Understanding toenail fungus can seem a bit difficult. Toenail Fungal infections are also known as Onychomycosis, the infection hides under the nail bed and makes its way to other nails on the foot.
Toenail Fungus Infection
The organism is microscopic so it is possible to have an infection and not know until symptoms present. The foot, and under the nail are the ideal breeding ground for the fungus. Fungi love dark, and moist environments and feed off of the tissue under the nail.
Debris will collect under the nail from the fungal growth. This is what causes the nail to thicken and become discolored or potentially fall off. If the nail falls off it cannot be reattached, but it can re-grow. The infection is spread by fungal spores, the spores can be airborne. Often fungal infections can go unnoticed.
Other Fungi
Other skin conditions or damage to the nail can hide fungal infections. Therefore it is important to be aware of any changes to the nail. The only way to fully diagnose toenail fungus is to see a podiatrist and have a sample taken of the toenail for lab testing. This will identify which type of fungus is causing the problem.
Different types of fungus should be approached differently in the treatment and aftercare process to prevent the regrowth of the fungus. Managing toenail fungus without medical help can be very expensive and time-consuming with the extension over-the-counter options available.
The best option is to try to maintain good hygiene and to consult with a podiatrist if changes on the nails occur, such as your toenails becoming thicker or begin to yellow.
Toenail Fungus Prevention
Prevention of nail fungus is important. One way of getting a nail fungus is skin-to-skin contact with people who already have it or other fungal infections on their skin such as Athlete’s foot. Another way of getting fungi in your nails is through objects. You can get nail fungus by walking barefoot in a warm and moist area such as a public pool, or by sharing an infected nail clipper or shoes.
In addition to those conditions above, simply age can be a factor too – older adults are more prone to get fungal nail infections. If you have these conditions above, be extra careful with the fungal nail infection. If you notice any changes in your nails, ask your doctor immediately.
Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus
As you can see, tips for healthy feet without nail fungus can be easy to find. Furthermore, if you have caught nail fungus, it can be easily treated using the FDA-approved PinPointe laser. It 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 Richmond, TX 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, there’s no pain. If you have any signs of nail fungus, call us at (800) 672-0625 at our Richmond, TX location. Visit our website for more information on our doctors at one of our over 150 locations.
