Young Women and fungus toenails

Fungus toenails are a very common toenail infection.  It can cause the toenails to become thick, yellow, discolored and many times become painful.  It can occur in almost any age group but effects mostly older adults because of their poor circulation and poor immune system.

It also is caused by trauma to the nail which could easily be from constant bumping and banging. Another possible cause might be from constantly being in closed shoes with excess of moisture and perspiration.  For many years fungus toenails in young women including teenage girls was a very rare occurrence.

There has now been a 10 fold increase in the amount of young women getting fungus in their toenails.  One of the possible causes is from overuse of nail polish during the winter months.  In the winter women tend to wear closed shoes, socks and/or stockings.  This can cause excessive perspiration and moisture which is a breeding ground for fungus toenails.  In addition continuous use of nail polish does not allow the nail to breath.

Once the fungus gets into one toenail it can spread to all the toenails and can even go to fingernails.  Treatment for this infection can take months and even up to years to get a complete clearing.

It is recommended to check your toenails every couple weeks.  Take the polish off your toenails and check to see if you have any yellowish or discoloration.  If you do, contact your local podiatrist so he can make a full evaluation and do a fungal culture.  Then, he can get you on the proper treatment for this problem.

                                                                                         Howard J. Tzorfas D.P.M.

Why do I need Diabetic shoes?

Diabetic shoes are specially constructed to protect your feet.  They are also  ”extra–depth” to accommodate special inserts which are custom made.  Special features and materials combine to provide your feet with extra protection they need.  Diabetics are prone to getting infections and ulcerations.  These shoes help prevent these problems and many more.  Medicare has shown that providing proper foot wear they have helped decrease the amount of amputations in the United States by 85%.

Medicare plus secondary insurance will pay 100% for one pair of diabetic shoes and 3 pairs of custom inserts per calendar year.  The inserts are made of a soft spongy material which only lasts for a few months.

Our office carries the #1 diabetic shoes in the country.  Please go on to their website@www.Doctorcomfort.com and you will see 100s of shoes from which to choose.

 In order to qualify for this program you must first make an appointment and come into our office for an examination.  We then perform a digital scan of your feet and measure your feet.  Your order is then sent through electronically and the shoes arrive in about 3 weeks.

Please call Dr. Howard J. DPM 908-236-6999.