One of the most common foot ailments is toenail fungus, but why do some people get toenail fungus and others don’t? It all comes down to the fungus being able to grow under your nail. People who have space between their nail bed and the nail are the people who will most likely to get the fungus.
How Does The Nail Separate From The Nail Bed?
- An injury could cause the nail to lift from the nail bed. Something as simple as a frozen box of vegetables falling on your foot could cause it.
- Shoes that are too short or too pointy. The constant banging into the end of the shoe will cause the nail to lift.
- Keeping your nails too long will cause the same affect as shoes that are too short.
- Running: The constant trauma of running will cause damage.
- Having a hammertoe or bunion could cause constant irritation to the nail. If you nail is turned the wrong way it could be hitting another toe or even your shoe or the ground.
If My Nail Is Separating From The Nail Bed What Should I Do?
Your first line of defense should be to apply a topical medication even if you don’t see any fungus. This is a good way to prevent the fungus from entering the nail. Make sure your nails are cut short so you don’t give the fungus a place to enter.
I Have Toenail Fungus Now What?
There are different type of fungi so we take a culture of the nail to see which treatment would be best for you. Once we narrow down the fungus we give you an option of which treatment you would like to start for example:
- Topical treatments
- Oral medications
- Debriding the nails. (That is when the doctor cuts and grinds the nail down)
- Removal of the nail
Whichever way you decide to treat your toenail fungus we can help you. Give our office in Wappingers Falls a call at (845) 298-9074. We can help you on your way to healthier toenails.
Hollowbrook Foot Specialist serving the Hudson Valley from Wappingers Falls.
By David Schlam
