Toenail Fungus is an infection of the toenail and can be unsightly, painful, and make the nail difficult to cut. Dr. David Erman offers quick and effective treatments for Toenail Fungus from his practice located in East Windsor, NJ. You can call or request an appointment online today.
Toenail Fungus Q & A
Q: What is toenail fungus?
A: Nail fungus is a condition that occurs when a microscopic fungus enters one or more nails. This condition often begins as an infection in the skin called Tinea Pedis, which is commonly referred to as Athlete’s Foot. As the nail fungus penetrates deeper into the nail, it may cause the nail to discolor, thicken, and develop crumbling edges. This can be an unsightly and potentially painful problem.
Q: What causes toenail fungus?
A: Nail fungus may be caused by: dermatophytes (organisms that feed on dead skin and nails), Candida (a classification of yeast), and mold. These microscopic organisms typically thrive in dark, warm, and moist environments. The insides of shoes are a perfect environment to harbor fungal organisms.
Q: How do you treat toenail fungus?
A: The feet are more often neglected in personal grooming than other parts of the body, thus regular preventative care should be taken as part of one's daily regimen.
- It is important to wash your feet regularly and dry them thoroughly after bathing.
- Keep your nails dry, short, and clean.
- Avoid walking barefoot in public places such as communal bathing facilities and pools.
- If you sweat excessively change your socks often.
- Use an antifungal spray or powder on your feet and the inside of your shoes.
Dr. Erman will properly diagnose the cause of your toenail problems. Treatment of your condition will then depend on the type of organism causing the infection, severity of the infection, and your overall health status.
Dr. Erman may recommend frequent and regular trimming of your toenails in order to monitor their growth and keep them healthy. Fungal toenails can be difficult to treat. Although we strive for a 100% cure of toenail fungus infections, not all patients will achieve this goal.