Thick, Yellow, Crumbly Toenails & How to Get Rid of Them

So, you would think that spring and summer should be here, but in some parts of the country, the snow just won’t go away. Some parts of the country are starting to warm up though and in those parts it is time for flip-flops. For those of you that are ready for the warm weather, some of you might be a little nervous about taking off those shoes and socks and showing those toenails. There are many people that have yellow, thick, crumbling nails that are embarrassed to bear their nails in public.

Your nails can turn all yellow and thick as a result of fungus. The fungus gets inside of your nails and attacks them turning them yellow and sometimes black. As we start to get a little older, our immune system doesn’t work as well. Fungus takes advantage of the situation and attacks your nails at their weakest moment. Unfortunately, once fungus gets a leg in the door, it can be a real beast to kick it out. There are several options for treatment including oral medications, lotions, creams and drops. There is a newer treatment though, that involves a laser that is seeing great results.

The laser is tuned to a particular frequency that kills the fungus but doesn’t harm your body. The laser may need to be used a couple of times, dependent upon the severity of your fungus. Once the laser has been used though, it is important to remember that it can take a year for your nail to grow out new. So, you have to be patient in order to see results occur.

So, if you or someone you know yellow, thick, fungus toenails and it is causing them a great deal of pain or to be self-conscious, you should seek help from your podiatrist. If you live in the Tewksbury or Boston, Massachusetts area, Dr. Wachtel would be more than happy to see you and help treat your nail. We are also happy to announce our Methuen and North Andover offices located at 451 Andover St. Suite 300, North Andover MA 01845 and 87 Jackson St, Methuen, MA 01835.