Nail fungus is a fungal infection that can happen in one or more nails. It often begins as a yellow spot under the tip of a fingernail or toenail. When it begins to spread deeper into the nail, it can cause the nail to thicken, discolor, or develop crumbling edges. This can be both unsightly and painful. Here are some treatment options for toenail fungus.

Oral Medication

To treat toenail fungus, a doctor may prescribe oral antifungal medication. The most effective treatments are Lamisil and Sporanox. A doctor is most likely to recommend oral medication to patients who have diabetes, have risk factors for cellulitis, or have a history of cellulitis. The medications help a new, infection-free nail grow, which slowly replaces the infected nail. Oral medications are typically taken for six to 12 weeks. It may take up to four months for the infection to go away.

Nail Creams and Ointments

A doctor might also prescribe topical antifungal medications. Patients may be advised to use creams with an over-the-counter lotion that contains urea, which helps speed up absorption. Topical medications typically do not cure fungal infections, but they can be used along with oral medications. A cream or ointment might be more effective if the surface of the nail is filed down prior to application.

Antifungal Lacquer

For a mild infection, a doctor may prescribe an antifungal nail polish called ciclopirox. In this case, the patient is instructed to paint the infected nails and surrounding skin once a day for seven days. After seven days, the layers of lacquer should be wiped off with alcohol to begin a fresh round of applications.

Surgery and Laser Therapy

In severe cases, a doctor may suggest surgically removing the nail. After removal, a new nail will slowly grow in. Nail fungus can also be treated with laser or photodynamic therapy. In a process that irradiates the nail, the nail is first treated with an acid and then exposed to intense light.

If you are in need of podiatric care, seek treatment at Family Foot Center. We provide treatment for a variety of foot problems, including fungal infections, ingrown toenails, heel pain, plantar warts, hammertoes, and bunions. Visit our website or call (347) 625-5256 to learn more about our treatments.

Have you ever wondered what your feet say about your personality? Believe it or not, the shape and size of your feet and toes can actually indicate many things about your qualities and talents! Wide feet tend to belong to people who are hard workers and go-getters, while narrow feet can indicate that you prefer to delegate and manage rather than do the work yourself. If you have foot problems such as swelling, it may be a sign that you have a hard time expressing your emotions. Of course, if you have problems with your foot health, you should consult your podiatrist to learn the medical causes behind your foot pain. Check out this infographic from Family Foot Center to learn more fun information regarding what your feet say about your personality. Please share with your friends and family, and enjoy having healthy feet!

Fungi on shower floors can cause toenail fungus, athlete’s foot, and ringworm. It is important to protect your feet to avoid these painful, unsightly infections. Wearing shower shoes will reduce your chances of getting a foot fungus, as it places a barrier between the floor and your feet. Flip-flops are a common shower shoe that are cheap and easy to find. Rubber flip-flops are ideal because they easily slide on and off and dry quickly. For a more durable option, purchase water shoes, which have thick rubber soles and mesh that surrounds the foot.

If you are suffering from a fungal infection, schedule a consultation with Family Foot Center. We treat a wide range of podiatric problems, including ingrown toenails, plantar warts, heel pain, hammertoes, and bunions. Visit us at our website today to read more about our services, or call (347) 625-5256 to learn more about our treatment options.

The wet test is a simple way to determine what type of arch you have—flat, high, or normal. To perform the test, all you will need is water, a shallow pan, and a brown paper bag. Begin by placing the pan on the ground. Then, place the bag nearby, so you can easily step from the pan onto the bag. Pour enough water into the pan to evenly cover the bottom. Wet the sole of your foot in the pan and then step onto the paper bag. The wet print you leave will reveal the shape of your foot and the type of arch you have. Watch this video to see a demonstration.

Family Foot Center provides quality care for those suffering from any type of foot pain or problem. We treat ingrown toenails, heel pain, plantar warts, hammertoes, bunions, and more. Visit our website or call us at (347) 625-5256 to schedule a consultation.

Ingrown toenails can be extremely painful, and typically develop when the edges of the nail grow down and into the skin of the toe. In many cases, the skin along the edge of the nail will appear to grow over the nail, causing the skin to become swollen, firm, and red.  Continue reading to learn which steps you can take if you develop an ingrown toenail.

At-Home Treatment
There are several steps you can take to try to remedy the problem at home. Consider soaking your foot in warm water several times a day to soften the nail and make it easier to massage the area of inflamed skin. You may then place a small piece of cotton underneath the nail to help keep it from penetrating the skin and becoming worse. You may also consider trimming the nail after softening it in warm water, making sure not to pull out the ingrown portion of the nail yourself, but rather trimming the nail straight across. This is especially important as removing the section of nail that is ingrown may create additional problems in the future.

In-Office Treatments
When at-home remedies do not work, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your podiatrist. Your foot doctor may offer a number of treatment options for ingrown toenails, including chemical, electrical, or surgical-based treatments. Each of these methods is designed to destroy or remove the ingrown section of the nail, so that a healthy, new nail can begin to grow. In some cases, your doctor may also prescribe antibiotics if the ingrown nail has led to an infection.

Prevention
In addition to trimming your nails straight across and avoiding rounded or tapered edges, there are other steps you can take to prevent the development of ingrown toenails. This includes wearing sandals or shoes with wide toe-boxes, keeping your feet clean and dry, and inspecting your feet on a regular basis.

Here at Family Foot Center, our podiatrists offer permanent correction of ingrown toenails, bunions, and hammer toes. You can learn more by calling (347) 625-5256 or by visiting us at our website.