Toenail Fungus Treatment in New Canaan, CT
How Is Nail Fungus Actually Treated?
Nail fungus, or onychomycosis, doesn’t clear up on its own and tends to spread if it’s left alone. Dr. Jennifer Tauber, DPM, treats it at New Canaan Podiatry with a range of options, from Fotona ClearSteps™ laser therapy and Clearanail® to medicated polish and oral or topical antifungals, matched to how severe your infection is.
Call (203) 548-7688 or book online to get started, and be patient once you do, healthy nail growth takes time.
Why This Infection Is So Hard to Shake
Nail fungus takes hold when microscopic fungi, most often dermatophytes, work their way into the nail bed through a small cut, crack, or the natural gap between nail and nail bed. Once they’re established, they thrive in the warm, damp environment inside your shoes, which is exactly why it’s so tough to clear without real treatment. A few things raise your risk of developing it in the first place:
- Older age, since reduced circulation and slower nail growth make infections easier to establish
- A history of athlete's foot, since that fungal skin infection can spread into the nails
- Excessive foot sweating
- Walking barefoot in shared wet spaces like gym locker rooms, saunas, or pool decks
- Chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis
- Diabetes, where impaired circulation and immune function raise infection risk
- Sharing shoes or nail tools with someone who's infected
Treatment Options at New Canaan Podiatry
Dr. Tauber evaluates your nails and health history directly before recommending a plan, which may include one treatment or a combination:
1
Fotona ClearSteps™ Laser Treatment
Pulsed-dye laser energy heats the nail bed enough to destroy the fungus without damaging surrounding tissue, and clear, healthy nail grows in over time.
2
Clearanail®
A micro-penetration device that creates tiny channels in the nail plate, letting topical antifungals reach the nail bed at concentrations they could never achieve on their own.
3
Medicated Nail Polish
Prescription-strength antifungal lacquer applied directly to the nail.
4
Oral antifungal medication
A systemic option for severe or widespread infections.
5
Prescription Topical Antifungal Cream
Used for mild to moderate cases.
Whichever route makes sense for you, patience is part of the process. Toenails grow slowly, so even after the fungus is gone, it takes time for a fully healthy nail to grow back in.
How to Recognize It
Nail fungus usually starts small, a white spot on one nail, and spreads and worsens from there if untreated. As it advances, you’ll typically see:
- Thickened, distorted nails
- Brittle, crumbly, or ragged edges
- Yellow, brown, or white discoloration
- A darker tint from debris building up under the nail
- A noticeable odor from the affected nail
- Discomfort or pain when wearing shoes
It can hit one nail or several at once, and it’s capable of spreading from toenails to fingernails if it’s not addressed.
Your Questions, Answered
New Canaan Podiatry provides comprehensive nail fungus treatment for patients in New Canaan, Darien, Stamford, Norwalk, Greenwich, Wilton, and the surrounding Fairfield County communities.
Call (203) 548-7688 or request an appointment online.
Will it clear up if I just leave it alone?
No. Nail fungus is stubborn and doesn’t resolve without treatment. Left alone, it tends to spread to more nails and gets progressively harder to eliminate. Catching it early gives you the best shot at a clean result.
How long does treatment actually take?
It depends on how severe the infection is and which treatment you use. Because toenails grow so slowly, it can take 6 to 12 months, sometimes longer, for a fully healthy nail to replace the infected one, even after the fungus itself is gone.
Is it contagious?
Yes. It can spread person to person, nail to nail, and from toenails to fingernails. Skip sharing shoes, socks, or nail tools with anyone infected, and wear sandals in shared wet spaces like gym showers and pool decks.
What exactly is Fotona ClearSteps™?
It’s a pulsed-dye laser treatment that heats and destroys the fungus living in and under the nail plate. It’s painless, involves no downtime, and doesn’t harm the surrounding tissue. As the infected nail grows out, a clear, healthy one takes its place.
Does insurance cover laser treatment for this?
Usually not, laser nail fungus treatment tends to be considered cosmetic. Oral antifungals and some topical treatments may be covered, though, so it’s worth calling us at (203) 548-7688 to sort out what your plan covers.
How do I keep it from coming back?
Keep feet clean and dry, wear moisture-wicking socks, choose breathable shoes, never go barefoot in public wet areas, retire old shoes that may still be harboring fungal spores, and disinfect your nail tools regularly.
Is this more serious if I have diabetes?
Yes. Diabetic patients face a higher risk of the infection spreading into surrounding skin and soft tissue, which can lead to more serious complications. Diabetic foot care with Dr. Tauber includes monitoring for and treating nail fungus as part of routine preventive care.
Trusted by Patients
Why Patients Choose New Canaan Podiatry
Whether you’re seeking relief from pain, recovering from an injury, managing a chronic condition, or simply looking to stay active and healthy, our team is here to help.
Ready to Visit New Canaan Podiatry?
Whether you’re seeking relief from foot pain, recovering from an injury, exploring regenerative therapies, or looking for expert foot care for your child, Dr. Jennifer Tauber and the team at New Canaan Podiatry are here to help.
Conveniently located in New Canaan, we proudly provide personalized foot and ankle care for patients throughout Fairfield County, including Darien, Wilton, Stamford, Norwalk, Westport, Weston, and Ridgefield. From pediatric foot care and sports injuries to diabetic foot health, wound management, custom orthotics, and preventive care, our goal is to help every patient stay active, healthy, and on their feet for life.
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