You may be concerned about catching nail fungus, but unsure of what causes it and therefore unable to prevent it. Worry not, because in this blog post we will go over the different things that can cause nail fungus.

Nail fungus occurs not on the nail itself, but when the fungal spores penetrate the nail bed under the nail. For many people, this occurs when they experience an injury that leaves their nails cracked, so the nail bed is exposed. In others, skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema provide a route of entry for the fungus. Then fungus begins to grow on the nail bed and infect the nails themselves. In other cases, health conditions that cause poor circulation – such as diabetes or simply old age – can also promote fungal growth. 

Besides these health conditions, certain behaviors lead to nail fungus. Fungus thrives in warm, moist environments, so environments like public showers, public pools, saunas, and locker rooms often act as hubs for fungal infections. If you walk barefoot in these areas, you can then catch the fungus. 

Another common mistake that causes nail fungus is wearing shoes without socks. When you do this, your feet sweat, creating the perfect moist environment for fungus to grow. In fact, even if you do wear socks, sweat can still prompt fungal growth if you wear the same pair of shoes every day and do not let them dry out. 

Laser Treatment for Nail Fungus

If you have caught nail fungus, it can be easily treated using the FDA-approved PinPointe laser, which typically only takes on treatment. Other treatments like topical solutions and oral medication are not as effective. Topical solutions have a very low cure rate. This is because the solution does not penetrate all the way through the nail bed.  This is because it can lead to liver toxicity. You would need to have consistent blood tests throughout the course of taking the medication. 

Our nail doctor in Miami, FL recommends this treatment for Toenail Fungus. 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 150 locations.