Nail Fungus Specialist
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Podiatry Healthcare Associates
Maurice Betesh, DPM
Foot & Ankle Specialist located in Midwood, Clinton Hills, & Marine Park, Brooklyn, NY
Toenail fungus can cause discoloration, warping, thickening, and odor in the affected nail. Usually, toenail fungus is very hard to beat on your own because the fungi causing the infection are incredibly invasive and persistent. The experienced board-certified podiatrist at Podiatry Healthcare Associates, Maurice Betesh, DPM, in Brooklyn, New York City, has nail fungus treatments that work fast on toenails, along with preventive care to help you avoid the same frustrating fungus in the future. Book online around the clock or call the Midwood, Clinton Hills, or Marine Park, Brooklyn, location.
Nail Fungus Q & A
What is toenail fungus?
Toenail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis, is a fungal infection that develops beneath your nail surface. The microscopic fungal organisms attack your toenail, which leads to serious nail deterioration, including:
- White or yellow deposits under your nail
- Nail thickening
- Nail warping
- Nail separation (lifting away from your toe)
- Nail yellowing or darkening
- Crumbling, weak, or ragged nails
Nail fungus on your toes is embarrassing, but that's not the only problem. It can spread to your other toenails, your skin (athlete's foot or tinea pedis), and possibly your fingernails. Eventually, the infection can grow so bad that it causes serious pain whenever you're wearing shoes.
How do toenails get nail fungus?
You can get toenail fungus whenever you come in contact with the causative fungi. Walking without shoes in damp areas, such as swimming pools and gym showers, is often enough to cause toenail fungus if you have an entry point on the soles of your feet, like a small abrasion or cut.
It's also possible to get toenail fungus through infected nail care tools, for example, you could get toenail fungus if you get a pedicure from a nail salon that doesn't carefully sterilize their equipment or if you use nail clippers belonging to a friend with toenail fungus.
Conditions like diabetes can weaken your immune system and leave you especially susceptible to nail fungus. That’s one of the many reasons why careful diabetic foot care is so important.
How is toenail fungus treated?
During your visit to Podiatry Healthcare Associates, Dr. Betesh can take a small sample of your toenail to test it. This shows exactly what strain of fungus you're dealing with and helps him customize the optimal treatment plan. Depending on the strain of fungus, your symptoms, and your particular needs, your treatment may include:
- Topical prescription antifungal medicine
- Oral prescription antifungal medicine
- Laser therapy
- Debridement, removal of part or all of the nail
Of course, it's vital that you take good care of your nails at home as well. Dr. Betesh may recommend some changes to your foot care routine to minimize the chance of a nail fungus recurrence on your toes.
Podiatry Healthcare Associates is poised to put your toenail fungus to rest for good. Call the office closest to you or use the online booking tool for fungal nail treatment now.
