Our Tips for Getting Your Toes in Tip-Top Shape for Summer
During early spring, fall, and winter, our feet are encased in shoes and boots, so we don’t have to worry so much about how our toes look. But as the weather heats up and we break out our summer footwear, we become self-conscious about the way our toes will look. Today, Dr. William Buffone of North Fork Podiatry/Three Village Podiatry are discussing a common warm weather issue and how he treats it.
Why Do My Toenails Look So Bad?
One of the top reasons for unappealing toes is a condition referred to as toenail fungus, which is something that no one likes to have. Though not a serious medical condition, toenail fungus - which may start out as a yellow or white area under the toenail - eventually leads to the nail thickening, crumbling, or becoming discolored. It typically affects one or more nails, but not all of them.
What Causes Toenail Fungus?
Fungi thrive in moist, warm environments, including showers and swimming pools. The fungus can penetrate your skin through tiny cuts or a small separation between the nail bed and the nail.
Risk factors for the condition include heavy perspiration, athlete’s foot, a toenail or skin condition, and spending time walking barefoot in humid conditions. It can also be contagious among people who live together.
How Can My Toenail Fungus Be Treated?
While oral and topical medications have been used to treat toenail fungus in the past, they have not had a great success rate.
Fortunately, there is now an innovative treatment that utilizes a gentle laser light beam to vaporize the pathogens that are typically responsible for toenail fungus. The laser goes through the toenail without causing any harm to the nail or the surrounding skin.
What Is Laser Treatment Like?
The treatment is brief and causes little to no discomfort. A small number of patients experience a feeling of warmth or a slight prick. No anesthesia is required, and patients usually leave the doctor’s office within 30 minutes.
All of the patient’s toes are treated during the session (regardless of whether they are fungal or not) to reduce any chance of return. Patients typically begin to see healthy new nail growth within a 4- to 8-month timeframe.
As the weather warms up and you’re beginning to expose your feet, it’s a perfect time to schedule a consultation with Dr. William Buffone of North Fork Podiatry/Three Village Podiatry today.
You can reach Three Village Podiatry at (631) 474-3338, North Fork Podiatry (Southold) at (631) 765-6777 or North Fork Podiatry (Riverhead) at (631) 419-7107 today or schedule your appointment online.