Fungal Nails Specialists

Garden State Foot & Ankle Specialists

Podiatrists located in Plainfield, Scotch Plains, Edison, Woodbridge, Springfield & Linden, NJ

Fungal nails can be difficult to treat on your own, especially once the fungus starts to spread. The experienced podiatrists at Garden State Foot & Ankle Specialists understand the complexity of toenail fungus. That’s why they diagnose and treat these disorders at their convenient locations in Plainfield, Scotch Plains, Springfield, Linden, Edison, and Woodbridge, New Jersey. Without the right care, fungal nails can thicken and crumble. For fast relief from fungal nails, call the nearest office or book an appointment online today.

Fungal Nails Q & A

What are fungal nails?

Nail fungus, or onychomycosis, is an infection that occurs when various types of yeast or mold invade your nail.

While fungus can develop in any of your nails, it’s most common in toenails, which are more often exposed to warm, moist environments.

What do fungal nails look like?

Fungal nails often start as a small white or yellow spot on your affected nail. Without treatment, this small spot grows and spreads. You may have nail fungus if your nails look:

Yellow or brown
Thick
Crumbled
Cracked
Misshapen
Darkened

As your nail fungus develops, it’s common to experience a foul-smelling odor in your affected nail. The nail itself can also separate from the nail bed over time.

Who gets fungal nails?

Anybody can get fungal nails, but certain groups are at a higher risk than others. You may be prone to toenail fungus if you:

Have diabetes
Are over the age of 65
Had athlete’s foot
Sweat often
Walk barefoot in moist environments
Have a weakened immune system
Have a skin or nail injury
Swim in public pools
Wear acrylic nails

Men are especially at risk of fungal nails, as they tend to wear shoes and socks for longer periods of time than women, though women and children can get them as well.

What are the treatments for fungal nails?

Over-the-counter solutions aren’t typically effective at treating fungal nails. The team at Garden State Foot & Ankle Specialists can prescribe a number of oral and topical treatments and antifungal nail lacquers to eliminate fungal infections.

Because nail fungus can be difficult to treat, you may need a more intensive treatment to completely eliminate the infection. In severe cases, the team can remove your nail and apply medication to prevent the infection from returning.

How can I prevent fungal nails?

You can protect yourself against fungal nails by keeping your feet clean and dry. Fungus thrives in damp environments, so wearing clean socks and avoiding wet locker rooms while you’re barefoot can significantly decrease your chances of nail fungus.

If you often visit salons for professional pedicures, make sure the business practices safe sanitation measures to minimize your risk of nail infections.

If you’re struggling with fungal nails, call Garden State Foot & Ankle Specialists or schedule an appointment online today.

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