Toenail Fungus

Toenail Fungus services offered in Hopewell Junction, Wappingers Falls, Poughkeepsie, Pawling, Mahopac and Carmel, NY

Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus causes unsightly changes in the nail and can damage it permanently. Christos Kyrou, DPM, Kamal Farha, DPM, and their team at Kyrou Podiatry Associates provide high-quality toenail fungus treatment at their offices in Wappingers Falls, Carmel, Poughkeepsie, Mahopac, and Pawling, New York. The team uses cutting-edge laser therapy to destroy the fungus and restore nail health. Call your nearest Kyrou Podiatry Associates office or request an appointment online today if you have toenail fungus symptoms.

Toenail Fungus Q & A

What is toenail fungus?

Toenail fungus (onychomycosis) is an infection affecting your toenails. The first sign of toenail fungus is a small yellowish or white spot on the nail usually the big toe, but it can affect any nail. The fungus gradually spreads, penetrating the toenail and making it thicker, discolored, or crumbly.

Anyone can get toenail fungus, but people with diabetes and other conditions affecting blood flow in the foot and ankle are more at risk.

What symptoms does toenail fungus cause?

You could have toenail fungus if one or more nails are:

  • Thick
  • Yellow, green, or black
  • Ragged
  • Brittle
  • Misshapen
  • Crumbly
  • Smelly

As the infection gets worse, the toenail can separate from its bed and become loose.

Over-the-counter antifungal treatments are available, but if your symptoms don’t improve or your condition worsens, visit Kyrou Podiatry Associates for expert treatment. You must get timely toenail fungus treatment if you have diabetes or other conditions that increase your risk of infection or ulcers (open, nonhealing wounds).

How is toenail fungus diagnosed?

To diagnose toenail fungus, your Kyrou Podiatry Associates foot doctor reviews your medical records and discusses your symptoms. They’ll ask when you first noticed the changes, if your fungal toenail hurts, and whether there’s an unpleasant odor coming from the nail.

Your doctor completes a thorough toe and toenail exam. They consider the nail’s color, condition, and thickness and take some toenail clippings. The clippings go for lab analysis to confirm the diagnosis — though less common, psoriasis and other skin problems can cause similar symptoms.

How is toenail fungus treated?

Treatment helps encourage your body’s natural healing to prevent the infection from spreading.

Toenail fungus treatments include:

  • Oral antifungal medication
  • Medicated toenail polish
  • Antifungal nail ointment
  • Surgery to remove a severely infected nail

The Kyrou Podiatry Associates team has successfully treated toenail fungus with laser therapy. This painless in-office procedure uses ultraviolet laser light to destroy the fungus in your toenail.

To reduce your risk of reinfection, keep your toenails clean and dry and trim them regularly (cutting straight across and not too short to prevent ingrown toenails). Wear shoes and socks that help draw sweat away from your feet, keep your feet clean, and don’t share footwear or walk barefoot.

Call Kyrou Podiatry Associates or request an appointment online today to receive fast, effective toenail fungus treatment.