Identifying Symptoms of Toenail Fungus

Although most fungal toenail infections aren’t particularly painful at first, it can become uncomfortable or even painful to wear shoes, walk, or stand for a long time without treatment. It is not hard for your foot doctor to treat toenail fungus, so long as you seek treatment before the infection spreads. To help prevent this unsightly and sometimes painful infection, schedule an appointment with your podiatrist if you notice these symptoms of toenail fungus.

Thick Toenail
Distal subungual onychomycosis affects both the nail and the skin underneath the nail. A brittle, broken, and thickened nail is a symptom of this fungal infection. A discolored and thickened nail that separates from the skin under the nail is also a sign of distal subungual onychomycosis.

Yellow Streaks
Another visible sign of distal subungual onychomycosis is yellow streaks in the nail bed and on the underside of the nail. Inspect your toenails closely and schedule an appointment with your podiatrist if you notice unusual yellow streaks.

White Spots
White superficial onychomycosis is another type of toenail fungal infection that affects the nail surface. White spots on top of the toenail may be an indication of white superficial onychomycosis. Your foot doctor can treat this fungal infection so you can wear open-toed shoes without embarrassment all summer long.

Powdery Nail Surface
A soft and powdery nail surface is another symptom of white superficial onychomycosis. The condition will become more noticeable as the fungal infection gets worse. The sooner you visit your foot doctor, the sooner you can show off your toenails to the world.

These symptoms can also be caused by eczema, psoriasis, and Reiter’s syndrome. If you are experiencing any of these signs, schedule an appointment with Dr. Stanley J. Zawada at the Family Foot Center. For more than 25 years, Dr. Zawada and the Family Foot Center staff have provided foot care for individuals in Queens. Contact us online or call us at (718) 767-5555 to set up an appointment.

2017-07-02T14:45:14+00:00 June 25th, 2014|

Tips for Keeping Your Feet Healthy in the Summertime

Hopefully you’ll be spending a lot more time outside this summer, but only if you take care of your feet. While you probably worry most about your abs and tan, healthy feet are the key to getting the most out of summer. When outdoor temperatures are hot and your feet are enclosed in tight shoes, your feet become the target of numerous foot problems, including eczema, psoriasis, blisters, and fungal infections. Your feet are in even more danger if you wear sandals every day. Here are some tips from the podiatrists at Family Foot Center that will help you keep your feet healthy all summer long.

Wash Your Feet
Foot perspiration is a problem during the summer months, especially if you are prone to wearing tight shoes. Unfortunately, where there’s moisture, there’s the potential for fungal infection. Wash your feet several times a day if necessary, and be sure to dry your feet before putting your shoes and socks back on.

Use Foot Powder
One way to combat foot perspiration is to use foot powder. Foot powders help soak up excessive moisture that can breed fungi and bacteria. Lightly scented powder can also make your feet feel refreshed. Ask your podiatrist which foot powder is best for your feet.

Wear Sunscreen
Whether you wear sandals to the beach or heels to the market, make sure to put sunscreen on your feet before you step out into the sun. The skin on your feet is typically more sensitive to the sun’s powerful UV rays than other parts of your body, partially because you keep your feet hidden in socks and shoes most of the year.

The friendly foot doctors at the Family Foot Center in Queens can help keep your feet healthy all summer long. Our podiatrists have provided quality care to those suffering from foot pain and problems for more than 25 years. Visit our website or call us at (718) 767-5555 to schedule an appointment with one of our foot doctors.

2017-06-01T19:11:08+00:00 June 18th, 2014|

Common Types of Fungal Nail Infection

There are four major types of fungal nail infection. They are named for the area where the infection starts. Distal subungual onychomycosis (DSO) infects the skin under the end of the nail and in the nail itself. DSO is the most common type of fungal nail infection and is caused by the same fungi that cause most cases of athlete’s foot. White superficial onychomycosis (WSO) affects the top layer of the nail. WSO is the second most common type of fungal nail infection, followed by candida onychomycosis and proximal subungual onychomycosis (PSO).

If you notice any of the symptoms of fungal nail infection, schedule a free consultation with Dr. Stanley J. Zawada and the Family Foot Center staff. For over 25 years, the Family Foot Center has provided quality foot care for individuals in Queens. Visit our website or call us at (718) 767-5555 to schedule an appointment with one of our skilled foot doctors.

2017-07-02T14:42:40+00:00 June 6th, 2014|

Preventing Diabetes Foot Complications

Foot care is incredibly important for individuals with diabetes. Unfortunately, it is estimated that 25 percent of all diabetics will develop a foot ulcer at some time in their lives. To prevent ulceration, you need to start taking foot care seriously. That’s because diabetes affects circulation to your feet which leads to a variety of foot problems. Proper footwear and daily foot care are essential for protecting your feet and toes if you have diabetes. To learn more, watch this short video presentation.

Dr. Stanley J. Zawada and the Family Foot Center staff can take care of all of your foot care needs. We provide full-service podiatric care, including physical treatment, medicine, and surgery. Visit our website to schedule a free consultation with one of our skilled foot doctors in Queens, or call us at (718) 767-5555.

2017-06-01T19:11:19+00:00 June 2nd, 2014|