Saturday, September 9, 2017

Plantar Warts


                    
Plantar warts, or warts on the bottom of the feet, are a very common condition.  They are also known as verrucae, and are caused by a DNA virus.  Warts usually affect young people and are often brought on by stress.
                    
They are found on the bottom of the foot.  Plantar warts present as round, hard lesions of thickened skin.  They can be easily mistaken for corns, foreign bodies or plugged up sweat glands.  Warts have their own blood supply, so when picked at or cut, they often bleed.  Depending where on the foot it occurs, the area can be painful with walking or standing.
                    
Warts can be very difficult to resolve, and thus there are many treatments.  Some of the methods used are burning the wart out, freezing it, acid applications, oral treatments and excising it.  If left alone, the wart may grow in size and become even more difficult to resolve.
                    
If you, or someone you know, has what may be a wart, see a professional.  Our office takes pride in becoming part of your health team.  We always stress preventive care and explore conservative treatments first.
                    
We are located at 1398 Highway 35, Ocean Township and 191 Highway 37 W, Toms River.  We can be reached at (732) 988-0070.,

Thickened Toenails - Fungus or Not ?

                   
Often a patient presents to my office complaining of thick fungal toenails.  But is it really a fungus ?  Most people are aware that thickened, darkened toenails often mean fungus of the toenails; a condition called onychomycosis.  However, trauma to the toenail, even seemingly minor trauma, can also cause the toenail to become thick and darkened.
                    
Onychomycosis can be caused by one or more types of fungus, causing the nail to become thickened, darkened, and with hard tissue under the toenail.  Treatment consists of either oral or topical medications.  Resolution is slow, even with the most effective treatments.
                    
If the thickened toenail is caused by trauma, conventional fungus treatments won't work.  Thickened or dystrophic toenails may be caused by direct impact trauma, such as dropping a heavy object on the toe.  Sometimes microtrauma can cause damage of the toenails.  This is mild repetitive trauma that is often associated with stop and go actions, causing the toenail to rub on the sneaker.  This is common with runners, basketball players, and tennis players.  A substance, called keratin, forms under the toenail, causing it to become thickened and dark, mimicking onychomycosis.
                    
The only way to definitively make a diagnosis is with a nail culture, which is analyzed by a lab.
                    
If your toenails are thickened, darkened and uncomfortable, call us today. We can diagnose the problem and give you fast relief.  Our offices stress preventive foot health, especially for at risk patients with diabetes and poor circulation.  We are located at 1398 Highway 35, Ocean,and 191 Highway 37 W, Toms River.  We can be reached at (732) 988-0070 or (732) 286-9200.  For more information , log onto our website at www.drkelner.com