Non-surgical foot & ankle care · New York City
Toenail Fungus Treatment
Non-surgical care for thickened, discolored, and crumbling toenails.
Board-certified
Foot surgery, ABPS
24 years
Private practice
4.96 ★ on ZocDoc
2,618 verified reviews
Conservative
Patient-first care
Our specialized treatments
Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is an infection that settles under the nail rather than on top of it. It usually starts as a small yellow or white patch near the tip, then spreads back through the nail, which gradually thickens, discolors, and becomes crumbly at the edge.
It is common, it is not your fault, and it very rarely clears up on its own. Dr. Scott Melamed, D.P.M. will confirm what is actually going on and set out what is realistic for your nail.
Healthy nails are smooth and clear. A fungal nail turns yellow or white, thickens, and starts to separate and crumble at the free edge.
When to seek care
Yellow, white, or brown discoloration in one or more nails
Nails that have thickened or become hard to trim
Crumbling or flaking at the edge of the nail
A nail lifting away from the nail bed
Any nail change if you have diabetes or poor circulation
Common causes
Warm, damp conditions inside shoes all day
Barefoot contact in gyms, pools, and locker rooms
Athlete’s foot spreading from the skin to the nail
An old nail injury that let the fungus in
Reduced circulation, or a weakened immune system
The nail plate sits over the nail bed, and new nail is made at the matrix under the base. Fungus settles in and under the plate, which is why anything applied to the surface struggles to reach it.
Why It Is So Hard to Shift
The fungus lives in the nail bed underneath a hard, sealed nail plate. That plate is very good at keeping things out, including anything applied to the surface, so over-the-counter products rarely shift an established infection.
It also spreads between nails and between skin and nails. If you have had athlete’s foot too, the two are often part of the same picture.
How We Treat Toenail Fungus
Confirming the diagnosis, since not every discolored nail is fungal
Advanced surgical and non-surgical solutions to relieve pain and restore foot function
Individually crafted orthotic devices where nail damage is pressure-related
Preventive and therapeutic care if you are managing diabetic foot complications
Conservative, patient-first care throughout
A toenail is replaced from the base, and a full one takes roughly 12 to 18 months. Even once an infection is under control, the affected part has to grow all the way out before the nail looks clear.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Getting seen
Same-week appointments are usually available, and most major insurance is accepted.
Confirming what it is
Several things besides fungus can discolor or thicken a nail, including old trauma and psoriasis. Dr. Melamed will look properly before anything is decided.
Understanding your options
Non-surgical first. You will leave knowing what is realistic for your nail and roughly how long it will take.
Appointments and insurance
We accept most major plans, including Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, BlueCross BlueShield, Medicare, Oxford Health Plans, and GHI / EmblemHealth. Don’t see yours? Call 212-228-5230 and we’ll check.
Explore every option before surgery. Dr. Melamed has spent 20+ years keeping New Yorkers out of the operating room. A conservative second opinion is worth the visit. Get a Second Opinion or call 212-228-5230.
Common Questions
Toenail Fungus, Answered
Will it clear up on its own?
Very rarely. Left alone it spreads further back through the nail and often to neighboring nails, and it is much easier to deal with when only a small part is affected.
Do the products from the pharmacy work?
They can help very early or very mild cases, but the infection sits underneath a hard nail plate, so surface products often cannot reach it. If you have already tried one, that is worth mentioning at your visit.
How long before my nail looks normal again?
Longer than most people expect, because the nail has to grow out. A toenail takes roughly 12 to 18 months to replace itself, so improvement is gradual even when things are going well.
Is it contagious?
It can spread between your own nails, from the skin to the nails, and through shared damp spaces like pool decks and locker room floors. Keeping feet dry, rotating shoes, and not sharing nail clippers all help.
Can I still wear nail polish?
Polish hides the discoloration but keeps the nail sealed and damp underneath, which the infection is happy with. Worth having the nail seen before covering it, since polish makes it harder to judge.
How do I book an appointment?
Send an appointment request through the form on this page, or call 212-228-5230. Dr. Melamed also takes bookings through ZocDoc.
Explore related services
Archilles Tendon Pain
Flat Feet
Ingrown Toenails
Neuromas
A better life starts with healthy feet.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Scott Melamed, D.P.M. in New York City.
What our patients say
Verified reviews from our patients on ZocDoc.
Sean K.
★★★★★
Bunny H.
★★★★★
Rita W.
★★★★★