Toenail fungus is not something most people want to discuss, but if you are concerned about your foot health, you will not want to ignore the symptoms of fungus toenails in Manhattan. Dr. John Fletcher and Dr. Sorelis Jimenez of Foot Health Podiatry are here to help at Foot Health Podiatry. Keep reading to learn more about this serious health condition.
What Is Toenail Fungus?
Put simply, it is a fungal infection affecting primarily the toenails. In some cases, nail fungus can affect the fingernails as well, but it is more common on the toenails. Although this condition can seem embarrassing, it is important to talk with a podiatrist if you think you have this problem. Allowing fungus toenails in Manhattan to go untreated can have a dramatic effect on your health.
What Causes Toenail Fungus?
If a fungus starts to develop on the feet, it can get in between the toenail and the toenail bed. The toenail bed is the soft tissue right underneath the toenail. This commonly happens when there is a crack or cut on your toe. This is where the fungus can start growing. You may not realize it, but fungus toenails in Manhattan are more common than you think. People generally do not discuss this problem, but it is a common foot ailment. This problem often affects older people more so than younger people.
Nail fungus can develop more rapidly if your feet stay moist or you use public pools or showers often. The fungus is contagious. This is another reason why it is important to have toenail fungus treated quickly so that you can avoid spreading it to others. Not only is nail fungus contagious to others, but you can also spread the fungus to other parts of your body as well.
Symptoms
You will notice a change in the color of the toenails. The nails will appear white, yellow, or brown. The nails may also start to appear cloudy or chalky in spots. Nails can begin to thicken or take on odd shapes as well. You may notice the nails separating from the nail bed. Nails may quite often crack open.
Fungus toenails in Manhattan are usually not painful. However, it is imperative to have this problem treated as soon as possible. If you would like to learn more about Foot Health Podiatry's services, please contact Dr. Fletcher and Dr. Jimenez today at their Manhattan office at 212-845-9991.