Inform yourself on all about nail fungus. Fungi are these little critters that exist almost all around us. We can find them on most surfaces and in places such as molded bread, old food, rising bread, and on forest floors. The main purpose for most fungi are to decompose non living things, however some can be harmful and destroy plants and crops. Others can also affects us humans and cause us fungal infections that are unsightly and near impossible to get rid of.
Where does fungus come from?
Fungi thrive off of both living or dead matter such as plants or animals where they grow on, and they absorb nutrients from these materials. Their main sources of nutrients are the sugars since it is easily dissolvable. They mainly spread by forming spores that reproduce, these can be carried through the wind or rain or through growth by spreading their hyphae, which are basically a chain of fungal cells.
These microscopic creatures can act both independently and in groups. once one has found a place of habitat, more begin to form. The bigger in size they grow, the harder it is to kill them. They are extremely tough considering they break through the walls of plants, foods, and nails.
Treatment Options
Most insurance companies still consider treatment for nail fungus removal to be cosmetic since the majority of people afflicted with this infection experience little to no pain. There are several treatments for nail fungus but the success rates may seem rather displeasing.
Oral medications don’t necessarily treat your fungus rather they subdue it. Once medication stops more times than not the fungus returns never actually being cured. Oral medications also come with great health risks and can severely damage your liver.
Other options are over-the-counter medications and store-bought medicines but these have the lowest success rate at only 5%. The reason for this is that the fungus is living sandwiched in between the nail and the skin of the nail. Topical medications go over and around the nail unable to penetrate to the root of the fungus. Most patients see little to no success with topical creams and ointments.
Laser Treatment for Nail Fungus
If you have caught nail fungus as well, it can be easily treated using the FDA-approved PinPointe laser, which typically only takes on treatment.
Our toenail doctor in Chicago, IL recommends this treatment. The PinPointe Laser treatment has the highest cure rate in the market. It has no side effects and no recovery period. As a result, you can go about your daily activities right after the treatment. Also, it is not painful.
If you have any signs of nail fungus, call us at (800) 672-0625 or visit our website for more information on our doctors at one of our over 160 locations.
