Dealing with toenail fungus is very unsightly and can cause long-term effects. If you have this issue, don't hesitate to contact your local podiatrists in Horseheads, Waverly, and Elmira, NY. Our doctors at Thurber & Thurber can help treat several ailments related to your feet.
What Are The Dangers of Untreated Toenail Fungus?
Toenail fungus generally begins as a small discolored area on a single nail and spreads over time to incorporate additional nails. The involved nails become thicker and brittle, often causing pain while wearing shoes.
It can cause other problems as well which include:
- Athlete's foot - results in cracked red skin on the foot
- Cellulitis - swollen red skin that needs antibiotic treatment
- Onycholysis - toenail separates from the nail bed
- Toenail loss
How Can A Podiatrist Help Treat Toenail Fungus?
If you think you have toenail fungus, don't hesitate to make an appointment with your local podiatrist in Horseheads, Waverly, and Elmira, NY. When you come for your initial consultation at Thurber & Thurber, our doctors may take a sample of the infected toenail to confirm that you do indeed have toenail fungus.
For those patients with a smaller amount of nail involved, a topical medication may be an option. Patients with more involved cases often opt for a safe and effective treatment called Lunula Laser.
Lunula Laser is a painless laser treatment and is the first non-thermal laser that has been cleared by the FDA for onychomycosis. Each session won't take much time - just 12 minutes per foot. Patients will initially come into the office for weekly treatment for 4 weeks. The fifth treatment will take place a few months later.
The Lunula Laser offers success rates comparable with many traditional oral agents while eliminating the associated risks from these medications. Reports of fungal resistance to these medications are also on the rise.
Clearing of a fungal nail by any means can take 12-14 months, so the sooner you begin, the sooner you will have a result.
Your local podiatrist in Horseheads, Waverly, and Elmira, NY, can help treat your ongoing fungal infection. Our doctors at Thurber & Thurber are experienced podiatrists who can quickly diagnose and perform the ideal treatment for your foot issue.
To make an appointment today, call one of our offices:
Horseheads, NY at (607) 739-8318,
Waverly, NY at (607) 565-8128
Elmira, NY at (607) 734-4582.