Joel Schlessinger MD FAQ - Toenail Fungus and Athlete's Foot

Joel Schlessinger, MD
FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS ABOUT
TOENAIL FUNGUS
AND ATHLETE’S FOOT
Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546 or visit
http://www.LovelySkin.com/ToenailFungus to browse our full selection of products.

Toenail fungus is a fungal infection that
causes one or more nails to become brittle,
misshapen and discolored. Though toenail
fungus is more common, fungal infections
can also affect the fingernails.
There are several different types of “bugs”
that can cause an infection of the nail. A
common infection, athlete’s foot, is caused
by dermatophytes. In addition to skin,
dermatophytes thrive on keratin, the
substance that makes up nails.
What is toenail fungus?
Before After

Toenail fungus occurs from the
overgrowth of fungi around or
under the nail. Fungi naturally
thrive in warm, dark, moist
places. In other words, ill-fitting
shoes and socks! You can also
get a fungus from coming into
contact with an infected person
or sharing shoes, socks and nail-
grooming tools.
What causes toenail fungus?
Before After

Symptoms of toenail fungus
include thickening and
discoloring of the nail. The
nail might become black,
white, yellow or green and
grow brittle. In some cases,
the nail can begin to
separate from the skin or fall
away altogether.
What are the symptoms of toenail fungus?
Before After

Though technically a fungal infection of the skin,
if athlete’s foot is left untreated, the same
dermatophytes that affect the skin could spread
to the toenails and cause distal subungal
onychomycosis.
This condition usually starts out as a discolored
area at the corner of the nail and spreads
outward till the nail becomes thickened and
flaky. It’s common to experience symptoms of
athlete’s foot, such as itching, stinging and
burning between the toes alongside symptoms
of distal subungal onychomycosis.
Distal subungal onychomycosis
Before After

White superficial onychomycosis
is a fungal infection of the nail
surface. White spots or streaks
could appear on the nail surface
and nail texture could grow soft
and powdery as the infection gets
worse.
White superficial onychomycosis
Before After

Anyone can develop a toenail fungus at any
time, but the risk of developing an infection is
elevated for those in the following groups:
o Diabetics
o Senior citizens
o Those who have athlete’s foot
o Those who consistently wear socks and
shoes that don’t provide proper ventilation
o Those with psoriasis
o Those with weakened immune systems
Who is at risk to develop toenail fungus?
Before After

Yes, it’s very possible to get a fungal infection from a salon
pedicure if proper sanitary measures aren’t taken in between
customers. Dr. Schlessinger recommends avoiding pedicures at
the salon altogether as a precaution against toenail fungus and
other conditions of the skin and nails since cleanliness can be
difficult to discern.
However, if you’re not ready to give up the salon experience,
you can watch to see that technicians are cleaning after every
customer and sterilizing their equipment. You can also bring
your own polish, nail files, pumices and other tools with you to
ensure you aren’t sharing with others. Never get a salon nail
treatment if you have a preexisting fungus, a wart or any other
type of skin condition that could potentially spread.
Can I get a toenail fungus from a salon
pedicure?
Before After

Dr. Schlessinger stresses that over-the-counter treatments and
home remedies are rarely successful at treating toenail fungus. They
simply don’t work and they could even make the problem worse.
Toenail fungus can be persistent and difficult to treat, and it may
take as long as a year for nails to grow back once the infection has
cleared.
You should always seek the expert opinion and care of a certified
professional for any abnormalities that arise in the nail. Dr.
Schlessinger is on the forefront of research for toenail fungus
treatments through his clinical studies. Through this work, he has
been able to offer his Omaha patients cutting edge treatments in
the form of pills, topical solutions or a combination of both.
However, preventing toenail fungus could be as simple as properly
treating athlete’s foot before it spreads. Try the products that follow
from LovelySkin.com today!
How do I treat toenail fungus?
Before After

Zeasorb Prevention Powder can
be used on the feet and other
areas to absorb moisture and
prevent the bacterial and fungal
growth that causes athlete’s foot.
The non-irritating powder absorbs
three times as much moisture as
regular talcum powder for
advanced results.
Zeasorb Prevention Powder
Before After

Zeasorb Antifungal Treatment
Powder for Athlete’s Foot is the
number one dermatologist-
recommended antifungal powder.
It contains 2% miconazole nitrate
to help cure athlete’s foot fast.
With daily use, you could see
improvement in 4 weeks or less.
Zeasorb Antifungal Treatment Powder for
Athlete’s Foot
Before After

The creamy formula of Elta Trivase
Antifungal will help you maintain
healthy skin while treating athlete’s
foot with 2% miconazole nitrate. The
sweat-proof product stays in place to
help treat infections without the aid
of a moisture barrier. Enzymes help
the healing process work more
efficiently.
Elta Trivase Antifungal
Before After

o Keep your feet clean and dry. Be sure to
wash them every day and let them dry
completely before putting on shoes and
socks.
o Avoid cotton socks and shoes that are
too tight, as this will create an optimal
environment for fungus to grow.
o Always wear sandals or water shoes in
public pools and showers.
o Don’t share any nail tools with others,
including polishes.
How can I further avoid athlete’s foot and
toenail fungus?
Before After

Here’s how you can find out
more about Dr. Joel Schlessinger:
- Facebook http://www.facebook.com/drjoelschlessinger
- Twitter http://www.twitter.com/drschlessinger
- Blogs http://drjoelschlessinger.com/
http://drjoelschlessinger.wordpress.com/

Joel Schlessinger MD FAQ - Toenail Fungus and Athlete's Foot

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Joel Schlessinger MD FAQ - Toenail Fungus and Athlete's Foot