Zap That Toenail Fungus!

Do you have thick, yellowish, brittle, and easily cracked or broken toenails without having injured them? They are likely discolored due to a fungal infection called onychomycosis, which is the most common disease of the nails.
The nail weakens as fungi continue to grow through the nail tissue. Since fungus grows faster than the nail, damage increases and the nail becomes more and more unsightly, with the infection spreading to the root or base of the nail.

Yeast and mold are also suspected to cause toenail fungus. These types of fungi exist in warm and moist environments, like shower areas, locker rooms, and swimming pools, and even your shoes (as toes are usually encased in shoes). People with circulatory problems, weak immune systems, or diabetes are at greater risk of developing fungal infections as well.
Nail fungus fungus has been difficult to treat with success. The only options in the past have been topical or oral medications, which with the exception of Formula 3, provide limited benefits. In addition, oral medication may cause liver damage. Now there is a safe, effective laser treatment for nail fungus offered in our office. The laser destroys the fungus that causes onychomycosis with very little effect on the surrounding tissues. Treatment normally takes fewer than 20 minutes and there is no pain, although sometimes you may experience a warm or tingling sensation. There are no age or health restrictions for laser treatments.
Laser toenail treatment is considered aesthetic (cosmetic). Therefore most health insurance plans do not cover treatment and it can be costly. Consult with your podiatric physician to determine if this course of treatment is right for you.
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Podiatrists in CT
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Wintertime Foot Blues

You've bid farewell to those colorful sandals and comfortable flip-flops until next summer. But just because your feet won't be on display does not mean it's time to forget about foot care.
Taking care of your feet is especially important in the winter. "During the winter, our feet are cooped up in heavy socks and shoes and may be extra dry due to the lack of moisture in the air," said Dr. Jeffrey S. Kahn, one of the doctors at Connecticut Foot Care Centers.
What's the remedy for dry feet in the winter? Follow this at-home treatment, recommended by the foot experts at the American Podiatric Medical Association and your feet will be winter fabulous.
1. Prepare to pamper.
Remove old nail polish and stimulate foot circulation by propping one foot at a time on your lap, slowly moving your thumbs from the top of your toes to the bottom of your heel and back. Then, cut toenails straight across with a nail clipper and smooth rough edges with an emery board.
2. Soothe your soles
Soak feet for at least five minutes in a container filled with warm water. Use a pumice stone or foot file to gently smooth the skin around your heels, and the balls and sides of your feet. Pat your feet dry, making sure to dry between each toe and loosen your joints by rotating your foot slowly at the ankle a few times in each direction. Apply emollient-enriched lotion all over your feet to hydrate the skin and increase circulation. Then, gently push back the cuticles with a cuticle pusher or manicure stick.
3. Add the finishing touches.
Using soap and water, remove the moisturizer from your toenails and in-between your toes. Next, if your nails are healthy, feel free to splash on some color with the nail polish of your choice. Before you go to bed, wrap cellophane around your feet. The cellophane will act as a sauna while locking in the moisture. By morning, your feet will be smooth, soft, and ready to go.
4. Consider getting laser nail treatment.
If you have fungal toenails and no topical or oral medication has worked for you, consider getting laser nail treatment. Convenient and quick, the procedure takes less than 20 minutes. By the time sandal season comes along, you should have clear, fungal-free toenails!
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Podiatrist in CT
Visit our website, friend and like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter!

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