatrist to seek treatment or medication.
Signs of Unhealthy Toenails
Visit Clark Podiatry in Clark, New Jersey to seek treatment for any of your foot and ankle problems. Dr. Brandon Macy is a board certified podiatrist who specializes in treating men, women and children of all ages. He will meet with you to learn of your symptoms and problems and carefully diagnose you and suggest the best treatment for you. Call Clark Podiatry today at (732) 382-3470 or book your appointment online!
Also known as onychomycosis, toenail fungus can be painful, irritating and embarrassing. When there is trauma to the nail, the nail bed is lifted allowing fungus to penetrate and invade the nail bed. Without treatment, the fungus can grow and spread in dark, warm, moist environments, such as socks and shoes.
Common signs and symptoms of toenail fungus include:
Fungal infections can affect the fingernails as well as the toenails, but toenail fungus is more difficult to treat because toenails grow more slowly. Because removal of the fungus is challenging, prevention plays an important role in treatment.
If you do develop toenail fungus, especially if the infection becomes painful, visit Brandon Macy, D.P.M.. People with a chronic illness like diabetes should always see a podiatrist if they notice changes in their nails as it may be an indication of more serious problems.
To eliminate the fungus, a podiatrist may remove as much of the infected nail as possible by trimming, filing or dissolving it. Oral or topical antifungal medications may also be prescribed to help treat the infection. Only for severe, chronic infections will surgical removal of the nail be recommended. Laser Therapy for ugly fungal nails is available too. Our Clark Office can help diagnose the cause of your toenail problems and make the best recommendation for treatment.
Questions or Comments?
We encourage you to contact us whenever you have an interest or concern about our services.
1114 Raritan Road
Clark, NJ 07066