Fungal Nails Specialist
Hayward Foot & Ankle Center
Bita Mostaghimi, DPM
Podiatrist located in Hayward, CA & Mountain View, CA
Dr. Bita Mostaghimi of Hayward Foot & Ankle Center, with offices in the Harder-Tennyson area of Hayward and the Mountain View community of the Silicon Valley, both surburbs of San Francisco, Californa, offers expert fungal nail treatments. Considered one of the leading podiatrists in the greater San Francisco area, Dr. Mostaghimi's treatments for fungal toe nails are sought out by residents accross the East Bay and Silicon Valley.
Fungal Nails Q & A
Are Fungal Nails Contagious?
Fungal nails are contagious, but the infection usually isn’t passed directly from one person to another. Passing on the infection directly requires prolonged physical contact between nails, and people usually don’t touch toenails for extended periods of time. Typically, people pick up fungal nail infections from warm, moist places where fungi can thrive, such as locker rooms, public showers, and towels.
When a person does develop a fungal nail infection, it’s often difficult to precisely identify the source of the infection. Fungi are extremely common, and many people are regularly exposed to potential sources where they can contract a fungus.
How are Fungal Nails Treated?
Depending on the severity of the infection, there are a few ways to treat fungal nails. Medications, including oral antifungal medicines, medicated nail polish, and medicated nail cream are usually the first choice of treatment, as they’re easy to administer and non-invasive. When medication alone doesn’t eliminate an infection, laser or light therapy may be able to remove the infection.
In the most severe cases, infected nails may need to be surgically removed. A new nail will usually grow back after surgery, but it can take a while for a new nail to grow in. To avoid surgery, patients should have fungal nails treated promptly before they become severely infected.
How Long Does a Fungal Nail Appointment Take?
A fungal nail appointment is a relatively short doctor's appointment. Unless a treatment or surgery has already been scheduled, the appointment usually only involves taking a patient’s basic medical information, a conversation with a doctor and a physical exam of the infected toe or toes. All of this can be completed quickly, and a treatment plan can be selected at the end of the appointment.
Even the treatments and surgeries used to treat fungal nails are relatively short. Although they may take longer than a standard doctor’s appointment, most procedures are done as outpatient procedures, and patients are welcome to go home afterward.
Accepted Insurance Plans
At Hayward Foot & Ankle Center, we accept most major medical insurance plans. Our office accepts a variety of HMOs, PPOs, and other health plans, as well as self-pay. Here is a short-list of just some of the most popular plans we accept. Please contact at our office and ask for Sylvia if you do not see your insurance provider listed below.