Toenail Fungus Specialist

Neil H Hecht, DPM Our Services Toenail Fungus

Neil H Hecht, DPM

Podiatrist & Foot and Ankle Surgeon located in Tarzana, CA

If your toenail suddenly looks and feels different, you likely have toenail fungus. Up to 12% of Americans deal with this condition as well. Esteemed podiatrist Neil H Hecht, DPM, has more than four decades of experience with toenail fungus detection and treatment. He offers on-site treatments in his Tarzana, California, office so you can get your normal nail back and destroy that fungus for good. Call the office or book an appointment using the online scheduling tool now. If you need toenail fungus help fast, same-day appointments are available.

Toenail Fungus Q & A

What is toenail fungus?

Toenail fungus is a fungal infection beneath your nail. A fungal nail looks different from your other nails, with typical symptoms including:

  • Thickening
  • Warping
  • Discoloration: White, yellow, or brown color
  • Fragile: Weak, crumbling, or flaky
  • Foul odor
  • Lifting slightly from the nail bed

Because athlete's foot and toenail fungus come from the same infection, it's not unusual to have skin symptoms like a scaly rash at the same time as your nail symptoms. 

What causes toenail fungus?

The main cause of toenail fungus is fungal organisms; in particular, fungi called dermatophyte. Some types of yeast and mold can also cause toenail fungus. 

Some people pick up nail fungus when they go barefoot in areas like locker rooms, pools, and other warm and damp places where fungi flourish. Any small crack in your nail or in the skin around your nail can allow the fungi in. 

Sharing nail care tools with others can also lead to toenail fungus. If you get pedicures regularly, make sure your technician sterilizes all clippers, files, and other tools thoroughly before using them on your feet. 

You have fungi in your body naturally, but they don't normally cause problems. However, if you often wear tight shoes, natural foot perspiration can create a damp and warm environment where your natural fungi start to multiply and then cause fungal nails. 

If you have a chronic disease that causes immune system weakness or circulation problems, you're more likely to develop nail fungus. Also, older adults are more prone to toenail fungus because nails grow more brittle as you age.

What is the most effective toenail fungus treatment?

If you have stubborn toenail fungus, Dr. Hecht can test nail debris to isolate the exact kind of fungus behind your infection and customize your treatment for maximum effectiveness. Treatment usually includes one or more of the following measures.

  • Oral antifungal medication
  • Topical creams
  • Topical powders
  • Nail lacquers

In severe cases, you may need to have a nail removed, allowing Dr. Hecht to fully treat the fungal infection. 

With expert podiatric care from Dr. Hecht, you don't have to live with a fungal nail any longer. Call the Neil H Hecht, DPM, office or use the online scheduler now. 

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