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There are several symptoms that are noticeable and will determine if you are afflicted by toenail fungus. The toenail will often appear to be a yellowish color and may be thick and rough in texture. In more severe cases, the toenail may lift from the skin or break off completely. Occasionally, small black dots can be seen on the nail, which is typically considered to be dirt that has collected underneath the toenail. This type of fungus generally thrives in warm and moist surroundings and can typically be found in pool areas and saunas. It will benefit the overall health of the toenail if this condition is treated promptly. This may include undergoing a proper diagnosis, followed by medications that can be applied to the nail for mild cases. Extreme situations may call for oral medications to be ingested, despite certain side effects that may follow. If you are afflicted by this ailment, it’s suggested to consult with a podiatrist for additional information and treatment options relative to toenail fungus.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact Dr. John C. Lawlor of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

If you have any questions please contact one of our our offices located in Cape Coral and LaBelle, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Cracked heels is a common ailment many people endure. There are several causes for this unsightly and painful condition to manifest including diabetes, certain types of dermatitis, or possibly psoriasis. If standing or walking for extended periods of time is part of your daily routine, you may be susceptible to developing cracked heels. This may be due to the added pressure the heels must withstand, causing the fat pad under the heel to expand. Severe cases may produce deep cracks referred to as fissures, and may become infected if left untreated. Research has shown that diabetic patients must pay particular attention to avoiding infections as they may take longer to heal than for non-diabetic patients. The feet will feel better when soaked in warm water followed by utilizing a moisturizing cream on and around the affected areas. A consult with a podiatrist is suggested for information on how to treat and prevent cracked heels.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. John C. Lawlor from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our our offices located in Cape Coral and LaBelle, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The pain of an ingrown toenail can often be uncomfortable and frustrating, and will typically affect the big toe. It generally occurs when the nails are not trimmed correctly, which may cause the side of the nail to grow downward. Additionally, an ingrown toenail may result from wearing shoes that fit poorly. Common symptoms may include the toe appearing red and tender and in severe cases, a discharge may ooze from the affected and surrounding areas. Many patients will benefit from consulting with a podiatrist who may suggest soaking the foot in lukewarm salt water several times per day. This method will soften the skin which may attain moderate relief. If the toenail becomes infected, surgery may be a necessary treatment option for removal of the nail and the infected surrounding tissue. If you would like additional information about how to prevent or treat ingrown toenails, please consult with a podiatrist

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. John C. Lawlor of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our our offices located in Cape Coral and LaBelle, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.