Toenail Fungus
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LaSante Health Center
Multi-Specialty Health Clinic located in Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Brooklyn, NY
Toenail fungus may not seem like a big problem but, left untreated, this condition can spread and cause serious long-term health problems. At LaSante Health Center in the Prospect Lefferts Gardens area of Brooklyn, the team offers expert, timely treatment of your toenail fungus and other foot-related problems. For a podiatry consultation, call the office in New York City or schedule an appointment online today.
Toenail Fungus Q & A
What is toenail fungus?
Toenail fungus is a type of infection that begins in and around the nail bed. Also called onychomycosis, toenail fungus often starts on the skin as a fungal infection like athlete's foot, which spreads to the end of the nail, under the nail fold.
Toenail fungus spreads quickly and can affect one or more nails. This type of infection grows best in damp, warm places like inside socks and shoes. Once it spreads, the fungal infection may be difficult to control and could worsen over time if not treated.
Am I at risk for toenail fungus?
Children who share shoes and socks and teens who sweat heavily are at high risk of getting toenail fungus. Older adults are at the highest risk, as they often have decreased circulation, less efficient immune systems, and mobility issues that may make keeping their feet clean and dry difficult.
Factors that put both adults and children at increased risk for toenail fungus include:
- Poor foot hygiene
- Heavy sweating
- Open wounds on feet
- Diabetes or vascular problems
- Suppressed immune system
- History of or current athlete's foot infection
- History of fungal infections
- Walking barefoot, especially in parks or locker rooms
- Ingrown toenails
If you get professional pedicures, you may be at high risk for a fungal infection if the business doesn't clean their tools properly. Also, nails or cuticles that have been trimmed too short make you susceptible to both toenail fungus and ingrown toenails.
What are the symptoms of toenail fungus?
Toenail fungus isn't typically painful, at least not initially, which is why many people put off treatment until the infection is severe. If you see signs of toenail fungus, you must get an assessment from the podiatry experts at LaSante Health Center.
Signs and symptoms include:
- Discolored or yellowed toenails
- Brittle or crumbling toenails
- Loose toenails
- Debris under nails that is difficult to remove
Your podiatrist treats your toenail fungus using antifungal soap, topical and oral medications, nail debridement, or surgical removal of the nail. Surgery may be necessary if it is not possible to get control of your fungal infection, or it is severe enough to put your overall health at risk.
For expert care of toenail fungus, call or schedule an appointment online at LaSante Health Center today.