The area of the toes is generally warm and damp, unfortunately making it a great area for fungus to grow. If left untreated, the fungal infection can spread, which is why it’s so important to get professional help early on and look into your treatment options.
Fungal infections occur due to fungus getting through the cracks of the toes or cuts in your skin. Common signs that you may have a fungal infection include thicker than normal toenails, oddly shaped toenails, discoloration, a yellowish hue to the nail, and separation of the nail and nail bed. Fungal infections can affect anyone but are most common among men, those with diabetes or athlete’s foot, and smokers. The risk of having toenail fungus also increases as you age, if another family member has it, and if you have a weaker immune system.
To avoid getting a fungal infection, it’s important that you wash your feet daily with soap and water, making sure to get in between your toes, and dry the feet well. When cutting your toenails, make sure the clippers you’re using are clean and that you’re cutting straight across. It’s also important that you wear shoes in areas where fungus can thrive, such as wet public places like swimming pools or locker rooms.
If you believe you’re experiencing a fungal toenail infection, we recommend that you meet with one of our podiatrists at Podiatry Associates of Texas as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis and suggested treatment plan.
Laser Treatment for Fungal Nails
Onychomycosis is a stubborn fungal infection that affects toenails, including the nail bed, plate, or matrix. Common culprits are dermatophytes like trichophyton rubrum, trichophyton mentagrophytes, and candida albicans. There are various types of onychomycosis, such as superficial white, proximal subungual, distal and lateral subungual, and total dystrophic. Traditional treatments include topical, oral, mechanical, and chemical therapies. Topical treatments often fail because they cannot penetrate the nail plate. Oral antifungals carry risks of liver and kidney toxicity and drug interactions. A promising alternative is laser therapy. Laser therapy is especially valuable for diabetic and elderly patients, in addition to those with liver or kidney issues. If you have stubborn toenail fungus, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for advanced treatment.
Laser treatment can be an effective way to get rid of toenail fungus. If you have any questions about laser treatment, consult with one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Associates of Texas. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment for fungal nails.
What Are Toenail Fungal Infections?
Onychomycosis, or fungal infection of the nail, is a relatively common and non-serious condition. Around 10 percent of U.S. citizens are afflicted with fungal nails. Common forms of fungus that infect the nail include dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds.
Symptoms of Toenail Fungal Infections Include:
- Nail thickening
- Brittleness of the nail
- Discoloration of the nail
- Diagnosis for Fungal Nails
Fungal infections are diagnosed by fungal culture and microscopy. This will rule out any other conditions such as nail trauma, psoriasis, lichen planus, and onychogryphosis.
What Is Laser Treatment?
Laser treatment is a non-invasive, safe, quick, and painless procedure that uses the heat from a laser to kill fungus in the nail. Each infected nail is targeted with a laser for several minutes. The treatment is usually utilized several different times over a select period. During this time, a podiatrist will keep an eye on the infection.
Podiatry Associates of Texas offers laser treatment for fungal nails. Please call our office if you have any questions: (817) 704-4223.
Laser Pain
One treatment: $65
Pack of 6 (Per side): $300
Pack of 8 (Per side): $350
If you need both sides, 2nd side would be 50% off.
Wounds: Will do as an adjunct to treatment, but you must have insurance.
