What are the symptoms of a fungal toenail?
Toenail fungus is usually easy to identify visually because it causes obvious changes in the nail. Common symptoms of toenail fungus include:
- Discolored nails
- Thickened nails
- Ragged nail edges
- Foul odor coming from nail
- White or yellow marks on the nail plate
Sometimes, toenail fungus can cause your nail to crack, split, or lift away from the nail plate. If you've got toenail fungus symptoms, see your Central Jersey Ankle & Foot Care Specialists podiatrist as soon as possible for treatment.
How did I get toenail fungus?
The most common way to get toenail fungus is by walking barefoot in damp places. You can also develop toenail fungus if you regularly wear tight shoes without proper airflow, especially if you wear damp socks for long periods, as well. Any kind of nail bed injury leaves you more vulnerable to toenail fungus.
Certain groups are more susceptible to toenail fungus. If you have a family history of toenail fungus, or suffer from chronic disease like diabetes, you need to be especially vigilant about foot care to avoid toenail fungus.
How are fungal nails treated?
Your Central Jersey Ankle & Foot Care Specialists podiatrist customizes toenail fungus treatment for you. Treatment options can include:
Topical treatments
Your podiatrist may recommend CLARUS™ or Formula 3® topical antifungal treatments that you apply to the nail daily. These products are dispensed only by podiatrists and other medical professionals.
Nail restoration
If your nails are weak and worn down following toenail fungus, your podiatrist can perform nail restoration with the KERYflex™ nail restoration system. This system uses polymer resins and special activators combined with UV light to create a new healthy-looking replacement nail in just 15 minutes.
Laser treatment
Laser treatment with the PinPointe™FootLaser™ destroys the fungus below the nail without harming your nail. It's a one-time treatment that can yield impressive results within just a few months.
Toenail fungus treatment can be different for every patient. Your podiatrist focuses on completely eliminating the fungus so you can have clear, healthy toenails now and in the future.
Be sure to follow your podiatrist’s guidelines for toenail fungus prevention going forward. Just a few simple changes like wearing shoes at the pool and using antifungal products at home can keep you fungus-free!
Use the online scheduling tool or call Central Jersey Ankle & Foot Care Specialists for toenail fungus treatment now.
