Fungal Toenails Are No Fun

Our podiatrist, Dr. Joel S. Segalman, at the Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC, treats a variety of foot and ankle health conditions. Toenail Fungus can be unsightly and painful and may potentially lead to major surgery. It will require treatment if not managed correctly. Visit Dr. Segalman at our Waterbury & Newtown, Connecticut locations. Dr. Segalman previously worked with the New York Kicks and currently works with a professional soccer team! He knows how to treat this condition with a sports medicine twist! Treatment will help to prevent serious complications that can occur with toenail fungus.

Toenail Fungus is common around pools, gyms or even carpeting. 1 in 10 adults develop a toenail fungus infection. This infection can lead to brittle or swollen nails. The fungus will cause nail color to dull and loose its shine, with small white dots forming under the nail. If left untreated, nails will become brown. The area around the infected nails will also start to emit an odor. For elder adults with weakened immune systems, treatment is more urgent as the infection can enter their blood stream.

One form of treatment through drugs is Lamisil, taken for 90 days. Antifungal nail polish or other topical treatments also help to treat nail fungus. Essential oils can help because they have antifungal properties and they can easily be absorbed by the skin to for an immediate benefit.

Laser treatment may be necessary if the above remedies are unhelpful. This treatment eliminates the source of the fungal infection. The laser penetration is minimally invasive, goes through the surface, and completely kills the infection that causes the fungus under the nails. Fungus will no longer grow after treatment.

The earlier Toenail Fungus is treated, the less likely laser treatment will be required. However, if you have toenail fungus that is significantly changing toenail color and causing pain, don’t hesitate to contact our office for an appointment and call us as soon as possible. Please feel free to discuss your Toenail Fungus with us and we will determine the best course of treatment specifically tailored for your feet!