Toenail fungus can cause strong odors, but also many other complications when not treated correctly. Our podiatrist, Adam Mucinskas, D.P.M., will help to treat and remove this condition from your toenails at Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC, located in Cromwell, CT. Please call our offices at (860) 632-5499. Our Patient Education should also be looked at for further helpful information.

Toenail Fungus flourishes underneath toenails, which makes it more difficult to treat than many other foot and ankle conditions. This condition happens because the area under the toenail is frequently moist and warm. The fungus that attacks the toenails emits an unpleasant odor and turns them yellowish. This fungus can occur from an unhygienic pedicure, from the use of public showers or from walking barefoot around pools open to the public. Damage is seen as collapsing and brittleness of the nail as well as odor emitted from the toenail. If this condition is not treated timely, it can extend to other nails nearby.

Treatments may include soaking the infected toenails in warm salt water. Do not cut the nail if it’s infected. Otherwise, try not to cut them too deep. It is also helpful to wear shoes that are cleaned frequently and to change socks two to three times a day to prevent fungus from building up within them. Using antibiotic cream to destroy the infection at its originating location on the toe is especially helpful so that it does not come back again. A medical professional can also perform surgical procedures if the above methods are not helpful. The surgery includes raising the infected portion of the nail and applying oral antibiotics directly to the infected nail bed underneath. Non-invasive methods are also useful to treat this condition. Such methods are the use of laser treatment that can penetrate the nail and destroy the fungus underneath, without having to raise it.

Toenail fungus can cause more complications than just unpleasant odors. We therefore recommend that you contact us as soon as possible after discovering that your toenails are inflicted with this condition so that we can provide the necessary services that best suit your fungal infection.

Toenail fungus is an unsightly infection that can not only ruin the look of nails, but can also cause severe pain due to the nature of fungus. Our podiatrist Adam Mucinskas, D.P.M. has many years of experience treating toenail fungus at Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC, located in Cromwell, CT. Please call our offices at (860) 632-5499 or visit the Patient Education section of our website for a more detailed library of information about this and many other foot and ankle complications.

Toenail Fungus is an infection that affects the nail and surrounding tissue. Those older than 60 experience this condition often. There are different types of fungi that can infect the toenail and they thrive in warm and damp areas. This condition affects men more frequently than women, which can partially be due to men generally walking barefoot in locker rooms. Other factors causing this condition include diabetes, vascular problems and malnutrition.

This type of infection can cause cosmetic issues as well as minor pain and even severe infections. The majority of those who suffer from this condition have nails that turn yellow and thicken. The skin surrounding the toenail begins to itch as well. If not treated on a timely basis, the nail can become brittle and eventually separate from the nail bed. As the nail becomes thicker, it may become difficult to wear shoes.

Preventative measures include daily washing and drying of feet, changing socks daily, rotating shoes every other day to allow them to dry, avoiding walking barefoot at public pools and locker rooms and making sure that nail salons use sterilized equipment when performing pedicures. Treatment of nails with advanced infection includes trimming the infected nail and applying topical medication. Oral medications will also be required as the infection resides under the toenail, making it difficult for topical medications to get through the nail and attack the fungi underneath.

Because toenail fungus is hard to treat once it spreads, please contact our offices for a comprehensive consultation to increase your chances of having toenails that are fungus-free!

Fungus toenails are quick to form and quicker to lead to complications. In healthy people, toenail fungus is usually the result of fungus from moist areas. Gyms, swimming pools and nail salons are usual sources. Nail salons in particular may not have the proper sanitization techniques to prevent spreading fungus. Damp shoes also contribute to this condition. Those who frequently perform physical activities that result in repetitive impact to the toenails could damage them and make them more susceptible to fungus infections. Diabetics are at an increased risk of having complications from fungus due to their lowered ability to fight off infections. 

Adam  Mucinskas, D.P.M. can treat toenail fungus. You can visit podiatrist Dr. Mucinskas at Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC located in Cromwell, CT.  Toenail fungus is thankfully not highly contagious. Constant and prolonged contact may cause an individual to contract toenail fungus, but it’s not something that can happen in an instant. Toenail fungus should not be neglected. By contacting us, you can take the first step to combat this condition.    

Many different types of fungi can affect nails. Trichophyton rubrum is a commonly contracted fungus that infects the skin around the toenail. There are a variety of treatments for fungus nails. One such method is to trim the nails, which reduces the level of fungi in your toenails. Medications are a very important way to combat toenail fungus. However, topical medicines are generally not as effective as oral types in fighting this type of condition. The reason for this is because toenails are thick and the creams do not pierce it enough to reach the fungus. Recovery time can take up to a year and it may not be noticeable if the fungus has been eliminated. The reason it can take a year to determine if the fungus is gone is because it takes time for the nail to completely grow out. Conversely, surgical treatment may be necessary to remove the entire nail if the previously mentioned treatments do not work. Although this method is not the preferred procedure, it may be necessary if you don’t seek medical treatment during the early stages. Call us today at (860) 632-5499 to schedule an appointment.

Toenail fungus is not a pretty sight. It’s a condition that can cause pain but also carries the stigma of unsightly nails. Proper treatment is required, and podiatrist Adam Mucinskas, D.P.M. can treat this condition if you are experiencing it. You can visit Dr. Mucinskas at Feet First Foot Care Specialists, LLC, located in Cromwell, CT.     

Toenail fungus can carry an unflattering odor and brown color because of the fungus under the nail. This type of fungus is not only a real pain, but can be dangerous for those of older age because it can make its way into the blood and cause further complications. 

Treatment by way of laser can eliminate the fungus under the nails. Medicines and special nail polishes can help to offset the fungus before laser treatment becomes necessary. The area around toe nails is often damp and warm, allowing for fungus to thrive. Different kinds of fungus can affect the nail in different ways. Changes to your diet may actually be very helpful to eliminate the fungus that’s causing the problem. Eating foods that increase the amount of healthy bacteria are an example of this. Fermented vegetables, dairy with probiotics, fiber, protein, and good fats are healthy foods that accomplish that task. As you may have expected, sugar is a huge category to avoid since it only makes growth of the fungus worse. Eating these foods will also boost the immune system, which will in turn further fight the fungus away. 

Toenail fungus should be treated as soon as possible to prevent the onset of extreme odor and discoloration. Don’t hesitate to call us at (860) 632-5499 or contact us online to make an appointment as soon as possible. Take the opportunity to get the very best treatment offered by Dr. Mucinskas today!

We are pleased to announce that as of the end of 2012 the PinPointe Foot Laser has been made available to our Patients for the treatment of toenail fungus (onychomycosis).  This is a simple, pain free method of treating the infection that causes the unsightly yellowing and thickening of the toenails.  Prior to the laser the two main treatments for toenail fungus were topical medications which have few side effects but poor results, or pills which had good results but a poor side effect profile.  Unlike harsh oral medications there are no side effects from the laser and no danger of damaging your liver while providing a similar cure rate.  Our Laser FAQ sheet is provided below to answer your questions.  To learn more please feel free to call our office or schedule your free Laser Consultation!

FAQs:

Q: How does the PinPointe Foot Laser work?

A: PinPointe Foot Laser uses laser light to target the fungus that lives in and under the nail. As the laser passes through the nail, the fungus is heated, without causing damage to the nail or the surrounding skin. Although the infection is treated, the nail will not become instantly clear. Improvement in the nail appearance is seen as the nail grows out in about 4-6 months.

Q: What can I expect before the treatment?

A: Your doctor will bring you in for a consultation to explain the PinPointe procedure, patient expectations, pre- and post- treatment protocol and any follow-up visits that may be required.

Q: Is the procedure painful?

A: Most patients experience no pain or discomfort during the PinPointe treatment. Some patients may feel a warming sensation and an isolated few may feel a slight pinprick.

Q: Is there a recovery period?

A: No. The PinPointe treatment is a quick outpatient procedure. You can return to your normal activities immediately.

Q: How long does the procedure take?

A: The PinPointe procedure typically takes about 30 minutes to treat all ten toes.

Q: Will the fungus grow back?

A: PinPointe treatment results are temporary and due to the contagious nature of nail fungus, reinfection is possible. Your doctor will recommend post treatment care to help reduce a recurrence of the infection.

Q: When is it safe to paint my nails following treatment?

A: You can apply polish immediately after the treatment. It is important that you remove all nail polish the day before your PinPointe treatment.

Q: Is the procedure covered by insurance?

A: This procedure is considered aesthetic and therefore health insurance does not provide coverage. Many offices accept HSA, Medical IRA, or Flexible Spending Account to cover the cost of the procedure.

Q: How long has the PinPointe Foot Laser been in use?

A: Clinical studies for the treatment of onychomycosis with PinPointe began in November 2007.

Q: Is the PinPointe Foot Laser FDA cleared?

A: Yes. In fact, PinPointe was the first laser device to receive FDA clearance for the temporary improvement in clear nail growth.