Toenail Infections are More Than Unsightly

Toenail infections may not look appealing, but they also reside deep under the toenail bed. This can make it difficult to clear the infection and repair the damaged toenail. Our podiatrist, Dr. Joel S. Segalman, DPM at Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC, will help to treat this condition and give you the best chance of eliminating the infection and repairing the toenail. Please call or visit us at our Waterbury 203-755-0489 & Newtown 203-270-6724, Connecticut locations today.

Toenail Infections cause the toenail to thicken (due to the fungus present) and thereafter get damaged in the process. The damaged toenail then continues to grow. This condition is common in male athletes and the elderly. The usual fungal cause of toenail infections, “Trichophyton rubrum”, is the same type of fungus that produces athlete’s foot. Another skin complication called Psoriasis can make toenails thick. Although this is not a fungal infection, it can make the toenails more prone to developing them. Fungal toenail infections are usually acquired from public showers, changing rooms or public pools. Heat and dampness create the optimal conditions for toenail fungus to grow. So, it’s not surprising that wearing shoes help to accelerate the growth of fungi because they create the necessary environment for fungi.

The fungi causing toenail infection reside underneath the nail. Preventative tips include having your feet get plenty of air, walking barefoot at home, wearing open toe shoes, drying feet thoroughly after washing, use of antifungal nail polish for women and medications that to help destroy the infection. When these methods are not successful, laser treatment may be necessary. This treatment is generally successful because it is able to penetrate the nail bed and reach the fungus hiding underneath without an invasive procedure. In other instances, the toenail may need to be completely removed if it does not respond to treatment. It should thereafter grow in correctly. Please contact our offices if you are suffering from a toenail infection so that we can provide you with the best chance of restoring your nails to a healthy condition instead of having to remove them completely.