Podiatrist Located In Upper East Side New York Ny
The yellowing and thick, crumbly texture of a toenail with active fungus is usually more unsightly than harmful, but in extreme cases, pain may be a factor. Dr. Alan J. Rosen, a podiatrist on New York Citys Upper East Side, can help with fungus control through several therapies including laser treatments. Call the office or book an appointment online to restore a normal appearance to your toes.
Will A Podiatrist Treat Toenail Fungus
Fungal infections in the toenail are relatively common, causing foul smells and unsightly appearances around the nail plate. If you recognize the symptoms of toenail fungus, you must meet with the right doctor, a podiatrist, for proper treatment.
Podiatrists will treat toenail fungus by using topical creams, removing part of the nail, and or using more modern methods like laser therapy to eliminate the infection. At Arizona Foot Doctors, our podiatrists conduct a thorough evaluation of your nail before starting treatment to better understand the infections origin, possible underlying conditions, and to create a treatment approach that best fits your needs and lifestyle.
What Is The Treatment For Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus will be treated according to the type of fungus causing the infection and how bad the infection currently is. Some treatments that might be used involve:
- A topical cream that goes directly on the nail
- A topical nail lacquer
- Removing the damaged area of the nail or skin
- In some cases, you might need to have the nail removed completely with surgery
Pandit Foot & Ankle Clinic proudly offers NG YAg 1064 technology. This state-of-the-art laser is one of very few FDA-cleared lasers approved to treat fungal toenails painlessly and effectively We are one of the first to use laser in Illinois and have had thousands of success stories.
Insurance Providers
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Assurant Health
- Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program
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See A Podiatrist For Toenail Fungus Treatment
If youre uncomfortable with the appearance of your toes, make an appointment with a podiatrist. Professional, modern treatment methods are more effective at clearing up fungal infections than over the counter and home remedies.
Tackling a fungal infection on your own could be difficult and frustrating. Over-the-counter creams are often not strong enough to treat infections appropriately, and more complex treatments arent available for consumer use. The toenail fungus doctors, or podiatrists, at Arizona Foot Doctors are qualified to deal with many foot and ankle issues, including toenail fungus, and are dedicated to making you feel confident and comfortable throughout the treatment process.
After a gentle evaluation, our podiatrists will prescribe the most appropriate treatment for your situation, identify any underlying causes, and help you avoid future infections.
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How Can You Recognize Toenail Fungus
Essentially, the main symptom of toenail fungus is the discolored appearance. Affected nails are dull, darkened, and distorted. In addition to visual cues, your toenails will also be thickened, yet brittle and crumbly. When the infection has been present for an extended period of time and become more severe in nature, you may even detect a slightly foul odor.
Some patients experience pain with this condition, particularly when the fungal infection causes toenails to separate from their respective nailbeds.
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How Can I Prevent Toenail Fungus
Theres no way to guarantee you wont get toenail fungus. But you can take several steps to help prevent it:
- Avoid going barefoot in communal areas such as public showers, locker rooms and swimming pools. Most people pick up fungus in these situations. It helps to wear flip flops in these public areas.
- If you have a family member with foot fungus or nail fungus, try to use a different shower or wear flip flops in the shower to avoid coming in contact with it.
- Trauma due to accidental or aggressive clipping of the nails can turn into portals of entry for the fungus.
- Clean your nail trimmer before using it.
- Dont tear or rip your toenails on purpose.
- If you have diabetes, follow all foot care recommendations from your healthcare provider.
- Keep your feet dry. Make sure to fully dry your feet after a shower.
- Soak toenails in warm water before cutting them. Or you can cut your nails after a shower or bath.
- Trim toenails straight across .
- Wear shoes that fit correctly. They shouldnt be too loose or tight around the toes.
How Are Fungal Infections Treated
Topical ointments would seem suited for toenail application, but the fungal infection often penetrates more deeply than the ointments can. Still, you may be one of the lucky ones on whom over-the-counter treatments work.
Dr. Rosen may prescribe oral antifungal medications. While these options are generally more effective than topical treatments, they still take months to clear the fungal infection. These medications also have side effects and complications that may limit who can use them.
Dr. Rosen also uses the PinPointe FootLaser for treating nail fungus. Since the fungus itself is hard to reach, the penetrating nature of laser light targets the fungus without harming the skin, nails and other tissues of your foot. The fungus dies off as its warmed during the 30-minute treatments, permitting the nail to grow out — clear and fungus-free. The procedure is pain-free and requires no time for recovery, so you can return to your daily life immediately after treatment.
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Possible Risks And Complications
A podiatry laser has no effect on healthy tissue. It targets only the infected areas. Happily, patients who undergo laser nail treatment for fungus removal should experience no discomfort during or after the treatment.
In some cases, patients have reported feeling a warming sensation or a slight pinprick.
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When To See A Foot Doctor For Toenail Fungus
posted: Jan. 05, 2022.
Toenail fungus can be a common occurrence among adults and children alike, so how do you know when to see a foot doctor for your toenail fungus? Untreated toenail fungus can lead to some serious short and long-term effects, making it important for your overall health to seek treatment. One of the best medical professionals to treat toenail fungus in Kissimmee, FL, is a foot doctor, also known as a podiatrist. Experts at Nationwide Foot & Ankle Care, including Dr. Randy Semma, Dr. Michele Bertelle-Semma, and Dr. Stacey Stefansky can help.
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What Treatments Are Available For Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus is often difficult to treat and frequently results in repeat infections. If your condition is mild, your podiatrist may recommend an over-the-counter antifungal nail product like a cream, spray, or powder. During your appointment, your doctor takes a sample of your toenail to determine the type of fungus causing your infection. Knowing the exact type of fungus helps your doctor determine the most effective treatment for your condition.
If your condition doesnt improve with at-home care, your podiatrist may recommend a prescription-strength antifungal medication. Its not uncommon for it to take four or more months to effectively eliminate toenail fungus.
Treatment Options For Nail Fungus
Interviewer:
Interviewer:
Dr. Hull:
Most of my conversation is usually discussing medical therapy, so things that are available by prescription only. And those come in two main forms, which are topical antifungal medications, and then oral antifungal medications. There are other surgical or procedural options, so you can remove nails as well. And then theres starting to be more interest in technologies like lasers for nail fungus.
Interviewer:
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Toenail Fungus Home Care
Sometimes itâs possible to treat your toenail fungus at home. You can try:
- Over the counter antifungal creams or ointments. File or cut off any white markings on your nails. Soak your nails in water and dry off before you put on the medicated cream.
- Special nail care. If you keep your nails trimmed, it can reduce the pressure and pain you feel. You can also thin your nail bed by filing it down. This can help antifungal creams get to the problem easier.
Podiatrist Located In Porter Ranch Ca Westwood Ca Encino Ca And Los Angeles Ca
Getting rid of toenail fungus is difficult on your own. When over-the-counter remedies dont work, Dr. Syamak Yamini offers prescription-strength options to attack fungus at the source. If youre looking for a podiatry specialist to help you get rid of unsightly fungus, call or use the online scheduler to see Dr. Yamini at his Porter Ranch, Encino, and Los Angeles, California, locations.
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How Can I Treat Toenail Fungus At Home
If you visit the drugstore, you can choose from a variety of over-the-counter antifungal medications. You may decide to use those or ask Dr. Yamini for his recommendations. Keep your nails clean and trimmed to help the medication penetrate.
Urea-containing creams may help you thin thickened nails so you can trim them.
How Are Fungal Toenails Treated
As a starting point, we have to mention that you can find over-the-counter products that advertise as being able to help with this condition. The fact of the matter, though, is that they are not effective.
Many of those OTC use natural ingredients that arent proven to work. When you want the fungus to be eradicated, you need the right kind of medication, which is where our office can help.
Dr. Scudday can prescribe oral and topical medications to target the fungus and restore your nails back to a healthy, clear state.
The oral medications target the infection from the inside-out. They travel through the bloodstream and can reach dermatophytes residing underneath nail tissue. Conversely, topical medication is applied to affected toenails and works to eradicate fungus residing on the surface.
If you have a case of fungal toenails, come in and see Dr. Scudday for treatment at the earliest opportunity. The infection will only continue to worsen the longer it is left untreated.
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What Should I Ask My Healthcare Provider About Toenail Fungus
If you have toenail fungus, you may find it helpful to ask your provider:
- What type of infection do I have?
- Do you recommend I treat it? Why or why not?
- How long will I need treatment?
- What steps can I take to stop it from coming back?
- Should I be aware of any potentially serious complications or treatment side effects?
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Toenail fungus is an incredibly common infection that can be difficult to treat. The condition usually isnt painful, but it may make you feel self-conscious about how your foot looks. If it bothers you, talk to your provider about your treatment options. A trained specialist can provide guidance on whats most likely to address your concerns while protecting your overall health.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 12/17/2020.
References
When To See A Podiatrist About Nail Fungus
When to See a Podiatrist About Nail Fungus
Your local podiatrist can accurately diagnose and effectively treat an incredible array of problems that affect your feet, including nail fungus. While many people think of nail fungus as a minor inconvenience or merely a cosmetic issue, it can in fact lead to serious health problems. When left untreated by your Houston podiatrist , nail fungus can lead to permanent nail damage and infections that spread beyond your feet. While its best to visit your foot doctor sooner, rather than later, you should definitely take the time to schedule an appointment if the following factors apply to you.
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Are Oral Medications For Nail Fungus Toxic
The newer drugs are unlikely to cause any liver problems in patients without known liver disease. Blood tests are not needed for once-weekly treatment with fluconazole however, people taking longer courses often have their liver function tested before starting the medicine and then retested during the course of treatment. It is important to notify the doctor of all side effects while on the medication. You should tell your doctor of all current medications to prevent potential serious drug interactions.
What Symptoms Develop Due To Toenail Fungus
The first sign of a toenail fungus is a white or yellow spot that appears under the tip of your toenail. This discoloration marks the area where the fungus invaded.
As the infection spreads deeper into the toenail, the nails become thick and take on a yellow, green, or black color. Your toenail may become misshapen. Its also common for the nail to become fragile, making the edges crumble or crack.
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When To See A Podiatrist
Even with the best efforts at home-based remedies, a time might come when you need to seek professional help. Going to a general practitioner can be helpful, but contacting a podiatrist directly will expedite the treatment and healing process.
You should visit a podiatrist when you notice any of the above-mentioned symptoms of a fungal infection. Again, these include discoloration, thickening, or deformities. The sooner you seek treatment, the easier it will be to clear up the fungal infection, so dont ignore the signs of trouble even if they arent causing you significant distress.
Its especially important to make an appointment with a podiatrist if:
A podiatrist can treat a fungal infection with a few different methods, depending upon the severity of the infection. First, an oral medication might be prescribed. Unfortunately many have side effects, including permanent damage to the liver.
Laser treatment is another option and is sometimes very effective. Before scheduling a laser treatment, ensure it is covered by your insurance, as anything involving lasers can quickly get very expensive.
If the toenail is very infected or the infections are occurring regularly, a podiatrist might opt to remove the toenail. While this is never an ideal option, it will permanently resolve the issue.
Treating A Fungal Infection At Home
Sometimes, its possible to treat a fungal infection at home, although it can take a very long while and isnt always effective. If you wish to try, you will need to follow a cleansing routine daily for many months in order to suppress the infection. Some cosmetic issues related to toenail fungus can be resolved through filing off white markings and applying an over-the-counter antifungal medicine.
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What Causes Nail Fungus
The most common nail fungus is called dermatophyte, but other fungi, yeasts, and molds can cause nail infections. Nails change as you get older, becoming dry and brittle, with small cracks and cavities. These weak spots give fungal infections a place to take hold. While a fungal infection may spread from one of your toes to a neighboring toe, its not commonly spread between people.
There are other factors besides age that may increase your risk of developing toenail fungus. These include:
- A history of athletes foot
- Damp, sweaty feet
- Nail or skin injuries or conditions, such as psoriasis
- Exposing your bare feet to damp areas shared by many people, such as showers and locker rooms
Avoid Risk Of Infection
A fungus that starts on your toenail can spread to other areas of the body, causing additional complications. If you notice the skin around your toe on your foot becoming red, itchy, and cracked, this can be a sign of an athletes foot, which also requires treatment. In severe cases, the spread of bacteria from untreated toenail fungus can cause cellulitis. If the skin on your foot, ankle, or lower leg becomes swollen, red, and painful to the touch, you should seek immediate medical attention to avoid a life-threatening infection that can occur in some cases of cellulitis.
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If You Arent Sure Of The Diagnosis
If a podiatrist has never diagnosed you with nail fungus before, you may be incorrectly self-diagnosing your condition. There are many foot and nail conditions that can mimic the abnormalities associated with nail fungus, such as onycholysis, a hematoma under the nail, psoriasis, and paronychia. By scheduling an appointment with a foot and ankle specialist, you can be sure that youre getting the right treatment for your specific condition.
What Questions Should I Ask My Healthcare Provider
If you have toenail fungus, you may find it helpful to ask your healthcare provider:
- What type of infection do I have?
- Do you recommend I treat it? Why or why not?
- How long will I need treatment?
- What steps can I take to stop it from coming back?
- Should I be aware of any potentially serious complications or treatment side effects?
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Toenail fungus is an incredibly common infection that can be difficult to treat. Tinea unguium usually isnt painful, but it may make you feel self-conscious about how your foot looks. If it bothers you, talk to your healthcare provider about your treatment options. A trained specialist can provide guidance on whats most likely to address your concerns while protecting your overall health.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 08/11/2022.
References
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Pros Of Laser For Toenail Fungus Treatment:
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