Fungal Nails: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

If you have a toenail that has changed in color, thickness or quality, chances are you have fungal nail or (“onychomycosis”). Your nail may be causing you constant pain or it may only hurt when you walk. According to Putnam County Foot Specialist Dr. Alan Berman, the bad news about a fungal nail is that it’s typically an infection that won’t go away. He says it can be treated, but not cured. If it isn’t caused by infection, it may also be attributed to a number of other causes, including trauma and heredity.

Anyone who has ever had a fungal nail knows only too well how uncomfortable and embarrassing it can be— on the beach, in sandals, even at home. A patient’s anxiety over how their nails look may lead them to seek quick remedies. “Beware of promises regarding laser treatments,” Dr. Berman warns. “They typically are only temporary fixes,” says Dr. Berman who is a foot surgeon as well as a podiatrist. Dr. Berman was certified to use laser treatments in the office over twenty years ago and still uses them today—but only when beneficial and only when the patient understands that the condition may return.“There are also other treatments that can improve the look of the nail and relieve the pain at least temporarily and often for longer,” he maintains.

There are three general fungus nail treatment categories, he says. The first includes topical remedies—those that are applied on the surface of the nail Laser, as mentioned, is a topical treatment. Creams and lotions also fall into this category. For example, Dr. Berman may send patients home with a prescription for Tincture of Fungoid or Formula Three.

Oral medications are in the second category. These may include a number of prescriptions, the most common being Lamasil. According to Dr. Berman, Botox may be administered by injection to ease perspiration which contributes to the development of fungal nail “I stress to my patients that these treatments, like any other medications, may have side effects. I recommend blood tests to check liver function before prescribing any treatments taken by mouth,” he says.

The third category comprises conservative approaches such as the cleaning, or “debridement” of the fungal nail in the office and, in extreme cases, removal of the nail entirely.

When it comes to foot fungus, an ounce of prevention is most definitely worth a pound of cures. “Sometimes the infection starts as simple Athlete’s Foot,” remarks Dr. Berman. “That’s why it’s important to practice proper foot hygiene to prevent this fungus from starting and spreading.

What can you do? Remember that funguses like warm, dark and humid places—like your shoes in the summertime when your socks may become damp from sweat. “It’s important to keep shoes and socks as dry as possible,” Dr. Berman recommends. “Feet should be carefully dried and inspected each day. Change shoes regularly and wear socks that “wick” away the perspiration acrylic or cotton: not wool or nylon. Dr. Berman has sprays that can be used to help keep shoes dry. “The most important thing of all is toweldrying between the toes carefully after swimming or showering,” Dr. Berman says. “And after you dry, take time to take a look at your feet closely for telltale signs of fungus,” he advises.

There is an assortment of products at Dr. Berman’s office and even a free gift for people mentioning this article! For an appointment call 845-628-4420 or visit putnamfootdoc.com