Fungi, including yeasts and molds, are typically the causes of nail infections, and most are caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes. The most common fungi that cause nail infection disease in animals and humans are Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Candida albicans. These fungi can live in the layer of dead skin around your nails, in the space under your nail, and in the nail itself.

Fungal nail infection often results from damage to the nail plate or the surrounding area. A skin infection or athlete’s foot invades the nail, causing the infection. Up to 30 percent of patients with fungal nail infections also have fungal skin infection. Hot, sweaty feet in fully enclosed shoes provide the ideal warm, damp environment for fungi to thrive.
Factors that increase the risk of nail infections are:

• nail damage (e.g.: activities that cause trauma to the nail)
• medical conditions such as diabetes, psoriasis, or a weakened immune system
• smoking
• general poor health
• using shared washing facilities without slippers

Medical conditions like diabetes and poor circulation can create the potential for worsening conditions such as secondary bacterial infections. The fungus can thrive when the foot is contained in a warm, damp shoe for a long time. Poor foot hygiene, walking on contaminated floors and the use of badly sterilized nail cutting and filing equipment are other ways the feet can be exposed to the fungus.

Nail infection can cause permanent deformity of the nail, which can interfere with being able to wear shoes, walking, sports, and other activities. Infected nails often show one or more of the following signs:

• Yellow streaks in the skin under the nail, or nail bed, and on the underside of the nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of skin and nail fragments under the nail
• Discolored and thickened nail that may separate from the skin under the nail
• Brittle, broken, and thickened nails
• White spots or streaks on the nail surface
• Soft and powdery nail surface, which appears as the infection worsens
• Damaged, crumbly, and brown or gray nail surface, with no separation of the nail from the underlying skin

The PinPointe FootLaser kills fungus that lives in and under the nail. The laser light passes through the nail without causing damage to the nail or the surrounding skin. At the time of the procedure, the toenail will not become instantly clear— it takes time to grow out.

The process begins with physical examination. If nail fungus infection is confirmed, treatment options will be discussed. They physician will explain the procedure that is to be performed and any follow-up visits that may be required.

Most patients feel no pain. Some may feel a warming sensation or a slight pinprick.

No. The patient can go home at the end procedure.

The procedure typically takes about 30 minutes.

The infection improves after one treatment. However, there is a chance of reinfection because the fungus is present everywhere in the environment. We will give you guidance to help reduce a recurrence of the infection.

You can apply polish immediately after the treatment.

Credit cards or cash.

This procedure is considered aesthetic and therefore health insurance does not provide coverage. However you can use your HSA, Medical IRA, or Flexible Spending Account to cover the procedure.

Leading scientists and medical professionals working together for 20 years (with funding provided by the National Institutes of Health) developed the technology used in the patented PinPointe FootLaser.

Clinical studies began in November 2007.

Yes, the device has received FDA clearance.

Make sure you remove all the nail polish and nail decorations the day before your treatment

In most cases, only one treatment is needed. Thick or severely infected nails can require additional treatments to clear up. If more than one treatment is necessary, patients will be given discount for their next treatment.

Nail fungus is caused by an infection; the nail has to come in contact with the fungi. To prevent this infection it’s essential to:

• Know what athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) looks like and treat it early and effectively.
• Take care around public areas, changing rooms and swimming pools. Wear flip flops and dry your feet well.
• Let your feet breathe. Don’t wear the same shoes every day.
• Keep your toenails clean and trimmed.
• Wear cotton or natural fiber socks and leather or breathable uppers in shoes.
• For those at risk, use an antifungal daily.
• Only attend nail salons that have adequate levels of hygiene.