Toenail fungus can threaten your overall nail health. With locations in Kingston, New Windsor, Wappingers Falls, Hudson, and West Coxsackie, New York, the board-certified podiatrists and foot and ankle surgeons at Hudson Valley Foot Associates use safe, fast, effective treatments for toenail fungus. Call Hudson Valley Foot Associates or schedule an appointment online today to learn more.
Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is an infection that affects the nails. It typically begins as a white or yellow spot and gradually damages the entire nail. While nail fungus can penetrate the fingernails, it’s far more common in the toenails. Fungus thrives in moist environments like the toenails, which receive less blood flow and more coverage than the fingernails.
Toenail fungus begins as a small white or yellow spot that gradually grows. Eventually, the fungus spreads throughout the nail. Common symptoms of toenail fungus include:
Without treatment, toenail fungus can spread to your surrounding nails. The fungus can even infect the skin between your toes, resulting in athlete’s foot.
Fungal nails are the result of fungi, particularly dermatophytes. Small cracks in the nails allow the fungus to enter and spread throughout the nail. Risk factors for toenail fungus include:
Toenail fungus is most common in older adults, whose toenails often become brittle and dry.
At Hudson Valley Foot Associates, the doctors use the FDA-approved Q-Clear™ laser to kill fungus at the source. This quick, noninvasive procedure uses laser energy to prevent fungus from multiplying inside your nail. After treatment, your healthy nail should regrow within 6-12 months.
Q-Clear laser treatments take just 10-30 minutes, depending on the number of nails treated. The treatments are relatively painless, though you may experience a warming sensation. You can resume your normal activities immediately after treatment.
The practice also offers numerous topical treatments, medicated nail polish solutions, and oral antifungal medications to destroy nail fungus. To learn more about toenail fungus, call Hudson Valley Foot Associates or schedule an appointment online today.