Fungal Toenail Laser
FDA Cleared Class IV Remy Laser for Onychomycosis Now in Santa Cruz
Are You Suffering and/or Embarrassed from Toenail Fungus?
You no longer need to feel embarrassed to wear open-toe shoes and sandals – or just go barefoot – because of toenail fungus or discoloration.
Pacific Point Podiatry is the area’s leader in restoring nails back to health, providing a natural and luminous appearance.
Class IV laser therapy is one of the most safe and effective ways to treat toenail fungus (onychomycosis)!
Our laser therapy penetrates the nail bed and kills the fungus living underneath the nail – without pain and any harmful side effects. This is much different than other classes of lasers and is FDA cleared to treat onychomycosis!
When the colony of fungus under the nail is “attacked” by the laser, the elements that make it grow and thrive are destroyed. This allows your nail bed to begin growing new, healthy nail. Nails that won’t give you feelings of discomfort or embarrassment!
Laser therapy is a quick and easy treatment allowing patients to relax during the procedure.
Fungal foot infections can create major discomfort and even embarrassment. They are also EXTREMELY COMMON; affecting millions of people each year.
Additionally, fungus is easily spread. Individuals with fungus may have contracted it through shared bathroom space, public locker rooms, showers, and pools, shared clothing or shoes, even carpeting.
For some, fungus is simply genetic. When this is the case, treatment can become even more difficult given the likelihood of reoccurrence.
One of the most prevalent types of fungal foot infections directly affects your toenails. This type of condition is known as onychomycosis.
You may have onychomycosis if you notice any of the following symptoms:
yellow or other discoloration of your toenails
thickened or brittle toenails
an unpleasant odor coming from the nail area
pain
It’s not uncommon to feel discomfort and embarrassment due to the unsightly appearance and these symptoms of onychomycosis.
While many find the condition to be, simply, an eye sore, fungal nail can also lead to a larger problems incuding:
infection of other toenails
infecting friends and family
increased pain
ingrown toenails
Individuals with diabetes are also more susceptible to fungal nail given their compromised immune systems.
Laser therapy offers an effective, safe option for treating fungal toenail without the side effects of many oral medications.
Watch Video Below to Learn More About Onychomycosis and Laser Treatment
Our combination therapy maximizes results in just a few steps. Here’s what we do differently:
We test the nail by trimming a piece of it for lab culture. This tells us exactly how to treat it. Do not trim your toenail before your visit.
Debride the toenails once a month to reduce fungal load & thin the nail plate for better absorption of topical medication
Apply laser treatment which is painless and takes 12 minutes for all 10 toes
You are given a home kit, and education on prevention & maintenance
If the doctor finds additional medical issues to address, such as diabetes or circulation issues, you will receive treatment recommendations to optimize your results & overall health
Expect treatment duration for 8-12 months, depending on the severity and rate of nail growth
Once the nails are clear, staying on top of your foot health will reduce the chances of re-infection. Periodic checkups are necessary.
Learn More About Fungal Toenail Infections
What are fungal toenail infections
Fungal toenail infections, also known as onychomycosis or tinea unguium, are a common condition caused by the overgrowth of fungi in and around the toenail area. These infections can affect one or more toenails and are often characterized by discoloration, thickening, and brittleness of the nails.
Fungi thrive in warm and moist environments, making the feet an ideal breeding ground. When the toenail is damaged or exposed to excessive moisture, it becomes vulnerable to fungal infections. These infections are highly contagious and can spread from person to person or from one toenail to another.
If left untreated, fungal toenail infections can worsen over time, leading to pain, discomfort, and even difficulty walking. It's important to address these infections as early as possible to prevent further complications.
Causes of fungal toenail infections
Fungal toenail infections can be caused by various factors, including:
Poor foot hygiene: Not properly cleaning and drying your feet can create an environment that promotes fungal growth.
Wearing tight shoes: Shoes that are too tight can cause your feet to sweat excessively, creating a moist environment that encourages fungal growth.
Walking barefoot in public areas: Public places such as swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers are common breeding grounds for fungi. Walking barefoot in these areas increases your risk of fungal infections.
Injury to the toenail: Trauma or injury to the toenail can create openings for fungi to enter and cause an infection.
Weakened immune system: Individuals with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to fungal infections, including fungal toenail infections.
Symptoms of fungal toenail infections
Fungal toenail infections can present a variety of symptoms, including:
Discoloration: The infected nail may turn yellow, brown, or white. In some cases, the nail may even become green or black.
Thickening: The infected nail may thicken and become difficult to trim or maintain.
Brittleness: The infected nail may become brittle and prone to cracking or breaking.
Distorted shape: The infected nail may change shape, becoming irregular or distorted.
Foul odor: In some cases, a fungal toenail infection may cause the affected nail to emit a foul odor.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it's important to seek treatment to prevent the infection from spreading and causing further damage.
Complications of untreated fungal toenail infections
While fungal toenail infections may seem like a minor inconvenience, they can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Some of the potential complications include:
Pain and discomfort: As the infection progresses, it can cause pain and discomfort, making it difficult to walk or wear shoes.
Nail loss: In severe cases, the infected nail may detach from the nail bed and fall off, leaving the toe vulnerable to further infections.
Cellulitis: Fungal toenail infections can create openings in the skin, allowing bacteria to enter and cause a secondary infection called cellulitis. Cellulitis is characterized by redness, swelling, and tenderness of the affected area.
Spreading to other nails: If left untreated, fungal toenail infections can spread to other nails, making them susceptible to infection as well.
It's important to address fungal toenail infections promptly to prevent these complications and restore your foot health.
Diagnosing fungal toenail infections
If you suspect that you have a fungal toenail infection, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis. The healthcare professional will examine your nails and may take a sample for laboratory testing to confirm the presence of fungi.
Once the diagnosis is confirmed, your healthcare professional will recommend an appropriate treatment plan based on the severity of the infection and your individual needs.
Home remedies for fungal toenail infections
In addition to medical treatments, there are several home remedies that can help speed up the healing process and prevent the recurrence of fungal toenail infections. Here are some natural remedies to consider:
Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil has antifungal properties that can help kill the fungi causing the infection. Apply a few drops of tea tree oil to the affected nails daily.
Vinegar soak: Soaking your feet in a solution of vinegar and warm water can create an acidic environment that inhibits fungal growth. Mix equal parts vinegar and warm water, and soak your feet for 15-20 minutes daily.
Garlic: Garlic has natural antifungal properties. Crush a few garlic cloves and apply the paste to the infected nails for 30 minutes daily.
Proper foot hygiene: Maintaining proper foot hygiene is essential in preventing fungal toenail infections. Wash your feet regularly, dry them thoroughly, and wear clean socks.
While home remedies can be effective, it's important to consult with your healthcare professional before trying any new treatments to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your specific condition. Discontinue the use of any product causing skin irritation.
Prevention tips for fungal toenail infections
Preventing fungal toenail infections is key to maintaining healthy feet. Here are some tips to help you reduce your risk of infection:
Keep your feet clean and dry: Wash your feet daily and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes.
Wear breathable footwear: Opt for shoes made of breathable materials to allow airflow and reduce moisture buildup.
Wear clean socks: Change your socks daily and choose socks made of moisture-wicking materials to keep your feet dry.
Protect your feet in public areas: Wear flip-flops or sandals in public places, such as swimming pools or locker rooms, to minimize your exposure to fungi.
Avoid sharing personal items: Don't share towels, socks, or shoes with others, as this can increase your risk of fungal infections.
By following these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing fungal toenail infections and maintain healthy feet.
Treatment options for fungal toenail infections
Treating fungal toenail infections can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can achieve lasting results. Here are some treatment options to consider:
Topical antifungal medications: Over-the-counter or prescription-strength antifungal creams, ointments, or nail lacquers can be applied directly to the infected nails to kill the fungi.
Oral antifungal medications: In more severe cases, oral antifungal medications may be prescribed to target the fungi from within the body.
Laser therapy: We use an FDA-cleared Class IV laser treatment which is a non-invasive procedure that uses laser energy to destroy the fungi without damaging the surrounding tissue. This can be used on it’s own or in conjunction with other fungal treatments.
Surgical nail removal: In extreme cases, surgical nail removal may be necessary to remove the painful thick toenail and expose the nail bed for treatment.
Maintenance care: Once the fungus has been treated, it is important to maintain foot care for prevention. Take advantage of our medical pedicure services if you need help reducing the thickness and length of the toenails.
Dr. Tea will assess your condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment option for you.
Conclusion
Fungal toenail infections can be embarrassing and affect your self-esteem, but they don't have to control your life. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for these infections, you can take control of your foot health and restore your confidence.
Whether you choose to try home remedies, over-the-counter treatments, or professional interventions, it's important to address fungal toenail infections promptly to prevent complications and achieve lasting results.
Remember, healthy feet are happy feet. Don't let fungal toenail infections hold you back any longer. Take the first step towards restoring your feet and regaining your confidence today.
Now is the best time to get sandal season ready.
Let’s chat about options.