Up to 20% of Americans have fungal nails. Anyone can experience fungal nails, but if you have diabetes, you must seek treatment. Otherwise, you run the risk of infection and other complications. At Kenneth Meisler, DPM, PLLC & Associates, the providers offer various treatments for fungal nails. Make an appointment today by calling the office on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in New York City, or click the online booking feature.
Fungal nails develop because of onychomycosis –– a type of fungi. The infection begins as a small white spot on a single nail but spreads to your surrounding nails over time.
If you notice toenail changes, contact Kenneth Meisler, DPM, PLLC & Associates right away. Intervention and treatment can prevent the infection from getting worse.
Symptoms of fungal nails include toenails that are:
You might also notice that your shoes and socks smell.
Make an appointment at Kenneth Meisler, DPM, PLLC & Associates if your toenails look discolored or thicker than normal. That’s especially true if you have diabetes, bleeding around the nails, or you experience difficulty walking.
Anyone can experience fungal nails, but several factors may increase your risk, including:
You’re also more likely to develop fungal nails if you have a history of athlete’s foot.
You can reduce your risk of fungal nails by practicing good foot hygiene. Kenneth Meisler, DPM, PLLC & Associates recommends keeping your nails clean and dry, trimming your nails regularly, and wearing shoes and socks that allow your feet to breathe.
To diagnose fungal nails, your Kenneth Meisler, DPM, PLLC & Associates provider asks about your symptoms and examines your toenails. Most fungal infections are visible to the eye, but your provider might also collect a sample of clippings, to determine the type of fungus causing the infection.
Treatment of fungal nails depends on various things, including the severity of the infection and your general health. Kenneth Meisler, DPM, PLLC & Associates might recommend:
If the fungal infection extends beneath your nail, your provider might recommend surgery to remove it completely.
Make an appointment at Kenneth Meisler, DPM, PLLC & Associates today to learn more about the treatment options for fungal nails. Call the office or click the online booking feature.