Not only is toenail fungus an embarrassing problem, but it’s also a difficult condition to fix. Even prescription medication doesn’t always work. Now that it’s sandal season, you may be looking for a more effective treatment to get rid of your ugly toenail infection.
At Glendale Foot and Ankle Podiatry Center, our experienced podiatrist, Hermoz Ayvazian, DPM, FACFAS, QME, may have the solution you’re looking for with laser therapy. This advanced treatment can get rid of your fungal infection and improve the look and health of your toes after one session.
Your stubborn toenail fungus
It may have started off as a small white spot on your toenail, but now the fungus has made your toenail so thick and crumbly you’re too embarrassed to even think about wearing your sandals or open-toed shoes.
Your toenail fungus, which we medically refer to as onychomycosis, is a resilient and tough microorganism that has the ability to make its way under your toenail through a small crack in the skin or even a tiny separation between your nail and nail bed. Loving life in the warm moist environment underneath your toenail, the fungus multiplies, causing your nail to thicken, turn a brown-yellowish color, and emit a foul odor.
Because of its location and the environment you’ve provided, toenail fungus can be difficult to treat. Treatments usually include over-the-counter topical creams, followed by prescription oral or topical antifungal medication. If these methods don’t get rid of the fungal infection, usually the next step is removal of the nail.
But thanks to advances in medical technology, you may be able to keep your toenail and get rid of your fungal infection for good with laser therapy.
Laser therapy to the rescue
Laser therapy is used as a treatment for a wide range of medical issues, from removing kidney stones to improving vision. It works by sending concentrated beams of light to produce the desired effects, whether it’s to break up a kidney stone or cut through tissue.
Now we’re using laser therapy as a method to eradicate toenail fungus. The energy created by the laser is able to pass through your toenail to the fungus underneath. The microbes absorb the intense heat created by the laser, which damages the cell structure and kills them, without damaging your toenail or the skin underneath.
Laser therapy for toenail fungus is painless and only takes about 10 minutes per toe. The best part is that it usually only takes one session to get rid of the fungal infection — although in some cases, additional treatments may be necessary.
If you’re ready to say bye-bye to your nasty toenail fungus, we’re happy to help.
How to prevent a recurrence
After you’ve gone through the emotional turmoil that comes with toenail fungus, we want to make sure you take extra care of your feet and toes to prevent a recurrence. We may be able to get rid of your infection quickly and painlessly with our laser therapy, but that doesn’t protect you from future infections.
To keep your toes and feet fungus-free:
- Trim your toenails to keep them short
- Dry your feet thoroughly after a bath, shower, or dip in the pool
- Always wear shoes in public places
- Invest in socks that let your feet breathe
- Wear comfortable shoes that don’t cause your feet to sweat
- Disinfect your pedicure instruments
If you have a toenail infection, don’t cover it up with nail polish. The paint traps moisture under your nail and may make your infection worse.
Don’t let your nasty toenail fungus dictate the types of shoes you wear. Contact us at Glendale Foot and Ankle Podiatry Center by phone or online today and schedule a consultation to discuss laser therapy.