TOENAIL FUNGUS TREATMENT IN SUCCASUNNA & MONTVILLE, NJ
Get Back to Nails You Don't Have to Hide
Thick, discolored or brittle nails? We confirm the cause and walk you through topical, oral and nail care treatment options.
Two Locations
Convenient Access
Same or Next Day Appointments
Most Insurance Accepted
Expert Care
Dr. Erato Giokas, DPM, MS
Board Certified
Understanding Toenail Fungus
What Is Toenail Fungus?
Toenail fungus (onychomycosis) is an infection that gets underneath the nail and into the nail itself. It often starts as a small change in color or texture and can be present for years without causing pain.
Many people treat it as a cosmetic issue, but it is an infection, and it rarely clears up on its own.
How It Develops
The fungi that cause it are common in the environment and feed on keratin, the protein your nails are made of. Feet pick them up in warm, damp places such as public showers, locker rooms and pool decks.
You are more likely to get it after an injury to the nail, or if you have athlete's foot, diabetes, poor circulation or a weakened immune system.
If It Is Left Untreated
The infection can spread to other toenails, the surrounding skin and even your fingernails. Nails may thicken, crumble or lift, and can become painful in shoes.
A bacterial or yeast infection in or around the nail sometimes develops alongside it.
Why See a Podiatrist
Over-the-counter liquids and careful cleaning may hold back a mild case. Many infections need prescription treatment, and the right one depends on how deep and how widespread the infection is.
A podiatrist can examine the nail, test it when needed, and build a plan around your health history and what you want from treatment.
Signs of Toenail Fungus
Thickened Nails
Harder to trim
The nail grows thicker and may press against your shoe or the toe next to it.
Discoloration
Yellow, brown or white
Yellow-brown or darker patches, or white marks on the surface of the nail.
Brittle Edges
Chipping or crumbling
The nail becomes brittle, with edges that chip, split or crumble.
Debris Under the Nail
Buildup beneath the nail plate
Chalky material collects under the nail and can lift it away from the nail bed.
Odor
A foul smell from the nail
An infected nail can give off a noticeable, unpleasant odor.
Spreading
More than one nail
The infection moves to other toenails, or to the skin between the toes and on the soles.
About Dr. Erato Giokas
Our Expert Podiatrist
Erato Giokas, DPM, MS is a board certified podiatrist at West Morris Foot and Ankle in Succasunna, NJ. She’s highly skilled in treating all foot and ankle pathologies with both surgical and conservative treatments.
Dr. Giokas graduated from the New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark, New Jersey, with a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degree in biomedical engineering. She earned her medical degree from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine in New York City, graduating at the top of her class.
Education
Residency - Morristown Medical Center
Medical School - New York College of Podiatric Medicine
Graduate Studies - New Jersey Institute of Technology
Undergraduate Studies - New Jersey Institute of Technology
When to See a Podiatrist for Toenail Fungus
Nail Changes That Don't Go Away
Thickening, discoloration or crumbling that has lasted more than a few weeks or keeps getting worse.
Pain or Pressure in Shoes
A thick nail that hurts when you walk, or that you can no longer trim yourself.
Store-Bought Products Haven't Worked
You have tried antifungal liquids or creams and the nail looks the same.
It Is Spreading
More nails are affected, or the skin on your feet is now itchy, red or peeling.
Don't Wait If
Book a visit soon if any of these apply to you:
You have diabetes, poor circulation or a weakened immune system
Redness, swelling, warmth or drainage around the nail
A dark streak under the nail with no injury to explain it
Our Treatment Approach
At our Succasunna and Montville offices, treatment starts with confirming what is causing the nail changes. From there, Dr. Giokas explains your options and what to expect from each.
1
Examine and Confirm
A close look at the nails and skin, with a nail sample sent for testing when needed
2
Match the Treatment
Options chosen for the type and extent of infection and your health history
3
Follow Through
Check-ins while healthy nail grows out, plus steps to help prevent reinfection
Topical Medication
Prescription antifungal solutions or lacquers applied to the nail. Often used for milder infections or alongside other treatment.
Oral Medication
Prescription antifungal tablets that treat the infection from within as new nail grows. Dr. Giokas reviews your health history and current medications first.
Nail Care and Debridement
Trimming and thinning the diseased nail in the office to relieve pressure, improve comfort and help topical treatment reach the infection.
Toenail Fungus Questions
What kind of doctor treats toenail fungus?
A podiatrist. Podiatrists diagnose and treat conditions of the foot, ankle and nails, including fungal nail infections. Dr. Erato Giokas sees patients for toenail fungus in Succasunna and Montville.
Is toenail fungus serious?
It often starts as a cosmetic concern, but it is an infection that can spread, thicken the nails and become painful. It deserves earlier attention if you have diabetes, poor circulation or a weakened immune system.
What is the best way to treat toenail fungus?
It depends on the type of infection and how much of the nail is involved. Treatment may include topical medication, oral medication, in-office nail care, or a combination. An exam, and testing when needed, shows which fits your case.
How long does treatment take?
Usually several months. Medication stops the infection, but the nail only looks clear once healthy nail has grown out to replace the damaged part.
Can toenail fungus come back?
Yes, reinfection is common. Keeping feet dry, changing socks daily, wearing sandals in public showers and treating athlete's foot early all lower the risk.